Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park in Birmingham, AL is a unique park with a long and interesting history. Located on the southwestern edge of the city, the park is a great place to explore, hike, and learn about the area's past. From its beginnings as a mining site to its current status as a popular outdoor recreation destination, Red Mountain Park has a fascinating story to tell.

History

The area that is now Red Mountain Park was well known for centuries by natives and travelers for its dust that stained everything red. The local Creek Native Americans found the red dust useful for dying clothes, decorating pottery, and painting their bodies for ceremonies and battles.

During the 1840s, Baylis Earle Grace identified the red rock as hematite and started mining it to sell to a local blacksmith. It was not until 1863 when the demands for iron increased during the American Civil War that Red Mountain's first mine, Eureka 1, was established. This mine was short-lived as Union troops destroyed the local furnaces in 1865, at which point the mine was abandoned.

From the end of the American Civil War to 1900, Red Mountain's ore drove the economy of Birmingham to new heights with its population growing from 11,000 in 1960 to 140,000 in 1900.

For the next 62 years, Red Mountain had many active mines. During this time span, the mines helped support both World Wars and the development and growth of the United States. Unfortunately, after War War 2, the increase in outsourcing of manufacturing and foreign importing contributed to the end of Birmingham's mining operations. The last operating mine in what is currently Red Mountain Park closed in 1962.

For the next 52 years, the Red Mountain was untouched. In 2004, planning for the park began, and in 2006, Alabama Legislature took in the land under the Alabama State Park System.

Park Today

The park opened in 2012 and during the next few years grew from 1,200 acres to 1,500 acres. The park features 16 miles of trails for hiking and biking, ziplining, and a 6-acre off-leash dog park.

Visitors and Events

Anyone can visit the park for no charge. The park is open Monday through Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm. The park is closed on Christmas and open on all other holidays.

The park has a full calendar of events on its website for members.