Rotary Trail

Urban Oasis

Rotary Trail is a half-mile linear park located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The trail runs along First Avenue South from 20th Street to 24th Street, connecting two major downtown areas: the 19-acre Railroad Park and Sloss Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark.

Set 14 feet below street level, this pedestrian-friendly greenspace was transformed from a former railroad cut. The design is reminiscent of the High Line Park in New York, though not elevated.

Iconic Gateway

At its western entrance, the trail features a prominent 46-foot-tall sign that reads "Rotary Trail in the Magic City," modeled after a historical Birmingham sign. This landmark has become one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Development History

Opened in 2016, the trail was predominantly funded by the Birmingham Rotary Club in honor of their centennial anniversary, with a $2.5 million commitment. Additional funding came from various sources, including the City of Birmingham, federal grants, and private foundations.

Part of a Larger Network

The trail serves as part of the larger Jones Valley Trail network, which is a component of the developing Red Rock Trail System, a 750-mile network of multiuse trails in Jefferson County. While the trail itself is relatively short, it has had a significant economic impact on the surrounding area.

The development has spurred investment and become a popular destination for both visitors and residents.

Environmental Features

Rotary Trail incorporates environmentally conscious design elements. Prior to its development, stormwater runoff in the abandoned railroad cut flowed directly into Village Creek, carrying debris and pollutants.

A new filtration system was implemented to improve the quality of the runoff, making the trail not just a recreational asset but an environmental improvement for the city.