Ruffner Ridge and Quarry Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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!

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

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.

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

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