High Ore Line Trail

High Ore Line Trail will open May 7

(c/o Mark Wilson)

Mark E. Wilson, MD, Jefferson County Health Officer

By Mark Wilson, MD, Jefferson County Health Officer and head of the Jefferson County Department of Health. The Freshwater Land Trust and Red Mountain Park contributed to this article.

The magic continues. On May 7, just one month after the ribbon cutting for the new Rotary Trail in downtown Birmingham, another ribbon cutting will take place for the High Ore Line Trail in Midfield and southwest Birmingham.

The original High Ore Line was a railroad track constructed in the 1920s by Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company. It gave them a direct route from the iron ore mines on Red Mountain to the Fairfield Works. Because there were already other railroad lines and roads running perpendicular to this route, it was constructed on an elevated grade so it could pass over these obstacles. Hence the High Line name.

The railroad line has been out of commission for several years, but its route is being recommissioned for a new purpose: a paved trail for walking, running, cycling and enjoyment of the outdoors. The trail begins in Midfield near the Jefferson County Department of Health's Western Health Center, where there is ample parking, and goes about two miles to Wenonah Road near Red Mountain. There is also an access ramp at Jefferson Avenue. There are plans to eventually connect the Wenonah trailhead to the future north entrance to Red Mountain Park. The trail has some beautiful scenery, such as the view looking down onto Valley Creek, or sections of forest where trail goers are at eye level with the tree tops.

There is another purpose: Promoting health. Some of the greatest health challenges in our region are chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These are caused in part by physical inactivity. Some people fall into unhealthy, inactive lifestyles due to poor access to safe, outdoor recreational amenities. Lack of transportation also contributes to poor health outcomes. Lack of routes for "active" transportation - like walking and cycling - perpetuates our dependence on motor vehicles and less than optimal air quality.

To help address these health concerns, the Jefferson County Department of Health partnered with the Freshwater Land Trust, corporations, nonprofit groups, and over 3,000 community members to create the Ridge Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System master plan, which was unveiled in 2012. This ambitious plan envisions a 750-mile transportation network that includes multi-use trails, sidewalks and bike lanes which can be easily accessed, giving the people of Jefferson County the chance to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Public response for the Red Rock System has been extraordinary, with participating organizations and communities on track to complete 50 miles of trails in the first five years. The High Ore Line is just the latest example of the countywide effort to create outdoor recreational opportunities, promote health, and connect people and communities through this unique partnership. As work continues on new trails and trail connections, the enthusiasm around the Red Rock continues to grow. People are coming together to help build vibrant, healthy communities, one mile at a time.

The achievements during the first five years of the Red Rock System would not have been possible without the public-private partnership that helped the City of Birmingham secure a highly competitive, $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. A debt of gratitude is owed to all the partners who came together to make this happen in the wake of the devastating 2011 tornadoes. They include the City of Birmingham, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Jefferson County Department of Health, the Freshwater Land Trust, CSX Corporation, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the UAB School of Medicine, the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation, the Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust, and Alabama Power.

This diverse group of partners helped to make a real difference in our community through their support of the Red Rock.

The public is invited to the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the High Ore Line Trail on Saturday, May 7, at 10:00 AM--Mother's Day Weekend. "Take a Stroll with your Mom" or celebrate her life in a special observance during the Grand Opening. Riding tours will also be available for anyone who cannot walk the trail, but would like to enjoy the experience.

Parking for the event is at Western Health Center, at 631 Bessemer Super Highway, Midfield, AL 35228.