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Print Friendly MapThe 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. Enjoy the views of the water and the surrounding area from bridges along the route. 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. Be aware that there is a steep hill near the Red Mountain Park Venice Road entrance. 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.
The High Ore Line Trail is included in Birmingham's Jones Valley Trail network, which is part of the Red Rock Trail System, a developing 750-mile network of multiuse trails in Jefferson County. The Red Rock Trail System connects important destinations throughout the region such as Red Mountain Park, which—at 1,500 acres—is one of the largest urban parks in the country.
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 an entrance and parking lot at the Red Mountain Park’s Venice Road entrance (2019 Venice Road, Birmingham). Visit the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
Birmingham's public transit system, BJCTA, provides convenient access to the trail. Visit the BJCTA website to plan your trip.
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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