Red Rock Ridge & Valley Trail System
The Red Rock Ridge & Valley Trail System is a proposed network of walking trails and bicycle paths for the Birmingham area developed by the Freshwater Land Trust and unveiled in February 2012.
Preliminary planning was undertaken with broad public input, under the "Our One Mile" program. Additional inspiration came from the 1924 Olmsted Brothers plan for a system of parks and protected ridgetop views and flood plains.
As planned, the system would include 250 miles of greenway trails and 500 miles of on-street walking and cycling paths connecting numerous neighborhoods with arterial greenways and recreational destinations in 29 cities. Six major corridors would follow streams and rivers across the district, and also make use of abandoned rail corridors and re-designed street. "Blueways", also envisioned as part of the system, would accommodate canoeing and kayaking.
The entire project is estimated to cost over $200 million to construct over three decades or more. The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham will incorporate the system into its long-range transportation improvement program, facilitating applications for federal grant funding for specific projects within the comprehensive system.
Major proposed routes
- Turkey Creek Trail
- Shades Creek Trail
- Northern Beltline Trail
- Five Mile Creek Trail
- Cahaba River Trail
- Jones Valley Trail
- Village Creek Trail
References
- Spencer, Thomas (February 21, 2012) "Jefferson County trail system plan includes bike lanes, sidewalks, greenways." Birmingham News
- Natta, André (February 22, 2012) "Get to know the “Red Rock” trail system plan" The Terminal