5 places to get on your bike and ride in Birmingham—plus local shops to support

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Birmingham has exhilarating places to mountain bike. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

Biking is an environmentally-friendly transportation alternative, a great workout and it builds community. There are plenty of places to explore The Magic City on two-wheels. Read on to discover some of the best places to bike and local shops to gear up.

Riding for your health

In order to lead the healthiest life possible, it’s key to get enough daily exercise. According to the CDC, adults should be getting about 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week.

Whether you’re looking to take it easy on the trails or get a high intensity workout, biking is a fun way to get active. You can choose to bike to work instead of drive, or grab your friends for an afternoon ride around town. Wondering where to start? We’ve got you covered.

Places to bike 🚲

From true beginners to high-flying mountain bikers, there are options for every skill level throughout Birmingham. 

1. RideBHM

Emile Hughes, CEO, RideBHM (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

If you’re looking for a next level experience, RideBHM is basically a theme park for bikes. This downhill mountain biking park is full of exciting trails for every skill level, from mellow beginner trails to expert features.

NOTE: Day-pass or membership required to ride. Passes available online or from the bike shop during shop hours.

• Location: 2800 Portofino Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211
• Hours: Daily, sunrise-sunset 
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. Railroad Park

Railroad Park is full of beautiful greenspace to bike through. (Matthew Niblett / Bham Now)

Railroad Park, known as “Birmingham’s Central Park”, is a gorgeous greenspace that’s always bustling with activity. You can pedal through the scenic park and then continue on to the nearby Rotary Trail, which connects to several Magic City hotspots.

• Location: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: 7AM-11PM Daily
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Shades Creek Greenway

Bike through miles of paths. (Gabby Gervais / Bham Now)

The Shades Creek Greenway, also known as the Lakeshore Trail, is currently 2.6 miles of paved trails with access to shopping areas, neighborhoods and workplaces along the way. This well-canopied route is perfect for taking an easy ride. Last month, Homewood broke ground on Phase II of the Greenway, which will add an additional 1.4 miles of multi-use trail.

• Location: Dedicated trail parking is available on the trail’s western end at Columbiana Road.
• Website | Facebook

4. High Ore Line Trail

Starting in Midfield at Jefferson County Western Health Center, this three-mile trail runs along an old railroad line and ties into Red Mountain Park. The trail is mostly flat and off-road, ideal for beginners or those looking for a more casual ride.

• Location: 600 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Midfield, AL 35228
• Hours: 6AM-6PM Daily
• Website

5. Vulcan Trail

Hi, Vulcan! (Bham Now)

Did you know the home of everybody’s favorite Bham mascot is also an excellent place to bike? This four-mile, out-and-back trail is ideal for road biking, and you’ll see killer views of Birmingham, too.

• Location: 1701 Valley View Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Hours: Daily 10AM-10PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Local shops to support

Whether you’re looking for a new bike, need a tune up or are in the market for some new gear, these local shops have everything you need.

Redemptive Cycles

• Location: 1305 2nd Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cahaba Cycles

• Locations: Cahaba Heights | Homewood | Oak Mountain | Trussville | Gadsden
• Hours: Vary by location
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Bobs Bikes

• Location: 2852 18th St S, Homewood
• Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM; Saturday, 10AM-5PM; Closed Sunday
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Bike Link of Hoover

• Location: 2766 John Hawkins Pkwy Suite 104, Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM; Closed Sunday
• Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Getting active is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy. Learn more about taking care of your health with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

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