Red Mountain: Birmingham's Iron Legacy
Explore Birmingham's Red Mountain: Hike scenic trails, discover mining history, and enjoy outdoor adventures in this urban oasis.
Red Mountain, a prominent ridge in Birmingham, Alabama, is known for its rich iron ore deposits that fueled the city's industrial revolution. Today, Red Mountain Park offers over 1,500 acres of trails, historical sites, and outdoor activities, blending natural beauty with the area's mining history [3, 5].
A brief summary to Red Mountain
- Birmingham, Five Points South, Alabama, US
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, as the terrain can be uneven in places [13].
- Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike for an extended period [13].
- Check the Red Mountain Park website for seasonal closing times and special events [7].
- Visit the historic Redding Hoist House and explore the entrances to former iron mines to learn about the area's mining history [7, 21].
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown Birmingham, take US-31 S/Red Mountain Expy. Continue on Red Mountain Expy and take the Frankfurt Drive exit. Continue on Frankfurt Dr. to the park entrance. Parking is free and available directly across the street from the park entrance at 283 Lyon Lane [18]. Alternatively, take I-65 to the Lakeshore Parkway exit (Exit 255) and head west. Turn right onto Frankfurt Drive to reach the Frankfurt Drive entrance or continue further and turn right on Sydney Drive/Wenonah Oxmoor Road, then right on Venice Road to reach the Venice Road entrance [3].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Birmingham, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Red Mountain Park will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic [18]. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for the ride [18]. Specify either the Frankfurt Drive entrance (2011 Frankfurt Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211) or the Venice Road entrance (2019 Venice Road, Birmingham, AL 35211) as your destination [18].
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Red Mountain Park, several bus lines stop near Red Mountain Expressway [20]. From there, you can take a taxi or ride-share to the park entrance. Bus lines that stop near Red Mountain Expressway include 20, 22, 23, and 40 [20]. A single ride on MAX Transit costs $1.25 [23].
Discover more about Red Mountain
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Five Points South Historical Marker
1.7 km
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Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
2.0 km
Explore the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the historic 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' Marker, a cornerstone of America's civil rights movement.
Dread River Distilling Company
2.7 km
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The Jordan Home (Dr. Mortimer Jordan)
2.9 km
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The Woodward Building
3.1 km
Discover Birmingham's first skyscraper, a landmark of the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth,' showcasing Chicago-style architecture and rich history.
Alabama Peanut Co.
3.1 km
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Historic 4th Avenue Business District
3.3 km
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Civil Rights Freedom Riders Marker
3.4 km
Commemorating the courageous Freedom Riders and their pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement at the site of the former Trailways Bus Station.
The Old Mill
4.2 km
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Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
4.4 km
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Avondale Park Historic District
4.9 km
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HIGHLAND HISTORIC DISTRICT
5.6 km
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Birmingham Historic Touring Company
6.5 km
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Oldest house in Shades Valley/Irondale Furnace Commissary
6.7 km
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The Historic Bethel Baptist Church
7.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Vulcan Park and Museum
1.0 km
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Breakout Games - Birmingham
1.5 km
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Samuel Ullman Museum
1.8 km
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Birmingham Zoo
2.3 km
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Eddie Murphy's Head
2.5 km
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Negro Southern League Museum
2.5 km
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Railroad Park Foundation
2.6 km
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Birmingham Botanical Gardens
2.8 km
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Heaviest Corner On Earth
3.1 km
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“Before I die” wall
3.1 km
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Locked In: The Birmingham Escape Game
3.1 km
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McWane Science Center
3.2 km
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Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park
3.3 km
A Birmingham park honoring Eddie Kendricks of The Temptations, featuring sculptures, music, and a celebration of his Motown legacy.
Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
3.4 km
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Kelly Ingram Park
3.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Galley & Garden
2.0 km
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Chez Lulu
2.3 km
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Habitat Feed & Social
2.8 km
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Gianmarco's Restaurant
2.8 km
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Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Birmingham
3.1 km
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Bricktop's
3.2 km
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OvenBird
3.4 km
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Blueprint on 3rd
3.7 km
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The Rougaroux
4.3 km
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SAW’s Soul Kitchen
5.0 km
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Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
7.0 km
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The Filling Station Bham
7.1 km
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Mudtown Eat & Drink
7.1 km
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Foodbar
7.2 km
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Satterfield's Restaurant
7.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Shea Davis Boutique
1.3 km
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Soca Clothing
1.3 km
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Alabama Goods
1.5 km
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Hanna Antiques Mall
2.7 km
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Stella Blu
2.8 km
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A'Mano
2.8 km
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Mountain High Outfitters
5.5 km
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Cahaba Village
5.5 km
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Urban Suburban Antiques
7.1 km
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Sojourns
7.1 km
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Second Hand Rose
7.2 km
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Clover + Bee
7.2 km
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Fun Stuff
7.3 km
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At Your Imagination
7.3 km
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Lizard Thicket
7.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Oak Hill Bar & Grill
1.4 km
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Red Lion Lounge
1.6 km
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Black Market Bar + Grill
1.8 km
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The Upper Deck
2.1 km
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Key Circle Commons
2.3 km
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StirCrazy
3.1 km
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Pilcrow Cocktail Cellar
3.1 km
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House of Found Objects
3.3 km
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Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only]
3.4 km
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![Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only]](https://evendo-location-media.s3.amazonaws.com/BarImages/7367605d-795a-46b6-ae50-1825e1d76fb0)
Mayawell Bar
3.5 km
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Juniper
4.2 km
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The Marble Ring
4.9 km
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The Ridge Eat & Drink
7.5 km
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Barrister's Tavern
8.4 km
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Black Market
8.8 km
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