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A great loop at Ruffner Mountain to explore the parks natural beauty and history.


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Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.4

KM

91%

Runnable

1,142' 348 m

High

840' 256 m

Low

360' 110 m

Up

360' 110 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Trails are open every day from dawn to dusk. A membership or $3 donation is requested to access the trail. Find out more on the Ruffner Mountain website.

Overview

This moderate loop at Ruffner Mountain Preserve explores the forested heart of the park while also taking runners to several viewpoints. With some moderate inclines, this run will also get your heart pumping and make you earn those views!

Need to Know

Visitors can either purchase a membership or are encouraged to donate $3 at the time of their visit.

Description

Starting from the small parking area on the south side of the preserve off Ruffner Road, take the short connector trail to get to the Ridge & Valley Trail. Turn right at this first junction to climb along the Ridge & Valley Trail into the heart of the park. This trail winds through the woods with some fun twist and turns, and also a few sections of steeper climbing.

At just over a mile, you'll come to a junction with the Crusher Trail. Turn left here for a short run along the Crusher Trail to connect to the Quarry Trail. At this junction, turn left onto the Quarry Trail. This trail is easy and generally trends slightly downhill until you come to a five-way junction.

Take the Overlook Trail which heads to two distinct viewpoints overlooking the site of the old quarry. From here, on a clear day, you can enjoy views toward downtown Birmingham which can be particularly pretty at sunset. Once you are done enjoying the scenery, retrace your steps and pick up the Ridge & Valley Trail to return to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Long leaf pine, birds like woodpeckers and chickadees as well as a variety of raccoons, foxes, coyotes, snakes, squirrels, turtles, frogs and butterflies.

History & Background

Ruffner Mountain was once mined for iron ore and the remnant of this history can still be seen in the park.

Contacts

Land Manager: Ruffner Mountain

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#3144

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#22

in Alabama

#3,144

Overall
7 Views Last Month
327 Since Nov 15, 2019
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Pondering spot
Mar 14, 2019 near Irondale, AL
Views.
Nov 12, 2016 near Irondale, AL
The trail with some obstacles.
Nov 12, 2016 near Irondale, AL
Enjoying the views!
Nov 22, 2019 near Irondale, AL
Overlook into the quarry.
Nov 12, 2016 near Irondale, AL
Great place for sunsets and an overlook spot to relax.
Nov 12, 2016 near Irondale, AL

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