The High Ore Line Trail, which opened in 2016, is located in the southwestern outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama. The pathway offers a convenient and pleasant transportation option as it passes over several large roads, three active railroads and Valley Creek. For a majority of the route, trees surround the trail, making it a welcoming place to explore this part of the city.
In summer 2019, an extension was completed to connect the trail to Red Mountain Park, complete with a new park entrance on Venice Road. The park’s namesake mountain was the source of rich iron ore deposits that made the city an industrial powerhouse in the late 1800s. In the park, you can connect to the BMRR South Trail, which is part of a network of hiking and biking pathways throughout the 1,500-acre park.
Parking on the northern end of the trail can be found on either side of Etheridge Drive, where two large parking lots offer many spaces.
There is also a new entrance and parking lot to the Red Mountain Park on Venice Road, south of Wenoah Road and of Brenda Avenue SW.
My son and I did this trail recently on a beautiful Saturday, plus the extension of Red Mountain Park, a workout. Round trip a little over 6+ miles and not being an experienced biker, just a rider from time to time, this really pushed me. I did walk some but mostly rode.
The extension of Red Mountain Park side is tougher than just the High Ore Trail alone, but well worth the ride.
There is not parking for the High Ore Trail that we could find except for at the Red Mountain Park Side and ride it down and through the Trail.
We'll be back and hopefully I can ride the whole trail this time without walking any. :-)
Not the best, but it’s something.
Rode my bike here a few weeks ago. Only a few people on the trail that day. Some shady areas to help stay cool from the sun. A little elevation just to make the ride worthwhile. Very enjoyable trail for a bike ride.
Rode my bike on this trail a few weeks ago. Very few people on the trail that day. Has areas with shade.
Wonderful trail for biking. Never too crowded, plenty of parking at the medical center and easy road crossings. Some great uphill challenges followed by relaxing declines. Will come back as a regular from today forward.
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