Ruffner Mountain — Attraction in Birmingham

This park truly highlights one thing that makes Alabama such a great place to live or visit: Its abundance of forestland and natural scenery. Along Overlook Trail, for example, there are many vantage points from which to view the densely forested sub ranges of the Appalachian Mountains that run through Alabama. From such a high point of view, these breathtaking mountains dwarf Birmingham, the biggest city in Alabama.

The views aren't all that Ruffner offers, though. The whole place is loaded with bits of natural history. If you're a paleontology nerd like me, you'll love visiting the Limestone Quarry, where there are traces of Alabama's ancient past when it was completely submerged under water. If you're lucky like I was, you might find the fossil of some ancient marine life. (Just remember to enjoy only while you're in the park and then leave it there for other people to enjoy also. Don't be greedy!)

Last but not least, there is also the Nature Center. Here, you can see some of Alabama wildlife in captivity. I've only been once or twice, so I can't say if they regularly change the animals they keep.

No matter why you plan to visit, I am sure that you will be glad you came! Don't miss out on this great...

While stuck in Birmingham due to a flight cancellation I where looking for a nice afternoon hike. Ruffner Mountain turned out to be a great place to hike with winding trails and challenging elevation changes. Well worth the $3 fee. Don't let the seemingly short 14 miles of trials make you skip over this convenient hiking location. The steep inclines will get your heart rate up and the ever changing terrain will keep you from getting bored, Trails changed between pine covered dirt, small gravel, broken rock and granite boulders. Please note even the "Easy" trails include rocks and steps - not stroller friendly and some inclines that will get you working. We did not spend time in the nature center so I cannot comment on that. Staff with whom we spoke were friendly and helpful. Also restrooms in the nature center were clean and well kept. We we be returning to hike some of the more difficult trails...

Decided to do a little hiking on one of the highly recommended trails in Birmingham. Ruffner Mountain is an absolute must as the scenery is breathtaking and there are many different paths/trails that provide different views/experiences for everyone. We took the beginning of the Quarry Trail and decided to turn at the Crusher Trail. I was interested in seeing the old stone crusher that remains in nature along a beautiful creek. The rock formations along the hike are breathtaking and the stone crusher is quite immense. There is even a bat preservation area near it which was also quite interesting. If you enjoy nature, make sure to bring a camera to capture the scenery, however only the eye can truly do so. I would recommend wearing hiking shoes, as parts of the trail can be a bit slippery due to the leaves, slippery rocks and a few fallen trees in the path. I would consider this an easy-moderate...