Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is among the largest privately held urban nature preserves in the United States with over 1,000 acres.
Located in Irondale minutes outside of downtown Birmingham, Ruffner Mountain has over 12 miles of trails for running, hiking and enjoying nature. It also offers numerous exhibits, facility reservations, group tours, and various educational and passive recreational programs.
Ruffner Mountain has a vast history synonymous with Birmingham’s industrial past. During the late 1800s through the 1950s, the land was mined for iron, and it was processed at the nearby Sloss Furnaces. The nature preserve began in 1977 when members of a grassroots movement united to manage 25 acres of former mine land. It has since grown to its current 1,038 acres.
Ruffner Mountain is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that relies on your donations, which are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Information
- Admission: Free; suggested donation of $2 per person
- Hours: Trails open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking lot opens at 9 a.m. & gates close at 5 p.m. No exit after 5 p.m. If you arrive before the gate opens or plan to leave after the gate closes, you are asked to park on the street.
- Address: 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206
- Phone: (205) 833-8264
- Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
- Website: ruffnermountain.org
- Trails: Trail Map
Directions
From Interstate I-59, North or South bound
- Take Exit #132 at First Avenue North
- At the end of the exit ramp, bear to the right onto 1st Ave.
- Go to the first traffic light at 83rd Street and take a right.
- Turn right on 4th Ave South.
- Turn left at 81st Street South.
- Ruffner is located at the top of the hill at the end of the street.
Additional Information
- There are numerous steep heights overlooking the quarry and city. Some steep heights have no guard rails, so keep this in mind if you plan on bringing children or pets.
- Visitors are asked to not bring any types of wheeled vehicles on the trails, including bikes, motorcycles and ATVs.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Support: http://ruffnermountain.org/support/