. Red rocks. Red shoes when you leave and red faces if you don't drink enough water. Your clothes will be red too if you're not careful.
Sunday we hit the trails of Red Mountain Park in Homewood. Admission is free, there is a donation box at the entrance.
We
to Redding Ishkooda Trail then to Songo and back down to BMRR South.
You can check out the park's site here:
. There have been a number of stories about the park's opening and the zip line tour but I'm not writing about that today.
What I am going to write about are tips to help you navigate it especially if you have little ones in tow and just want to hike:
1. Wear good walking shoes --
Even if you aren't planning on walking all of the trails the red dirt will cover your child's feet if they are wearing Crocs. Just ask my youngest who hates sneakers. He didn't mind walking in the Crocs but when we got back to the car, his feet were completely red and black.
2. Parking --
The trail head is a sign in a curve. You'll park on the side of the road. The road is a through traffic road so be careful while you're walking to the trail.
3. Water --
Take a lot of it. If you have a camel pack for each person even better. I brought 3 bottles of water and should have had more. There are no water fountains or refresh stations on the tree house end of the park. Have some fresh cold water in the car waiting on you when you get back.
Red Mountain Park -rocks and treasures -- Let the kids feel it and look at it, but make sure you leave it behind -- Christie Dedman/News Staff4. Educational --
Red ore is really cool to look at and there are a lot of specimens to see and feel. However don't take it with you, as per park rules. Point out plants, vines and trees as you walk the BMMR South or North Trails. Right now the place is swarming with beautiful butterflies.
5. Bug spray --
Take some with you or wear it. We stopped at the ruins at the end of the BMMR South and Songo intersections. The kids sat down and we were a virtual buffet for the mosquitoes swarming the area thanks to a pretty gross stagnant swamp within 100 feet of the site.
6. Overlooks --
Be careful if you hit the overlooks. The kids can slip and fall down, just pay attention and don't let them get to close to the edge.
7. Smythe is a difficult trail ---
My kids ages 4, 5 and 7 hiked it fine, but it's dangerous and steep towards the end of the trail.
8. Bathrooms --
There are none -- well 2 port-o-potties at the start of the trail (maybe some down by the Zip Line tour, but we didn't make it there)
9. Treehouse --
This was a fun break to the hiking. It's not a play area, just an observation deck but my kids were thrilled to walk on the swinging bridge and see the Birmingham skyline from the deck.
(Note -- the tree the deck is built into is leaking a lot of sap. It stinks, like it fermented. Be careful and pay attention to the kids so they don't get that gunk all over them.)
10. Bikes, pets on a leash, strollers --
If mom wants to walk and let the kids ride their bikes the BMRR South trail is flat and easy. Lots of gravel and rock though so make sure they wear a helmet.
11. CELL PHONE --
I never saw a ranger but I know they are there. If you go by yourself with your kids make sure you have a fully charged cell phone and save the park ranger on duty number -- 205-266-6000. Take a picture of the map board or grab a map at the beginning of the trail for $1. Pay attention to the trail names and know where you're at all times in case you have an accident. I had cell service the whole time I was there (unlike a National Park) which is a good thing because there are no emergency stations. Be aware if you're by yourself with the kids.
HOURS --
7 days a week from 7AM until dusk. Red Ore Zip Tour hours are 8AM until 6:00PM; Friday night zipping available at 8:00 and 8:30 PM.
DIRECTIONS --
Directions to our office from I-65 (park hikes begin in the adjoining cul-de-sac):
Take Lakeshore Parkway headed west(toward Bessemer) for approximately 3 miles, turn right onto Frankfurt Drive and then right onto Lyon Lane.
This will be pretty in the fall too. Christie Dedman
Swinging bridge to tree house. Christie Dedman
You can see the skyline of Birmingham in the distance from the treehouse observation deck. (I zoomed in with my camera)
Christie Dedman