Background

Red Mountain Park: Birmingham's Natural and Industrial Legacy

Explore Birmingham's Red Mountain Park: Hike scenic trails, discover mining history, and enjoy stunning city views in this urban oasis.

4.8

Red Mountain Park, a 1,500-acre urban oasis just minutes from downtown Birmingham, blends natural beauty with the area's rich mining history [1, 2]. Explore over 18 miles of trails, discover remnants of old mines, and enjoy panoramic views of the city [1, 3].

A brief summary to Red Mountain Park

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking on potentially uneven terrain.
  • Bring your own water, as there is no running water available in the park [1].
  • Download the Red Mountain Park trail map to navigate the extensive trail system [1].
  • Check the park's website for seasonal closing times and special event information [5].
  • Consider reserving one of the park's off-road wheelchairs (Nomads) for accessible exploration [9].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Red Mountain Park has two main entrances with parking: the Frankfurt Drive Entrance (2011 Frankfurt Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211) and the Venice Road Entrance (2019 Venice Road, Birmingham, AL 35211) [1]. From I-65, take the Lakeshore Parkway Exit (Exit 255) [1]. For Frankfurt Drive, head west for approximately three miles and turn right onto Frankfurt Drive; the entrance is at the end of the street [1]. For Venice Road, head west for approximately 3.5 miles, turn right on Sydney Drive/Wenonah Oxmoor Road, then right on Venice Road; the parking lot is approximately 0.5 miles on the right [1]. Parking is free [1].

  • Ride-Sharing

    From downtown Birmingham, a ride-sharing service to Red Mountain Park (Frankfurt Drive entrance) typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on demand and time of day. The ride is approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic [3].

Unlock the Best of Red Mountain Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park offers a unique experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in nature while exploring the remnants of Birmingham's industrial past [1, 3]. The park spans 1,500 acres along Red Mountain Ridge, a prominent geological feature that played a crucial role in the city's development as a steelmaking center [1, 2]. In the mid-19th century, the mountain's rich hematite iron ore deposits fueled the Confederacy's iron production [1, 4]. Later, it became the foundation of Birmingham's booming steel industry, earning the city the nickname "The Magic City" [1]. For nearly a century, mining operations thrived until the last ore mine closed in 1962 [1, 4]. Today, Red Mountain Park preserves this legacy with over 18 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through the landscape [1, 6]. Visitors can explore unique treehouses, enjoy the sensory trail, or let their dogs roam free in Remy's Dog Park [1]. The park also features several points of interest, including the historic Redding Hoist House and glimpses of iron ore mine entrances [5]. Interpretive signs and the TravelStorys app bring the park's history to life, offering insights into the area's geological, industrial, and archeological significance [3, 12]. Red Mountain Park is open daily from 7 am, with closing times varying seasonally [5]. Admission and parking are free, making it accessible to all [1, 5]. The park strives to be inclusive, offering accessible trails and two off-road wheelchairs (Nomads) that can be reserved [6, 9].

Popular Experiences near Red Mountain Park

Popular Hotels near Red Mountain Park

Select Currency