With warmer weather picking up this month, there’s no better excuse to grab your friends and your dogs for an outdoor walk or run. While The University of Alabama offers plenty of beautiful scenery, don’t miss out on these great spots just a short drive from campus.
The University of Alabama Arboretum
4801 Arboretum Way Tuscaloosa, AL. Open daily, 8 a.m.-sunset.
Only a 10-minute drive east of campus, the 60-acre Arboretum features walking trails through native woodlands and a vast collection of wildflowers and plants along the way. With three miles of easy trails, it is the perfect spot to relax and appreciate nature after a long week of classes.
Tuscaloosa Riverwalk
2710 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa. Open daily.
A favorite among student runners and their dogs alike, the Riverwalk is a paved trail along the Black Warrior River near downtown Tuscaloosa. Enjoy 4.5 miles of a two-way sidewalk for walkers and bikers, with dog friendly park areas throughout the trail.
Randall Family Park
201 Rice Mine Rd Loop, Tuscaloosa. Open from 6 a.m. until one hour after sunset.
At the Northern Riverwalk sits Randall Family Park, which is pet friendly and located just 10 minutes from campus. Here you’ll find a trailhead, recreational path, playground, pavilion and parking area, along with amenities like public restrooms and grills.
Sokol Park South
5901 Watermelon Road, Northport. Open daily with holiday hours.
A bit further from campus, just a 15-minute drive, lies Sokol Park, a recreational facility offering various outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking trails. Sokol has a 2.2-mile path for hiking and trails ranging from 39 to 154 feet of elevation. Plus, Will May Dog Park, located within Sokol, has fenced in areas for small and large dogs.
Hurricane Creek Park
7005 Old Birmingham Hwy, Tuscaloosa. Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Similiar to Sokol Park, Hurricane Creek Park is a 15-minute drive from campus. The 249-acre area has restrooms, picnic tables and both walking and biking trails with diverse terrain, ranging from gentle slopes to challenging inclines. It offers scenic views of Hurricane Creek and is an ideal location for birdwatching.
Additional Walking Trails
Find more information regarding parks and trails in the area here.
- Bowers Park: 1-mile outdoor walking trail
- Faucett Brothers Park: 0.25-mile outdoor trail
- Randall Parkway: 1.1-mile paved walking trail
- Ol’ Colony Golf: 0.75-mile walking trail
- Palmore Park: 0.5-mile trail
- Kentuck Park: 0.3-mile outdoor trail
- Monnish Park: 0.25-mile paved outdoor walking trail