Ruffner Mountain: Birmingham's Natural Escape
Explore Birmingham's Ruffner Mountain: Hike scenic trails, discover mining history, and enjoy panoramic city views in this urban nature preserve.
Ruffner Mountain, a sprawling nature preserve nestled within Birmingham, Alabama, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Once a site of intense iron ore mining, it has been reclaimed by nature, offering over 1,000 acres of diverse urban forest with hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning views of the city [5, 6].
A brief summary to Ruffner Mountain
- 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, South Eastlake, Alabama, 35206, US
- +1205-833-8264
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as the trails can be rocky and uneven [11].
- Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities on the trails [5].
- Check the Ruffner Mountain website for trail closures or program updates before your visit [5].
- Consider visiting the Nature Center to learn more about the mountain's history and ecology [6].
- Bring your dog, but keep them on a leash and clean up after them to help preserve the natural environment [6].
Getting There
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Driving
From downtown Birmingham, head east on 1st Avenue North. Continue onto Oporto-Madrid Blvd, then turn left onto Rugby Avenue. Finally, turn left onto 81st Street South, which leads directly to Ruffner Mountain's main entrance [6, 17]. Parking is available at the main lot [6]. A $5 parking permit is required for non-members, which can be purchased through the ParkMobile app or at the vending machine located at the pavilion [7, 15].
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Public Transport
The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) offers MAX On-Demand service to Ruffner Mountain [19]. Use the MAX On-Demand app to book a ride to the preserve. The fare is $1.50 per ride, with additional passengers costing $0.75 each [19]. Service hours are Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m [19].
Discover more about Ruffner Mountain
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Oldest house in Shades Valley/Irondale Furnace Commissary
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The Historic Bethel Baptist Church
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Sojourns
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![Carrigan's Public House [21+ Only]](https://evendo-location-media.s3.amazonaws.com/BarImages/7367605d-795a-46b6-ae50-1825e1d76fb0)
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