Ruffner Mountain: Birmingham's Natural Escape
Explore Birmingham's Ruffner Mountain: Hike scenic trails, discover mining history, and experience nature in the heart of the city.
Ruffner Mountain, a sprawling nature preserve in Birmingham, Alabama, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once an active mining site, it has been reclaimed by nature and now provides over 1,000 acres of diverse ecosystems and scenic trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore [3, 8].
A brief summary to Ruffner Mountain
- 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, South Eastlake, Alabama, 35206, US
- +1205-833-8264
- Visit website
- Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
- Thursday 7 am-7 pm
- Friday 7 am-7 pm
- Saturday 7 am-7 pm
- Sunday 7 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as the trails can be rocky and uneven [14].
- Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities on the trails [11].
- Check the Ruffner Mountain website for trail closures or event updates before your visit [2].
- Consider visiting the Treetop Visitor Center to learn about the mountain's history and wildlife [2, 8].
Getting There
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Driving
From I-20 East or West, take exit 132 for Montevallo Road [6]. Continue straight, keeping right towards Oporto-Madrid Blvd. Turn right onto Oporto-Madrid Blvd and continue for 1.6 miles to Rugby Avenue [6]. Turn right onto Rugby Avenue, then right onto 81st Street South [6]. Continue on 81st Street South until it ends at Ruffner Mountain [6]. Parking is available at the main entrance [3]. A parking permit is required; non-members can purchase a visitor parking permit for $5 via the ParkMobile app or at the vending machine at the pavilion [3, 5, 7]. Members park free with a permit [3, 5].
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Ruffner Mountain's main entrance, you can take a bus to nearby areas and then walk or use a ride-sharing service to reach the preserve. Check the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) website for bus routes and schedules. From a bus stop along 1st Avenue North, a ride-sharing service to the preserve entrance will cost approximately $8-$12. Note: Public transportation options directly to the mountain are limited; plan accordingly.
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Walking
From the intersection of Oporto-Madrid Blvd and Rugby Avenue, head south on Rugby Avenue until you reach 81st Street South. Turn right onto 81st Street South and continue until it ends at Ruffner Mountain's main entrance. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes. Be aware that there are limited sidewalks available.
Discover more about Ruffner Mountain
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