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The Dr. Bill Sims Trail is where generations have played, trained, explored, and built lifelong memories. It’s where today’s avid cyclists and runners cross paths with families out for a weekend ride, where newcomers discover the charm of the Tennessee River, and where locals return again and again because it feels like home.

A Trail For Generations

For many in Decatur, the Dr. Bill Sims Trail is personal. Decatur resident Kyle Pike remembers riding along it as a child and now uses it regularly as an adult. Others bring their kids — and even grandkids — to share in the same joy they experienced on the trail. It’s convenient, safe, and accessible for all skill levels, making it a daily destination for both seasoned athletes and casual strollers.

Spanning 14 miles and hugging the Tennessee River, the trail offers breathtaking views of lush woodlands, sparkling waters, and treasured parks. Its mix of smooth asphalt, on-street connectors, and shaded gravel pathways makes every ride walk, or run unique.

A Community Hub

From sunrise training runs to evening family strolls, the Dr. Bill Sims Trail has become a gathering place for Decatur’s active community.

Jeff Leavitt was once an avid runner, but became a cyclist when he decided he needed something with less impact. He bikes the trail daily and has enjoyed the sense of community he has found with other trail users, always offering a friendly wave and a smile when crossing paths.

The trail is a daily invitation to get outside, stay active, and connect with neighbors.

“Being able to stay off the road and not worry about cars makes the ride much more enjoyable,”

– Jeff Leavitt | Decatur Resident

Connectivity & Safety

“I’m able to run from my house in Southeast, all the way to downtown, which is roughly seven miles,” said Pike. “Very little of that do I have to get on a road or cross a road.”

Leavitt agrees. “Being able to stay off the road and not worry about cars makes the ride much more enjoyable,” he said.

The trail also invites cultural exploration, connecting visitors to spots like the Princess Theatre, the Alabama Center for the Arts, and the Historic Train Depot and Railroad Museum.

The Singing River Trail

When the Singing River Trail team began working with the City of Decatur to connect to the Bill Sims Bike Trail, it became clear to them that Decatur isn’t just a place rich in history — it was alive with momentum, pride, and a deep sense of place. What started as a conversation evolved into a partnership rooted in trust, shared vision, and a desire to create something meaningful for generations. The Singing River Trail, a transformative, 220-mile network that ties together communities across North Alabama, now connects with the Bill Sims Bike Trail in Decatur, offering a whole new level of connectivity, exploration, health and wellness, tourism, and regional bonds.

The Future

The Dr. Bill Sims Bike Trail stands as a symbol of Decatur’s commitment to health, recreation, community, and history. It’s not just about cycling — it’s about creating spaces where people can come together, enjoy the outdoors, and appreciate the unique beauty of our city.

The trail will continue to be the place where children learn to ride their first bike, where grandparents walk hand-in-hand with their grandchildren, and where residents and visitors alike discover the resilience, charm, and warmth of Decatur.

Journey Through Decatur on the Bill Sims Bike Trail

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