Running
Lace up and run into adventure at every turn in Alabama. Our state’s diverse landscapes, walkable neighborhoods and endless beauty provide numerous opportunities for running both in our cities and on our trails. Regardless of where you find yourself in Alabama, there’s a path ready for you.
Seasonality: Year-round
Optimal Skill Level: Novice to experienced
Photo: Wes Frazer
Hit the Streets
City
Exercise in and explore the neighborhoods of Alabama as you run through our cities. Find shaded areas, parks, city trails and road routes that will help you ramp up your miles outdoors.
Check out these great places to run.
Shades Creek Greenway (Lakeshore Trail)
Homewood, AL
3 miles | Asphalt
This well-traveled trail for local Birmingham and Homewood residents winds alongside Shades Creek and offers a flat, paved route that is perfect for running and exploring. The 3-mile trail is accessible and open year-round, all day long.
Indian Creek Greenway
Huntsville, AL
3.7 miles | Paved
Stretching through the heart of Huntsville, the 3.7-mile Indian Creek Greenway is a paved path that is great for walking or running while soaking in the natural beauty of North Alabama. Parking is available at trailheads located on Old Madison Pike, Creekwood Park and in the Village of Providence.
High S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf Shares, AL
12.2 miles | Asphalt
With a 12.2-mile loop, this multi-use paved asphalt trail explores Gulf Shores State Park along the Gulf of Mexico through a breathtaking coastal ecosystem. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail provides an immersive way to explore the park and wildlife while enjoying a run.
Chief Ladiga Trail
Anniston, AL
33 miles | Asphalt
Considered Alabama’s premier rail-trail project, the paved Chief Ladiga Trail stretches 33 miles through East-Central Alabama. While the trail is very popular with cyclists, many walkers and runners find the trail an enjoyable way to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
Big Spring International Park
Huntsville, AL
Concrete
Essential to Huntsville is Bring Spring International Park, a serene green space with numerous paths and beauty to experience. Visitors can enjoy walking and running paths, koi ponds, wildlife and more, all in this downtown park.
Tuscaloosa Riverwalk
Tuscaloosa, AL
4.5 miles | Concrete & Asphalt
Run along the banks of the Black Warrior River in Tuscaloosa at the Riverwalk—right off the campus of the University of Alabama. The Riverwalk offers a scenic paved path that is well-trafficked by walkers, runners and cyclists.
Larry and Ronna Dykes Trail
Dothan, AL
3.2 miles | Asphalt
Running along the perimeter of Westgate Memorial Park in the South Alabama city of Dothan, the 3.2-mile Larry and Ronna Dykes Trail has a marked, asphalt pedestrian trail that is frequently used for walking and running.
Hit the Trails
Trail Running
Lace-up your trail runners and hit the mountains in Alabama. Take in the beauty of the outdoors as you run the path less traveled. Our diverse landscape gives you countless scenic options and views. Whether you’re a serious runner or a casual jogger, our state offers many trails to fit your needs and preferences.
Find your rhythm with these Alabama trail running destinations.
Lagoon Park Trail
Montgomery, AL
Located within the heart of northeast Montgomery, Lagoon Park boasts around 430 acres of land and over six miles of multi-use trails—a perfect place for a trail run. This natural trail features a mostly flat surface and winds through the forest and along creeks, lagoons and a pond.
Hurricane Creek Park
Tuscaloosa, AL
This multi-use trail found in Tuscaloosa nearly five miles from the campus of The University of Alabama is a perfect choice for those looking to get moving outdoors. With a mix of gravel and natural trails, Hurricane Creek Park has options for every type of trail runner.
Oak Mountain State Park
Birmingham, AL
Located in Pelham, just south of Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park boasts the title of Alabama’s largest state park. With nearly 12,000 acres of property and over 100 miles of trails, Oak Mountain has options for hikers, bikers, riders and runners. Runners should explore the blue, green, yellow and white trails.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Fort Payne, AL
Located on Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama, Little River Canyon has nine different trails that wind through scenic landscapes and even travel down into the canyon. Although many of the trails have an out-and-back construction, hikers can create loops as well.
Monte Sano State Park
Huntsville, AL
North Alabama’s favorite state park, Monte Sano, translates to “Mountain of Health”—a perfect description for the tranquility it provides. Venture out on the 20 miles of hiking and running trails and explore the beauty of North Alabama.
As you explore, always remember to follow leave no trace principles, stay on the marked trails and help keep Alabama beautiful.
Explore Alabama’s Natural Resources
Find trails, locations and more all on one map, and dive deep into all Alabama has to offer.
- Enter a world of adventure in one of Alabama’s four national forests.
- Relax ocean-side on one of Alabama’s white-sand beaches.
- Discover beautiful species in Alabama’s diverse ecosystems.
- Stand at the top of Alabama at Cheaha Mountain—Alabama’s highest peak.
