Railroad and Red Oak in Phil Campbell, Alabama

The Railroad runs alongside a Red Oak near Phil Campbell, Alabama

This and other photos of rural Alabama can be found, here

Purple-and-White Violets near Black Creek Park

Purple-and-White Violets growing alongside an old railroad bed

near Black Creek Park in Fultondale, Alabama

Black Creek Park's Rails to Trails Now Complete

If you're familiar with this blog, then over the last couple of weeks, you've likely become familiar a new trail system in the North Jefferson County area. The City of Fultondale has undertaken a Rails-to-Trails project, whereby a former railroad line was been converted into a trail for walkers, runners, and bicyclers (motorized vehicles are prohibited).

The trail begins at Black Creek Park in Fultondale and runs about 3.5 miles to Shady Grove Road. There are markers every half mile and will be benches placed at those markers as well. Over the last several weeks, I've been on the trail either walking, running, or hiking, about a half-dozen times, and I couldn't be more excited about this development, so close to home. Darby's pretty excited too.

Rotting Railroad Remains in Black Creek, Fultondale

Rotting Remains of the old Railroad lie rotting in Black Creek, Fultondale, Alabama

This and other Photos of Birmingham's outlying areas
can be found at the Gallery, Hinterlands of Birmingham.

Moss-Laden Tunnel under the Rails, Fultondale

Moss-Laden Tunnel under the Railroad that has now been converted
to the "Rails to Trails" System in Fultondale, Alabama

Abandoned on the Bessemer Rails

Ode to Morris Avenue

Morris Avenue, due to its close proximity to the rail lines that run through the middle of Birmingham, became one of the Magic City's earliest commercial and warehouse districts.

Panasonic LX3

Panasonic LX3

Morris Avenue contains Birmingham's last cobblestone street, which seems nice for nostalgic purposes, but isn't terribly pleasant to traverse.

Panasonic LX3

Canon A-1, FD 50mm f/1.4

In more recent years, the buildings along Morris Avenue have been restored and converted into lofts, offices, and storefronts. It is also a hotspot, on any nice weekend day, for engagement pictures.

Canon A-1, FD 50mm f/1.4, Fuji SS 100

Panasonic LX3

Additional information and history pertaining to the district can be found at BhamWiki.

Panasonic LX3

Canon A-1, FD 100mm f/2.8, Kodak Gold 200