Home › Alabama › Birmingham › Ruffner Mountain
Ruffner Mountain
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,306 Google reviews · Running trail in Birmingham, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 11 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ruffner Mountain's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
1,038-acre preserve with hiking trails, old mining sites, a modern nature center & rustic pavilion.
What runners say about Ruffner Mountain
“The area is well-maintained, with a pavilion and restrooms available, which made the visit convenient.”
“My two kids who are 12 and 7 never hiked before didn't have any problems hiking up to the scenic view.”
“Bathrooms clean and trails well marked with plenty of parking.”
“It’s a peaceful spot, perfect when you want to step away from the city or just need a break from your usual routine.”
It’s awesome. We hiked a total of 5 miles on 2 different trails with 3 girls under 12 on a cold Sunday. The quarry was very cool as was the overlook of downtown and the airport. You can also see I-20 going over the marshlands in Irondale as well as the “split” with 59.
Hiking this mountain was one of the most peaceful mornings I’ve had in a while. It is actually located 12 minutes from Birmingham airport and the paths are beautiful. It has four different overlooks, clear paths and not so rough terrains.
As someone who spent a bunch of time in Colorado, this is very decent (very easy) hike. You have plenty of options hidden in forest with bunch of oak, walnut and what not trees. It creates nice shade and trails are well marked. You can have nice overlook over Birmingham while your car is on a safe place.
Had a great time visiting this nature preserve today! The area is well-maintained, with a pavilion and restrooms available, which made the visit convenient. The trails are clearly marked and easy to follow. I especially enjoyed the overlook where you can catch a nice view of downtown and the Birmingham airport.
Trail conditions & character
“I especially enjoyed the overlook where you can catch a nice view of downtown and the Birmingham airport.”
“You don’t have to pay on the app for parking, you can pay at the vending machines (although they were out), or there is a drop box that is a red pole!”
“It’s a peaceful spot, perfect when you want to step away from the city or just need a break from your usual routine.”
“Nice hike with definite difficulty with the elevation change, at least difficult for two old people haha.”
“The area is well-maintained, with a pavilion and restrooms available, which made the visit convenient.”
“Bathrooms clean and trails well marked with plenty of parking.”
“Easy trail still had some steep parts with roots.”
“We hiked a total of 5 miles on 2 different trails with 3 girls under 12 on a cold Sunday.”
Plan your run at Ruffner Mountain
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance11 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitejeffcogreenways.org
- Phone(205) 833-8264
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Birmingham
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ruffner Mountain Eastern Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 43 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a mix of well-marked trails.
Ruffner Mountain Irondale Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Flora Johnston Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
Calm city park, featuring walking trails through woods and mountainside.
