Birmingham bike trails perfect in autumn

There is definitely a continued shift away from the use of cars for commuting by Millennials. Even with Birmingham’s hilly terrain, more people are commuting to work and class by bike. If you haven’t made that shift, but want to get out and explore the city on two wheels, now is the perfect time to find a nearby bike trail!

Whether on city streets or a shady bike path, biking can be a challenge here during the hot summer months. Now the days are getting cooler, that pesky humidity is lower, so dust off your bike, grab a Zyp Bike, or load up your gear and head out to some great bike trails.

The Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC) has a 5-mile trail just minutes from downtown. The trail, known as the “Linda and Jack McDuffie” is a cardio workout. It snakes up, down and around the ridge line separating downtown from the southern suburbs.

On the McDuffie trail, you can pick up speed on some of the longer passes, but the switchbacks are narrow, so this trail requires some pretty decent bike-handling skill. Stop by the visitor center/front desk to obtain a day pass.

Only 5-miles from downtown, just off  Brookwood Village, find the entrance to the Lakeshore Trail. You’ll enjoy a really smooth ride on this family friendly, wide paved, 5.2-mile path.

Perfect for children, or those who don’t want a grueling workout. Lakeshore’s shady, two-way path follows right along Shade Creek, and is easy to navigate around walkers and joggers.

The most urban of the city trails is the Railroad Park bike trail. It’s only 3-miles, but is great for a casual ride when you just want to get out and peddle a bit. For those bike commuters who work downtown, this is the perfect place for a lunch picnic.

If you want a little more adventure on two wheels head to Oak Mountain State Park, only 22.3- miles from Birmingham. Oak Mountain’s Red Trail is a 17-mile loop, designed and built by Birmingham Urban Mountain Bikers (BUMP). It’s a combination of single track and an old two-lane fire road. Gorgeous scenery and a variety of elevations, make Red Trail one of the most popular bike trails in the region.

Another quick drive from Birmingham, discover Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, only 12 miles from Bessemer, off Interstate 59 in McCalla. BUMP also designed these sweet trails. You’ll ride past interesting rock out-croppings, and along winding creeks. Some trails are rocky and a bit challenging, others are smooth, and fast.

Check out BUMP’s website for more information and details about biking activity in and around the Magic City.

Fall is here, it’s officially the BEST BIKING WEATHER IN BIRMINGHAM! Solo, or with friends and family, it’s time to get back on that bike!

What are some of your favorite city-neighborhoods in Birmingham to explore on two wheels?