Homewood Shades Creek Greenway -Western Trailhead - Birmingham, AL
Homewood Shades Creek Greenway – Western Trailhead: Dog-Friendly Trails in Birmingham, Alabama
The Homewood Shades Creek Greenway – Western Trailhead is a scenic and accessible spot for dog owners in Birmingham, Alabama looking for pet-friendly trails and outdoor fun. Stretching alongside the peaceful Shades Creek, this paved, ADA-compliant multiuse trail is about 1.5 to 3 miles long (with expansion), providing a safe and shady route for walking, jogging, biking, and exploring nature with your pup. The wide path is popular for families, dog walkers, cyclists, and bird watchers alike, and is well-maintained with plenty of natural beauty, including wetland habitats, mature trees, and diverse wildlife.
While not a traditional fenced dog park, it’s a great place for leashed dog walks, socializing, and exercise. There are picnic tables under a gazebo, a splash pad for kids, parking nearby, and ample shade along much of the trail. Its convenient location makes it a favorite for locals seeking a dog-friendly hiking option near Homewood High School, Brookwood Mall, and Red Mountain Park connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome, but off-leash access is not specified, so plan to keep your dog leashed.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is not a dedicated fenced area for dogs.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Leash requirements are not specifically mentioned, but as this is a multiuse public trail, leashes are recommended.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the trail is ADA compliant and accessible.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trail has significant shaded areas and a gazebo with picnic tables for shelter.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are picnic tables and likely benches along the trail.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a splash pad and areas for children to play.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, this trail is open year-round, except it closes at dusk.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? No, the park and trail are free to use.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a new parking lot at the trailhead on Oak Grove Rd.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews mention the trail is well-maintained.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the trail connects to Red Mountain Park and other greenway sections.
Reviews
So glad they put this in!
Great place to get out into nature, and great for finding birds. the greenway includes a small wetland area and a small lake. in Spring, you can find birds like gnatcatchers, Vireos, Sparrows, Waterthrushes, Swallows, and you can sometimes find Herons, and the occasional Belted Kingfisher. You can also find lizards, skinks, anoles, and frogs around the rocks and the creek. in summer, watch out for snakes and mosquitos. it is also a good place for riding bikes and scooters. the trail is about 1.5 miles, and the middle of the trail goes under I-65. the end of the trail leads to a road, which you can then turn around and go back to the parking lot. Overall, it is a great place to explore the beauty of nature.
So convenient, well maintained, plenty of access points. Great place to get in a flat 10 – 12 mile bike ride, run, walk. Shady.
Nice Trail,
New Parking Lot,
No Porta Potty.
This extension to the existing Shades Creek Greenway will open to the public in March 2024.
The ADA compliant, multiuse trail is 12′ wide and features an asphalt surface. I am usually not a fan of “road trails”, but the already existing part of the greenway can get almost as busy as Atlanta’s Beltline and its width will be needed. The trail winds beautifully alongside Shades Creek and connects several developments to Homewood Highschool and Brookwood Mall.