Years in the making: Birmingham’s Clairmont Avenue Walking Trail is officially open

Birmingham’s Clairmont Avenue Trail in the Crestwood South Neighborhood officially opened this morning with a ribbon cutting, speeches by local leaders and music by the Crestwood Community Band.

Years in the making, the nearly mile long trail, provides for the residents of the Crestwood South Neighborhood a place to take walks and gather as one community.

A Milestone

“It is a huge milestone (completion of the trail),” stated Elizabeth Murray, Vice President of the Crestwood Neighborhood Association and President of the Crestwood Community.  “We have been working 15 to 20 years on this project.”

Murray noted that since the entire trail opened earlier this month, she and other neighbors who live along side Clairmont Avenue have noticed the number of people using the trail has nearly tripled.

She added. “This is a huge asset for a neighborhood that has no sidewalks.  Crestwood South was built during a time when everyone thought cars were king.  What we have learned… you build it, they will come. This is an amazing asset for our community.”

Addition to the Red Rock Trail System

The dedication of the Clairmont Avenue Walking Trail is the 3rd trail opening held this summer in Jefferson County. Last month, two new sections of trails were opened, including the Five Mile Creek Greenway in Gardendale and the High Ore Line Trail, which connects to Red Mountain Park. All three trails are part of the Red Rock Trail System.

“Today is special because we are introducing the newest section to the Red Rock Trail System – the Clairmont Walking Trail,” said Carolyn Buck, Freshwater Land Trust Director of the Red Rock Trail System.  “It is a .8 mile long trail, a nice little winding path in the middle of Crestwood. It is delightful.”

Red Mountain to Ruffner Mountain

According to Buck, the Freshwater Land Trust’s ultimate mission for the Jones Valley Trail spine is to connect Red Mountain to Ruffner Mountain with off road trails and biking paths.

Neighborhood Support Vital

She concluded, “The Crestwood South Neighborhood Association has really championed this entire project and they have a great vision for future connections. We are going to begin working with them in earnest and build off this success.”

Learn More

Want to learn more about the Red Rock Trail System and the new Clairmont Avenue Walking Trail?  Connect with the Freshwater Land Trust and the Claremont South Neighborhood Association.