Freshwater Land Trust launches updated Red Rock Trail System map with new Hoover trails

(Freshwater Land Trust/Facebook)

An updated interactive map highlighting Alabama’s largest urban trail network now includes new trail additions in Hoover, expanding access to outdoor recreation across Jefferson County.

Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) announced the release of a redesigned “Find-a-Trail” map for the Red Rock Trail System®, incorporating 15 newly added miles of trails in Hoover as part of a partnership with the city.

With the additions, the Red Rock Trail System® now totals 175 miles of trails throughout Jefferson County. The system is part of a long-term plan to build a 750-mile network of multi-use trails, parks, and complete streets connecting communities and outdoor destinations across the region.

The new Hoover additions include:
– Loch Haven Park and Nature Trail
– Black Creek Mountain Bike Park
– Cahaba Riverchase Greenway and Nature Trail
– Hoover East Nature Trail
– Inverness Nature Park

City officials said the additions align with Hoover’s broader parks planning efforts, which include expanding access to outdoor recreation and the Cahaba River.

“Hoover is proud to be part of the continued growth of the Red Rock Trail System,” said Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis. “These trail additions expand opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty of our community while supporting healthy lifestyles and outdoor recreation. Partnerships like this with Freshwater Land Trust help connect our parks and green spaces to a broader regional network that benefits all of Jefferson County.”

The updated interactive map introduces new features designed to improve usability, including filters for trail types such as greenways, nature trails, bike lanes, and gardens. Users can also search trails by surface material and location.

The platform also highlights 19 miles of planned and in-progress trails identified in FLT’s Red Rock Action Plan, offering a preview of future expansions.

“The new Red Rock Interactive Map makes it easier than ever for people to explore the trails and parks throughout Jefferson County,” said Anna Massa Pires, FLT’s Red Rock Trail System Coordinator. “This redesign will also improve our team’s ability to update the map, ensuring it consistently reflects the latest trail additions, including the rapidly expanding network of bike lanes. We hope this will help users discover new trails and experience more of the incredible outdoor spaces we’re fortunate to have in our region.”

Freshwater Land Trust and the City of Hoover are scheduled to host a press conference Wednesday, April 15, at Hoover East Nature Trail to mark the additions and map launch.

FLT, a Birmingham-based nonprofit, has protected more than 12,500 acres across Central Alabama since 1996 and continues to lead development of the Red Rock Trail System.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].