Rails to Trails

The 3.4 mile Rails to Trails greenway is definitely one of most enjoyable trails I’ve trained on. You can easily start this trail at Black Creek Park (or cut off .4 miles and start at Fultondale’s Bark Park), both with plenty of parking and bathroom facilities. The trail was completed as part of a city project, turning an old rail bed, from which the ties and rails have been pulled up, into a fully operational walking/​running/​biking and hiking trail, which leads to a flat, albeit curvy trail. Also, be aware of the ravines, if you’re not a strong biker or have a fear of heights, this might not be the path for you. If you went over the edge of this trail, you wouldn’t be unscathed.
But, on the plus side, it is an absolutely beautiful path, gravel and running all along Black Creek. Mostly shaded with large trees and rock walls throughout. The trail is dog friendly, and although you won’t find doggie bags, you will find trashcans at every .5 mile. Also, you’ll find mile markers every ½ mile as well as benches (and even an old blue shed at mile 1.5). The trail has no accessibility once you’re past the Bark Park and no bathrooms or water fountains. I ran all the way to Shady Grove Road, which was .4 miles past the last mile marker (mile 3). When you reach the end, there’s no signage and only a tiny area that has been cleared for parking. You could access the trail from here as well, but you’d have to know where it is to find it. I did notice that A «trail» continues on the other side of Shady Grove Road, but it’s dirt path and technically isn’t part of the Rails to Trails path. Maybe the city will continue to improve upon this in the future? Regardless, this is a very pleasant trail: gravel, miles labeled, safe, mostly shaded and with bathroom facilities at the start.