Rotary Trail

Urban Oasis

Found in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, Rotary Trail stretches for a half-mile along First Avenue South from 20th to 24th Street. This linear park cleverly connects two of Birmingham's notable landmarks: the sprawling 19-acre Railroad Park and Sloss Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark with its imposing industrial silhouette.

What makes this space unique is its setting - 14 feet below street level in what was once just an abandoned railroad cut. The design might remind you of New York's High Line, although instead of being elevated, Rotary Trail takes you below the bustle of the city streets.

Iconic Gateway

You can't miss the western entrance - it's marked by a 46-foot-tall sign declaring "Rotary Trail in the Magic City," a modern nod to a historic Birmingham sign. This eye-catching landmark is frequently photographed and has become a popular spot for pictures in Birmingham. If you're a local college grad, chances are your graduation photos feature this sign in the background.

Trail Features

As you stroll along, you'll notice the thoughtful landscaping with seasonal flowers, various plants, and young trees that are still growing into their role as shade-providers. Need a break? The trail offers several benches and tables perfectly positioned for people-watching, enjoying a quick lunch, or simply taking in the atmosphere.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the sculptures and murals that add character to the path. On hot Alabama days, two tunnels provide welcome relief from the sun. And for those whose phone batteries are perpetually running low (we've all been there), there are clever solar-powered charging stations along the way.

Accessibility and Use

Rotary Trail welcomes everyone with accessible design features including ramps, smooth pathways, and seating areas that accommodate all visitors. On any given day, you'll come across a diverse crowd here - morning joggers getting their steps in, cyclists cruising through, and plenty of dog walkers (yes, your leashed furry friends are welcome).

Families with strollers find the flat terrain manageable, and fitness enthusiasts appreciate having an urban route that doesn't involve dodging traffic. There's something almost theatrical about the contrast between the green space below and the downtown skyline visible above.

Development History

The trail opened in 2016, largely thanks to the Birmingham Rotary Club, which committed $2.5 million to fund the project in celebration of their centennial anniversary. The rest of the funding came from a combination of sources: the City of Birmingham pitched in, federal grants helped out, and private foundations contributed their part.

Part of a Larger Network

Rotary Trail isn't just a standalone attraction - it's actually a piece of the expanding Jones Valley Trail network, which itself is part of the ambitious Red Rock Trail System that aims to create 750 miles of multiuse trails throughout Jefferson County. The trail connects with the Hugh Kaul Trail, extending your possible walking route even further.

Though relatively compact at a half-mile long, the trail has coincided with development in surrounding areas, with new apartment buildings and businesses appearing along its edges.

Environmental Features

Beyond its recreational value, Rotary Trail also has an environmental function. Before the park's development, rainwater would rush through the abandoned railroad cut directly into Village Creek, carrying whatever debris and pollutants it picked up along the way.

Now, a filtration system helps clean the stormwater before it continues its journey, making the trail both a pleasant walking path and a practical environmental improvement.