| Ruffner Mountain (under construction) Mountain/Rock |
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Geography
| Ruffner Mountain (under construction)   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Alabama, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 33.55853°N / 86.70728°W Activities: Hiking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter | Page By: Aeldrin Created/Edited: May 8, 2008 / May 9, 2008 Object ID: 402206 Hits: 89 Loading... Page Score: 0% - 0 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewThis page is under construction. It will hopefully be done in the next 24 hours.
Thanks!
Ruffner Mountain historically was a site mined for iron ore and limestone up until the 1950s. At that point, the mines were shut down and nature slowly began to reclaim the land. The park itself is rather amazing as the confines are entirely within the city of Birmingham, Alabama. And with some recent purchases, now encapsulates over 1,100 acres making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
There are currently over 11 miles of trails in the area, including the longest trail, the misnamed 5 mile trail which is actually only 4 miles. The five mile trail goes to the high point in the park, and has two really nice viewing points. Getting ThereRuffner Mountain Park is located on the eastern side of Birmingham. From the north or south of I-59, take the 1st Avenue South exit (#132). Take a right onto 1st Avenue North. At the first traffic light, take a right onto 83rd street. Stay on this street as it bears to the right and becomes Rugby Avenue. Go for a few blocks and then turn left on 81st street South. Go to the top of the hill and enter the gate. Parking is up the hill and to the right.
Alternatively, from I-20 Westbound, take the Montevallo Road Exit (#132). At the traffic light go straight over the hill and turn right at the stop sign onto Oporto-Madrid Blvd. You will pass Lawson Field on your right. Go over the bridge and take a right on Rugby Avenue. Follow Rugby for several blocks and turn right onto 81st Street South. Go to the top of the hill and enter the gate.
Alternatively, you can use google maps to get custom directions to the park: Google Map Directions to Ruffner Mountain ParkRed TapeNo overnight camping is allowed, nor are bicycles allowed.
Perhaps most importantly, the gates to the park are closed at 5:00PM. Please make sure to be off the park grounds at that time.
You are allowed to bring a dog, but they must be on leash the whole time, and please be courteous to other hikers in the area. Please clean up after yourself, and your canine friend.
It should be noted that a proposed off-leash dog park is currently under discussion.
CampingNo camping is allowed on the park grounds. External LinksRuffner Mountain Nature Center: The Nature Center is responsible for the grounds, and runs a number of educational classes. A trail map can be found here.
Ranger Contact at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center: 205-833-8264
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