Shades Mountain is a
cuesta
A cuesta (from Spanish ''cuesta'' "slope") is a hill or ridge with a gentle slope on one side, and a steep slope on the other. In geology the term is more specifically applied to a ridge where a harder sedimentary rock overlies a softer laye ...
in
Jefferson County,
Alabama
(We dare defend our rights)
, anthem = "Alabama"
, image_map = Alabama in United States.svg
, seat = Montgomery
, LargestCity = Huntsville
, LargestCounty = Baldwin County
, LargestMetro = Greater Birmingham
, area_total_km2 = 135,765 ...
,
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
. The mountain is bordered by Shades Crest Road to the west, Highway 150 to the south, Highway 280 to the east and Shades Creek to the north. It includes all of the neighborhood of Bluff Park in
Hoover, where it summits, as well as portions of the cities of
Homewood,
Vestavia Hills and
Mountain Brook.
Geology
The rocks of Shades Mountain including the "Shades Sandstone" can be viewed readily from Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover, on the north side of Hurricane Creek.
Landmarks
There is a
Lovers Leap, a rock outcropping on Shades Crest Road and
Brock Gap wher
Shades Mountainwas blasted to make way for rail access. There is also the locally-known Tip Top Grill which has a view overlooking much of the area.
External links
A group devoted to protecting Shades Mountain
Geology of Moss Rock PreserveBiking on Shades Mountain
Landforms of Jefferson County, Alabama
Geology of Alabama
Ridges of Alabama
{{JeffersonCountyAL-geo-stub