Wildwood Preserve

I feel really dumb because I've lived less than mile from here for almost 30 years and never knew this little pocket of nature existed. It's really nice! Took my border collie (on leash, as requested) and we took the upper loop trail along the ridge. It's short, maybe 1/4 to 1/3 mile, but well marked and full of lovely sniffs for my girl. Another branch of the trail goes down toward Shades Creek, but sunset was approaching so we left it for another day. As others have said, it's close to I-65 and rather noisy. If that doesn't put you off, come and enjoy.

The preserve is a small (50 acres) park with a short trail (0.8 miles) between Shades Creek and I-65. The gravel parking lot holds 4 cars (as long as everybody parks respectfully). The noise from I-65 can be annoying, but when you descend the hill, the noise starts to retreat and becomes more of a white noise. The preserve is home to one of the richest wildflower glades I know in Birmingham. Watch out for healthy stands of poison ivy alongside the trails.

Great trail. Easy to find spot. Very well maintained area. As a visitor from out of state, I'm always looking for new trails. It surprised me that the preserve was right next to a beautiful neighborhood. It was a nice, quick walk to unwind from a long day at work.

I didn't experience the entirety of it because I dropped something back tracked and left. Felt like I pulled up in someone's backyard and just started cruising through their woods...

Had no idea this urban preserve existed. It's surrounded by an interstate, shopping center, and a mid-sixties subdivision. Well marked, with lots of flora.