Red Mountain Park is an urban park that is located close to Birmingham, AL. It has lots of activities to do if you are looking to go outside. I like to go hiking here because there are places of interest all over the park like historical mining spots. This way, I can get in some outdoor activities and see some cool history of the city.
This park is on a mountain ridge, and it was used for mining ore. Birmingham which is known as the Steel City, is known for the mining industry.
5 Things To Do At Red Mountain Park
There are 1,500 acres here, so there is plenty to do!
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1. Hiking or Trail Running
The best reason to visit Red Mountain Park is to hike.
There are 16 miles of trails at Red Mountain Park which range from easy to slightly difficult. There is a map below that can give you an idea of the trail system here. It lists trail type and distance. Some of the trails are very wide and easy for a small family with a pet. Others are normal trail size, but I did not find any really difficult. Whether you want a casual stroll with the family, or if you like trail running, this park offers both. As you can see from the above image, there are wide paths that are easy to walk on.
If you look at the image below, you can see that there are smaller trails that fork off of the main trails. These will have more roots, rocks, etc. and the path is more narrow.
There are 2 scenic overlooks that are beautiful if you visit the right time of the year.
2. Tour Industrial History Of Mining
Red Mountain was used to mine ore. There are several closed mines that you can hike to here. It is a cool look at the history of iron and steel. You cannot go inside any of the mines and they are all blocked off. Some of them are sealed completely.
There are a total of 6 mining sites that you can visit. Below is a picture of the Ishkooda #13 Mine. I like to take my kids here. While they enjoy hiking, this gives them something to look forward to, and it allows for a break in walking.
There is a map below that will show all the locations of each one of the mines. Don’t worry, this map is at the entrance to the park, so you should be able to take a picture of it before hiking.
3. Mountain Biking
You can also ride Mountain bikes here. These are fairly flat trails and not near as challenging as Oak Mountain State Park, but it is a fun ride. You can watch the video below on how it looks to ride the trails here. Bikes are permitted an all the trails, so you do not need to worry about which ones are hike only. The interior trails are more difficult, and the exterior ones are fairly easy.
4. Remy’s Dog Park
This dog park is 6 acres, and it is off leash, so feel free to let your dog run and play! There are actually 3 separate areas based on the type of dog that you have. There is a large dog area, small dog area and even an area for dogs with special needs.
If you are going to the dog park, you will want to park at the Frankfurt Drive entrance (shown below.)
5. Treehouses
Here is a video showing the rope bridge walk to one of the treehouses. It is at the 1 minute mark.
There are 3 Treehouses here:
- Haskell Hideaway
- Riley’s Roost
- Rushing Rendezvous
Currently, Haskell Hideaway is the only Treehouse that is open. The other 2 are closed for renovations.
You may see old pictures or videos of exciting zip lining here. The park no longer offers these activities.
Red Mountain Park Map
Here is a picture of a map of the park. This shows all the trails as well as historical mining locations.
source: Red Mountain Park Wiki
How To Get There
Red Mountain Park is located at:
Frankfurt Drive Entrance
2011 Frankfurt Drive
Birmingham, AL 35211
Venice Road Entrance
2019 Venice Road
Birmingham, AL 35211
This is about a 10 minute drive off of I-65, so it is not hard to get to.
Parking:
There is plenty of free parking here. The trails are a short walk from the gravel parking lot.
Cost:
Red Mountain Park is free admission. There is a donation box at the entrance if you want to give money to keep the park up.
Hours:
Open from 7 AM to 5 PM
History Of Red Mountain Park
Red Mountain Park traces its roots back to Birmingham’s industrial boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally home to extensive mining operations, this land played a crucial role in fueling the city’s iron and steel production. The remnants of these historic mines can still be seen today, giving visitors a tangible link to Birmingham’s industrial past.
The Park’s story, however, isn’t just about industry; it’s about the people who shaped the city. During the Civil Rights Movement, Red Mountain served as a gathering place for rallies and protests. The park’s history, therefore, intertwines with the broader narrative of Birmingham’s struggle for civil rights.
Conclusion
Red Mountain Park in Birmingham, AL, is more than just a recreational area – it’s a living testament to the city’s evolution and resilience.
As you explore the trails or discover the remnants of the past, you’ll be immersed in a unique blend of history and natural beauty. This ultimate guide invites you to experience the best of Red Mountain Park, where adventure, education, and relaxation converge to create a truly unforgettable outdoor escape. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Red Mountain Park welcomes you to discover the magic within its expansive landscapes and storied past.