Parks and trails in Madison

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts on this page come from City of Madison Parks and Recreation’s main page, Greenways and Trails, Neighborhood Parks, park rules and individual park pages.

Madison has 32 developed neighborhood parks and four greenways, more than 500 acres in all, according to the city, plus the large recreation parks run by City of Madison Parks and Recreation: Dublin Park, Palmer Park, Sunshine Oaks, the Madison Sportsplex and the new Home Place Park downtown. New fees for rentals, fields, memberships and programs took effect Oct. 1, 2026, after City Council approval on Aug. 10.

Who to call

• Parks and Recreation (Dublin Park, Palmer Park, Home Place Park, dog park): 256-772-9300
• Neighborhood parks (Facilities and Grounds): 256-461-1644
• Mill Creek Greenway: 256-631-8235
• Madison Sportsplex: 256-461-1655
• Madison Community Center: 256-692-6670

The big parks

Hours are from the city’s Parks and Recreation page and change with weather and season; the city’s Madison Parks and Recreation app posts field closures. Using the Dublin Park gym, track or pools requires a membership or the daily walk-in fee.

Kid’s Kingdom Playground at Dublin Park reopened in November 2023 as an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, with new restrooms, equipment and a soft landing surface. The original wooden playground was a community project built in six days in October 1997, the city says. Pavilions there rent for birthday parties.

Home Place Park hosts the Madison Arts Alliance’s Sounds of Summer concerts and the Opera in the Park in September, and it is the setting for downtown events such as the Downtown Fall Festival.

Greenways and trails

From the city’s Greenways and Trails page and its map of planned and completed greenways:

• Mill Creek Greenway: reached from Mill Road between the Millstone subdivision and Mill Creek Elementary. The city maintains it.
• Bradford Creek Greenway: starts at Palmer Road, with a trailhead and parking on Mill Road. It follows the creek past hardwood forest and wetlands.
• Rainbow Mountain Preserve: off Stoneway Trail. The 1.5-mile loop follows a rocky path along the cliff ridge and east side of Rainbow Mountain, past formations such as Balance Rock. The Land Trust of North Alabama runs it; 256-534-5263.
• Indian Creek Greenway: on the Huntsville-Madison line, reached from Old Madison Pike near Slaughter Road. Huntsville maintains it; 256-564-8026.
• Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk: in Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge on Madison’s southwest edge, reached by a one-mile frontage road off County Line Road just south of I-565. The 1-mile round trip crosses a swamp of some of the state’s largest water tupelo trees.
• Dublin Park Walking Path: a paved half-mile loop around the soccer fields.

Mill Creek Dog Park

At 38 Balch Road on the Mill Creek Greenway, the dog park covers 1.43 fenced acres with a staging area at the gate and two play areas, one for dogs 25 pounds and under. There is drinking water for dogs and people, waste bag dispensers and plenty of shade.

Neighborhood parks

The 32 neighborhood parks range from half an acre to 10 acres, some next to elementary schools, and are aimed mostly at children’s play. They include Abbington Downs, Cambridge, Carter, Mill Creek, Rainbow Mountain, Shelton, Stewart, Westgate and Windsor Parke. The city keeps a list of every park and its amenities.

The rules

From the city’s park rules:

• Neighborhood parks: sunup to 30 minutes after sunset. Restrooms lock each evening and close in winter.
• Dogs on a leash; owners pick up waste.
• No alcohol, open fires or golf of any kind. Fireworks are banned at Palmer Park.
• No overnight parking or camping; no swimming in city lakes.
• Groups of more than 50 at Home Place Park need a special event permit 60 days ahead.

What this means for you

• Want a hike close to home? Try the Rainbow Mountain loop.
• Rental and membership fees rose Oct. 1; check the new schedule before booking.
• Report a problem at a neighborhood park to 256-461-1644.

More guides: walking and biking trails, dog-friendly Madison, getting around Madison, things to do this month and farmers markets.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Madison, Alabama?

Yes. Mill Creek Dog Park, at 38 Balch Road on the Mill Creek Greenway, is a 1.43-acre fenced park with separate areas for dogs 25 pounds and under and for larger dogs, plus water for pets and people.

What hiking trails are in Madison?

The Rainbow Mountain Preserve, off Stoneway Trail, has a 1.5-mile loop along the mountain’s cliff ridge, run by the Land Trust of North Alabama. The city also has the Mill Creek and Bradford Creek greenways and the Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.

What are Dublin Park’s hours?

The Dublin Park recreation center is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. A membership or day fee is needed to use the gym, track and pools.

When do Madison neighborhood parks close?

Neighborhood parks are open from sunup to 30 minutes after sunset. Restrooms are locked each evening and closed during the winter months.

Where can I play pickleball in Madison?

The Madison Sportsplex, 190 Graphics Drive, has 12 outdoor pickleball courts open from sunrise to 10 p.m. and three indoor courts on a posted schedule.