Red Mountain Park Loop Hiking Guide
Red Mountain Park covers more than 1,500 acres along the ridge where iron ore mining built Birmingham, with over 18 miles of multi-use trails. This 8.1-mile loop from the Frankfurt Drive entrance strings together the park's perimeter trails, passes old mine sites and a treehouse overlook, and turns around at Grace's Gap with a view toward the city. The grades stay gentle, so the challenge is mostly the distance.
Route Through the Park
Hiking Project maps the loop at 8.1 miles with about 483 feet of climbing and rates it intermediate. Start on the Eureka Mines Trail, turn left onto the short L&N Trail, then follow the BMRR South Trail west to the far edge of the park. Pick up the Wenonah Connector, climb briefly to the BMRR North Trail and stay left at the Spring Gap junctions. Turn onto the TCI Connector and follow the Ishkooda trail out to Grace's Gap Overlook, then come back by way of the Ike Maston Trail to BMRR South and the trailhead. The park's own trail list gives BMRR South as 2.43 miles, BMRR North as 2.00 miles and Ike Maston as 2.93 miles.
Mines and Overlooks
Remnants of iron ore mining are scattered across the park, and short spurs lead to sites such as the #10 Mine near the west end. The entrances are sealed, and the park keeps all mine openings closed for safety. Two treehouses reached by rope bridges give views over the area: Haskell Hideaway looks over Jones Valley, and Rushing Rendezvous, near Grace's Gap, looks toward downtown. A third treehouse, Riley's Roost, is temporarily closed.
Free Entry and Hours
Red Mountain Park charges nothing for admission or parking; Jefferson County Greenways funds it partly through memberships and public money. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The main entrance is at 2011 Frankfurt Drive, where the street ends in a cul-de-sac, and the parking lot is just across from it on Lyon Lane. From I-65, take the Lakeshore Parkway exit west for about three miles and turn right onto Frankfurt Drive.
Water, Restrooms and Junctions
Accessible restrooms and a water fountain are at the Frankfurt Drive entrance, and the park says there is no other running water, so carry enough for eight miles. Portable restrooms sit at several trailheads. Every trail is shared with mountain bikers. Hiking Project notes a few junctions where a map helps, and a downloadable trail map is on the Jefferson County Greenways site. The zip lines and adventure courses are closed while the park decides their future.
Bringing a Dog
Dogs must stay leashed on the trails. Near the main entrance, Remy's Dog Park is a six-acre off-leash area split into fenced sections for large, small and special-needs dogs, a good place to let a dog run before or after the hike. It closes on Wednesday mornings from 8 to 10 for maintenance.
Hiking tips for Red Mountain Park Loop
- Carry plenty of water; the only fountain is at the Frankfurt Drive entrance.
- Download the park trail map before you go for the junctions on the north side.
- Listen for mountain bikes on the wide BMRR trails.
- Take the short spur to the #10 Mine if you like history.
- Plan to be back at the car before the 7 p.m. closing time.
Nearby trails to explore
- Vulcan Trail (Vulcan Park)
- Boulder Gorge Loop (Moss Rock Preserve)
- Quarry Overlook Trail (Ruffner Mountain)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Eight miles goes faster in company. Use TrailMates to find hikers for a long Red Mountain loop, talk through pace and water in the event's group chat, and meet at the Frankfurt Drive entrance. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.