Vulcan Trail
The city of Birmingham was built on the iron industry. In the 1800s, the location that is now the Vulcan Trail, Red Mountain, held a series of ore mines. The mining companies needed a way to transport the ore to various foundries in the region, so in the 1870s the L&N Railroad Company developed what was known as the Birmingham Mineral Railroad line, which ran from Bessemer to Trussville and continued operating until the 1930s.
This 2.8-mile out-and-back follows a portion of the old railroad bed. The trail begins at the statue of Vulcan, the Roman god of forging. Much like the Statue of Liberty, visitors can climb the statue for views of the Birmingham skyline. (See below for more information.)
Along the trail route, signs of the old railroad line can still be seen. From the trailhead just below the statue of Vulcan you will see one of the old trestle abutments. All that remains are a stone back wall and beam seats, but the image still remains of a once vibrant industry. Tipple bases (stone foundations) will also be seen that mark where shafts dropped down into the mines below the surface.
The path is generally paved but there are some patches of dirt path as well. You will be walking through stands of oak and maple trees, wisteria and seas of kudzu. You will also pass by apartments and radio and microwave towers, but in between, the views of the UAB campus, Legion Field and the Birmingham skyline are outstanding.
- Trail Type:
- 2.8-mile (total) out-and-back
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Hours:
- Open year-round, 7a.m.-6p.m.
- Maps:
- None.
- Fees:
- No fee to hike.
- Events:
- There is much to do and see at Vulcan Park: exhibits of the iron industry and Birmingham history, educational programs, and, of course, the observation deck of the Vulcan statue. Hours: Vulcan Center – Monday-Saturday 10a.m.-6p.m., Sunday 1p.m. to 6p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Observation Tower open Monday-Saturday 10.am.-10p.m., Sunday 1p.m.-10p.m. Admission: $6/adults, $5/seniors, $4/children 5-12.
- For more info:
- None
Contact any of the following for additional information:
- Vulcan Park Foundation
-
Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
Phone#:(205) 933 - 1409
http://www.vulcanpark.org
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