This is a short trail located between Vestavia Hills Elementary Central and the Vestavia Hills Library. It is true gem of a trail located right beside Highway 31 at 1289 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35216.
The Nature Area began as 13 acres donated to the city in 1962 for use as a bird sanctuary by Hortense and Isadore Pizitz. It now covers 20 acres of forest and the Patton Creek watershed. Some portions of the area belong to Vestavia Hills City Schools, including the land around the stream’s waterfall.
The first trail through the property was cut in 1989 near Vestavia Hills Elementary Central School by fifth-grade Cub Scout Barney Wilburn. Others cut additional trails and made improvements through the 1990s. In 2006, four Eagle Scout projects took place in the Nature Area, including the addition of a footbridge over the creek, trail signage, benches, and stone steps. Currently there are entrances to the property on Round Hill Road and close to Merry Fox Lane and Elementary Central.
In 2009, a new Vestavia Hills Public Library opened adjacent to the canyon. The building is ecologically-friendly and includes outdoor learning pavillions and its own trail system.
Source
- Goodman, Troy (November 23, 2006) “Vestavia Hills singing happy trails for nature.” Birmingham News
- http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Boulder_Canyon_Nature_Area
- Pictures courtesy of Shannon Curlings
Finally got around to visiting this nature area. It is a really great trail right in the middle of Vestavia. I started the trail right behind the library and went down to the creek. Cross the bridge and up the hill to take you to the loop. It takes you towards the back side of Vestavia Central Elementary and the loop back to the bridge. There is a section of trail close to the elementary school that will take you down to the creek so you can climb on the rocks.
This is an easy trail and most children should be able to do this. There are some steep sections in places. Keep that in mind with small children and older adults.