Altamont Park

Altamont Park is a narrow, steep 10-acre parcel located on the northern slope of Red Mountain in Birmingham, Alabama. The park sits below Altamont Road and above 13th Court South, also known as Altamont Alley. This green space offers one of the best views in the city, providing a forested overlook perched 400 feet above Jones Valley.

The park's history dates back to 1921 when it was purchased by the city, with a rededication taking place in the 1990s. Originally envisioned by Boston architect George H. Miller in his 1911 plan for the Altamont ridge, the park was intended to remain a natural, forested green space, enhanced only by selective cleaning and pruning.

Altamont Park was conceived as a neighborhood park, while Altamont Road, which runs along its upper edge, was designed as part of a longer parkway meant for the enjoyment of all Birmingham's citizens and visitors. The park's design philosophy emphasizes preserving as much vegetation as possible on the north face of Red Mountain, allowing the City of Birmingham to retain its most notable and defining natural feature.

In recent years, efforts have been made to reclaim and restore the park. The Birmingham Sunrise Rotary Club launched the Altamont Park Reclamation Project, aiming to uncover the park and restore public views of the Magic City's skyline. Their work has included clearing underbrush, removing invasive plants, and picking up litter along the green space.