Ruffner Mountain

As someone who spent a bunch of time in Colorado, this is very decent (very easy) hike. You have plenty of options hidden in forest with bunch of oak, walnut and what not trees. It creates nice shade and trails are well marked. You can have nice overlook over Birmingham while your car is on a safe place. Pretty enjoyable in September weather while very close.

Hiking this mountain was one of the most peaceful mornings I’ve had in a while. It is actually located 12 minutes from Birmingham airport and the paths are beautiful. It has four different overlooks, clear paths and not so rough terrains. I have a five-year-old daughter, and I think that even she would have been able to climb this trail. It was quiet and peaceful. They even have a nature center with live animals, including turtles, snakes, and a couple other. The cliffs were my favorite part and parking was so easy.

It’s awesome. We hiked a total of 5 miles on 2 different trails with 3 girls under 12 on a cold Sunday. The quarry was very cool as was the overlook of downtown and the airport. You can also see I-20 going over the marshlands in Irondale as well as the “split” with 59. The trails were moderately difficult but very doable even covered in leaves. As a horticulturist it was very cool seeing native southern magnolias here and ferns symbiotically growing on trees. It honestly does not bother me one bit paying a $5 parking fee. It goes to a great cause.

This hike was a December hike on the Ore Crusher trail. Actually met an employee at the crusher and he answered all questions for us. Had he not been there I would have walked past an open mine. Nice hike with definite difficulty with the elevation change, at least difficult for two old people haha. Not many leaves in December but we did find many crane fly orchids that we notated to see next August. So many trails and interesting things to see if you know some of the mining history of the Ham.

Beautiful area to hike! Trails are very well maintained and marked very well. For those that may need them, there are benches along the trail to take a break on and signs advising which trail you're on. The quarry provide some outstanding views also. A great way to spend a day! 5.00 per day parking, payable on line from parking area.