Tag Archives: Nature Trails

Olmsted Brothers, Parks & Recreation

Nature Walks Along Lakeshore Drive

Part of the Red Rock Trail System, this 3.9 mile greenway along Lakeshore Drive in Homewood is in the floodplain of what used to be Edgewood Lake. This Homewood segment is part of an interconnected network of multi-use greenways, parks, bike lanes, and street-based sidewalks across Jefferson County, Alabama.

A great interactive map by the Freshwater Land Trust locates all the greenways, nature trails, gardens, and bike lanes in Jefferson County. The non-profit began trail building in 2010 using funds for a master plan following the Olmsted Brothers’ 1925 park plan for Birmingham. A list of parks, preserves, greenways, scenic drives, and viewpoints is also in Birmingham by the Book on page 12. And page 8 lists the abandoned railroads that present opportunites for hiking rail trails.

A tranquil river scene surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, with reflections in the water and a sandy bank in the foreground.
A diverse group of people walking along a paved path under a rusted metal bridge, surrounded by greenery and trees, on a sunny day.
A person standing on a hiking trail surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in shades of orange, red, and yellow.
A person sitting on a platform high in a tree, connected by a suspended walkway, surrounded by bare trees and a hillside view in the background.
Birmingham Landmarks, Birmingham pioneers, Coal Mines, Parks & Recreation, Railroads, Red Mountain, Red Mountain Park, Shades Creek, shades mountain

Historic Hiking Trails in Birmingham

Are you a hiker? Do you enjoy nature trails? Are you interested in history? If so, there is lots to explore on Birmingham’s historic hiking trails as posted by AllTrails and available right on your smartphone.

The app provides driving directions, maps, points of interest, photos, and even plant identification with estimated times, length of trails, elevation changes, and difficulty. Abandoned mines and railroad tracks, along with associated structures, tell the story of Birmingham’s early industrial heritage. The topography and natural environment offer clues into why the area developed as it has.

Red Mountain, Full Loop by Randi Bechtel
Irondale Furnace Trail by Brian Cash

Want more? Check out the numerous Birmingham Historical Society publications that go into depth about Birmingham’s industrial history including:

And follow the posts on the preservation of Ross Bridge

The weather is beautiful! It’s time to get outside and HIKE