What is Red Rock Trail System®?
Red Rock Trail System® is a network of trails, parks, and complete street infrastructure in Jefferson County, Alabama. As of 2026, 160 miles of trails have been completed! Freshwater Land Trust is constantly working with governments, business, and community groups to complete and connect more trails.
The trail system is made up of six major “corridors” spanning Jefferson County. Each corridor consists of different types of trails that connect the county together and primarily follow Birmingham area waterways. The corridors are: Jones Valley (which includes Valley Creek), Village Creek, Five Mile Creek, Shades Creek, Cahaba River, and Turkey Creek. Our vision is a fully integrated trail system where every trail within each corridor is connected, giving Jefferson County residents complete access to both routine transportation and recreation.
You can access the details of the original 750-mile plan here. You can view a Google map of the master plan here.
Where are the completed trails?
Use our interactive trail map to see where current trails are, and to learn what trail types exist in the system. Contact Carolyn Buck (carolyn.buck@freshwaterlandtrust.org) if you have questions or know about a trail that you don’t see on the map.
What new trails will you build in the future?
In 2023, we released the Red Rock Action Plan, a 15-year strategic plan to develop 19 miles of new trails, ultimately creating a 36-mile loop around the Greater Birmingham Metropolitan Area. The plan identifies seven priority projects, that, when combined with existing Red Rock Trails, will connect the Cities of Birmingham, Fairfield, Homewood, Irondale, Midfield, and Mountain Brook. This plan outlines the next phase of trail development for the Red Rock Trail System®.
Recent projects include:
- an extension to Five Mile Creek Greenway, the longest existing trail in the Red Rock Trail System®
- the completion of Phase II of the Shades Creek Greenway in Homewood, lengthening this trail by 1.4 miles
How can I support the Red Rock Trail System?
Get outside (and invite your friends)! Visit your favorite trails and find trails you have not been to before. Use our interactive trail map to find and learn more about Red Rock’s wide variety of trails.
Share your experiences. Post your photos on social media and tag @freshwaterlandtrust.
Tune in to Birmingham Mountain Radio. At 9:00 AM on the last Tuesday of every month, Freshwater Land Trust visits Reg and Will for “The Morning Blend”. Listen in for updates on the trail system and FLT’s conservation projects.
Give to Freshwater Land Trust. By supporting us financially, you join a diverse group of individuals and organizations committed to improving community access to the outdoors across Jefferson County, and to conserving Central Alabama’s green spaces.
