Ruffner Mountain was a great stop during our four‑day girls hiking trip in Alabama. Since we…read moreplanned to tackle a big 23‑mile hike the following day, we decided not to hike the entire park and instead kept it to about three miles. Even with a shorter hike, we were still able to experience and enjoy the park and its trails. My favorite part was Cambrian Overlook. Even though I'm scared of heights, I knew I had to push myself to the edge of the cliff to take in the view--and I'm so glad I did. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous and worth every bit of bravery it took to snap a photo. If I find myself back in the area, I would definitely be open to returning and exploring more of what the park has to offer. It's a beautiful spot and a great option for hikers of all levels.

Ample parking close by trail ($5; can pay by Park Mobile app). The there multiple trails to choose…read morefrom that are well marked and well maintained. There are restrooms on site.

I travel to Alabama quite frequently for business and I have to say that it is my humble opinion…read morethat the great state of Alabama has the best parks in the southeastern United States. Black Creek Park is another great park in the state of Alabama. Black Creek Park has a couple of baseball fields, a few pavilions (that also have ceiling fans), a nice walking path, adequate parking and more. I came here for a walk after dinner and I truly enjoyed my time at Black Creek Park. If you are in the area, go check it out.

We come here to ride our bikes on the trail. Nice parking area with baseball fields. We park here…read moreand get on the trail. Down and back is about 11 miles. Well tended. We've gone on the weekend and have passed others on the trail biking, walking, and running. My hope is they will finish the trail like it shows on the map. That would be really nice.

I love the Jemison Trail! There is parking at the elementary school, along Mountain Brook Parkway…read more(parallel), and Park Brook Road (parallel). Some parts of the trail are paved, and others parts a gravel. It runs along Shades Creek, and there are some benches along the path to sit and look at the water. The only bathrooms are next to the Mountain Brook Elementary School sports field / Jemison Dog Park. There are 2 single person bathrooms, which have always been pretty clean.

I walk my golden retriever here almost daily - since it was improved ( on time !) it is amazing !…read moreI love coming in the summer bc of the shade . It's peaceful weekdays (the weekends are busy ) This park is such a gift ! I can always find a parking spot, too!

I normally don't do outdoor activities unless it's during a certain time of the year when it's…read morecooler, but I ended up taking a hike around the lake. The walking trail is pretty decent which has you going in different directions depending on which part you want to start off with. Certain areas are closed off because of construction, but you still can get a good walk in. I would advise everyone to watch your step because the main starting trail has a lot of poop I'm sure you don't want getting on your shoes.

My first time coming to Cosby Lake was recently to join a group of ladies on a walk. It is really…read moreeasy to locate and there is easy access for parking. It was a cloudy, overcast day so we didn't get a chance walk as much as scheduled. I really enjoyed the scenery and the ease of the trail we were on. Beware of the territorial geese that reside here. They DO NOT play!!! This is an ideal spot for fishing. I can't wait to return to Cosby Lake!

This is a nice park that has a lot to offer. It was opened in 2000 and has a neighborhood park feel…read moreto it. I also get a little nature vibe as well. They have two full tennis courts that are decent and a half basketball court that is off to the side of the tennis courts and shares the same fenced in area. There is ample parking here at the park, but I can see how during large events that parking could become scarce. They have two lots; one is located by the tennis courts and other is shared with the Jewish Chabad Center next door. The main section of the park is completely fenced in and has a small picnic shelter with tables under it, a decent paved 2/10 of a mile walking trail, a restroom facility, benches, and a couple of picnic tables. There is a bunch of shade in this area and green space in the center where you could hold a picnic, play catch or relax on. You will also see a borrow a book box and a story trail in the are as well The are also has a playground area that is on a bed of wood chips and has traditional swings, toddler swings, tire swings, a medium sized jungle gym with a slide, A fire truck themed jungle gym with a couple of slides, a merry-go-round, and a jungle gym with monkey bars and rock climbing. The equipment is in decent shape and looked like kids would have a lot of fun here. Because the area is fenced in, it is popular for those with dogs. Even though they have many signs posted to tell you to keep your dogs on a leash, I saw a few people that did not while I was there. This is a very nice park that has a lot to offer. I love the shade that it has. Even though it is located off of a busy road, I still found it peaceful. This place is a diamond in the rough and you should really consider coming here if you are looking for a park to visit.

This park is off the beaten path, but it is a cool discovery. It is in the middle of a residential…read moreneighborhood and I'm sure everyone in this neighborhood loves this place. It is not very big, but the serenity of the park is very evident. There was also a kids play area a little creek running through it. I would definitely recommend a visit.

This is a beautiful park in downtown Birmingham. I've been to several events here-concerts,…read morefestivals, nonprofit walks, and just for my walking pleasure. Years ago, I brought my students here on a field trip. There are healthy eating classes and workout classes offered in the warmer months. Check their FB page or website for exact times and dates. One of the coolest parts of this park is watching the trains go by. It's not called Railroad Park for no reason, lol. Parking can be tricky when there's an event being held here. But that's no fault of the park itself. There's nothing like a peaceful walk in the park and this park is the perfect place to do just that. Come visit!

I love walking in this park. Free parking on the weekend. Beautiful park, highly recommendread more

What's not to love about Avondale Park. It's centrally located in the heart of the Avondale…read morecommunity and super conveniently located near some of the happening spots in town! Picturesque views are the backdrop. Wrapped into some historical facts make up this landmark. If you want to walk, run or even fly a kite , Avondale park is calling your name. Say "hello" to Miss Fancy while you're there!

A great park in the Birmingham, Alabama area. It exudes a tranquillity that cleanses your soul…read more This is the kind of park that children will remember in memories and adults will be very happy such a place was available to them. The park is located in the Avondale section of Birmingham and I would highly recommend a visit here.

I visited this great park for a dog Halloween event and I must say I was impressed! I never knew…read morethis gem was here. It has a great setup that is clean. They offer small and large dog area with several activities for them to play with as well. A cute sitting area is also available. I think I may have found our new favorite dog spot.

First off, this place has totally gone to the dogs. Then again, it is a 'Bark Park'. It was totally…read moreawesome for a public version. It has some of the obstacles you need to train for the agility stuff, which is cool. It had two sets of double gated for exit and entry with better locking systems than the standard horseshoe shaped versions. Honestly, other municipalities, I'm looking at you Mountain Brook, should be ashamed. The grass was well maintained, again looking at you MB Cahaba River Park. They even had a DJ.