Connecting Birmingham: Jones Valley Trail to extend from downtown to Avondale
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Freshwater Land Trust announced some exciting news this week—the Jones Valley Trail along First Avenue South will soon connect downtown Birmingham to Avondale. Here’s the latest on the project.
Ready to Run (or Ride) the Jones Valley Trail
As a resident of a nearby neighborhood, I love that I can jog along a paved path almost all the way from my house to downtown. And no, I don’t mean Clairmont Avenue. I’m referring to the Jones Valley Trail! I’m a big fan—I run it often.
Currently, however, I (and many others) have to jog down 32nd Street to access this trail. Once the connector is complete, pedestrians will be able to pick up the trail in Avondale on 41st Street. Running along the off-road trail is a nice way to change things up—I can’t wait!
Connecting Communities
Aside from my personal excitement about this welcome change to my running route, this trail extension is also great news for Birmingham. The Jones Valley Trail has become a popular destination for those visiting Sloss Furnaces, Pepper Place and the Rotary Trail, and this new project will extend the connection to Avondale.
“We are thrilled to move forward on this long-anticipated project. Outdoor amenities like Jones Valley Trail are critical for connecting our residents and neighborhoods to the outdoors and to each other.”
Rusha Smith, executive director, Freshwater Land Trust
When will it be open?
Freshwater Land Trust is currently fundraising for the project and working with the City of Birmingham and landowners on design and construction documents.
The goal is for trail construction to start by the end of this year so it can be open in time for The World Games 2021.
Red Rock Trail System
The trail extension is part of the Red Rock Trail System, a network of over 120 miles of trails including the Rotary Trail, Kiwanis Vulcan Trail, and the High Ore Line to Red Mountain Park connection. One day, the system will be comprised of 750 miles of trails throughout Jefferson County. It’s one of many initiatives increasing walkability in our city.
Get Involved
To help make this trail and others a reality in Birmingham, donate to Freshwater Land Trust via this link.
Looking for a trail to explore? Check out Freshwater Land Trust’s trail finder.
Have you been on the Jones Valley Trail yet? What do you think about the extension? Let us know @BhamNow!
