Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This trail takes you from the ridge top to the base of the mountain with over 300 fett of elevation change. It is a gateway to the wetlands and trails on the east side of the mountain.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This trail provides a 0.3 mile shortcut along the Possum Loop Trail. Along this narrow trail you will see American Beautyberry and Wood Oats.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This trail has moderate inclines and can be accessed from the Ridge & Valley Trail or the Quarry Trail. It ends at a large iron ore rock crusher used during Ruffner’s mining years.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This easy trail connects the Eastern Ruffner Road entrance to Pipeline Trail.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
A short stroll featuring sandstone and limestone outcrops, including a favorite resting point calle Turtle Rock. This trail connects to the Nature Trail.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This trail was named for a 150 year old hollow tree removed for saftey reasons in 2002. Visitors can see Oakleaf and wild Hydrangea as well as a mining test pit that provides breeding habitat for salamanders and frogs. Moderate inclines.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This loop trail has little change in elevation and was formed as part of the old rail bed used for removing ore from the mountain.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
Starting at Gray Fox Gap, this trail presents a challenging incline to the Cambrian Overlook above the large quarry and then on to a spectacular hawk’s-eye view of the city. A smaller quarry sits below this vantage point. If you choose, you can continu …
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This wide, easy trail runs along a buried gas pipeline. It connects Lizard Loop and the eastern trailhead to the rest of the trails. It isoccasionally used as a service path for gas company vehicles.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
Opossums love the fruits of the many persimmon trees found here. It is a moderate hike. Our largest quarry can be accessed from this trail.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
Our gateway trail, running along the ridgeline and connecting most of our trails. Hikers can choose to extend their hike into the limestone quarry to look for fossil remains of ancient sea life or take the Overlook Trail to Hawk’s View for a spectacula …
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
Our most demanding trail, it goes through 1000 feet of elevation change over its length. You will cross several small streambeds as you hike from the ridges down into the valleys.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
At 1,036 acres, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is one of the largest urban nature preserves in the Unites States. You will find over 12 miles of wooded hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty that will enable you to experience the wonderful …
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
A short loop with moderate inclines; accessedfrom the Wetlands Trail. Along this trail you will see unique sandstone rock formations.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
This trail begins at Dogwood Fork and rejoins the Quarry Trail at Gray Fox Gap. Buckeye can be found on the low areas along the trail.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
A great wildflower trail lined in Spring by Trillium, Fairywand, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Featuring some slight, rocky inclines.
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Nearby Cities: Birmingham
Jefferson County
One of our easier trails, with very little elevation change. It provides great viewing of frgos, dragonflies, and native wetland plants along its boardwalks and crushed rock paths.
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