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Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United States
Alabama
Jefferson County
Gardendale

Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail

Easy

4.6

(8940)

8,941

hikers

Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail

00:54

3.49km

20m

Hiking

Embark on an easy hike along the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail, a gentle route that stretches for 2.2 miles (3.5 km). You will gain a modest 70 feet (21 metres) in elevation, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing that takes approximately 54 minutes to complete.…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

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3.49 km

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.42 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.19 km

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Weather

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Today

Monday 1 June

31°C

22°C

55 %

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Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail?

The trail has several access points with parking available. Specific parking areas can be found near parks like Black Creek Park in Fultondale, which also offers a children's park and a dog park.

Is the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail suitable for dogs?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. You'll find a dog park in Fultondale near one of the access points. Please ensure your dog remains on a leash and you clean up after them.

What is the best time of year to visit this trail?

The trail is predominantly forested, offering ample shade, which makes it a good option even on hot days. This means it's enjoyable throughout much of the year, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail. It is a public multi-use path.

What is the terrain like on the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail?

The trail is built on a former mineral rail line, so it features a largely flat and gentle grade with minimal slope, making it very accessible. The path is typically wide and well-maintained, often surfaced with crushed stone. Some sections, particularly between Fultondale and Gardendale, may have washed-out areas exposing larger gravels.

What kind of scenery and wildlife can I expect to see?

You'll experience a predominantly forested route with ample shade, meandering alongside Five Mile Creek and Black Creek. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as ducks and deer. It's also a great spot for birdwatching, with various songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, and seasonal visitors like winter wrens and hermit thrushes.

How long is the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail in total?

While this specific komoot tour covers approximately 3.5 km, the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail is the longest trail in Jefferson County, Alabama, stretching over 8.25 miles (about 13.3 km) with plans to eventually reach 27 miles.

Is the trail suitable for beginners or families with children?

Absolutely. The trail's flat terrain and gentle grade make it very accessible and family-friendly, suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and children. There's even a children's park along the route in Fultondale.

Does the trail connect with other paths or systems?

Yes, the Five Mile Creek Greenway Rail Trail is a significant part of the larger Red Rock Trail System, contributing to a network of trails in the region.

Are there any specific sections of the trail that are more scenic?

While the entire trail offers pleasant, shaded scenery, the section through Brookside is noted for alternating groves of mature hardwoods and dense thickets along the creek banks, providing a particularly scenic experience.

What should I wear or bring for a hike on this trail?

Given the crushed stone surface and potential for larger gravels in some areas, comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended. As it's mostly shaded, light layers are usually sufficient, but bring water, especially on warmer days, as amenities might be limited directly on the trail.

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