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Ruffner Mountain Eastern Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Birmingham, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ruffner Mountain Eastern Trailhead'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.
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a mix of well-marked trails.
What runners say about Ruffner Mountain Eastern Trailhead
“The trail system is clearly marked and offers a variety of difficulty levels, allowing access for casual walkers, hikers, and more experienced users.”
“Very easy trail for kids and such, but the "wetlands" was a joke - just a red clay mud pit.”
Great access to some awesome trails. Plenty to see. Become a member for the year round parking pass and support Ruffner.
This trail is one of my favorites for birdwatching. The trails at this entrance are much flatter than the ones at the nature center and the ballpark which allows you to focus on looking into the trees rather than where you step (although it's still important to be aware of your surroundings!
Very easy trail for kids and such, but the "wetlands" was a joke - just a red clay mud pit. Not worth the $5 parking pass imo. I'm sure the other trails were but I was specifically recommended that trail rather than the quarry trail by the person who sold me the pass .. 🤷🏻
Great trails. Moderate Hike. Great for taking your pets for a walk. Support this Nature Preserve by donating and getting the parking pass. Historical mining ruins on site.
Trail conditions & character
“Love the trails over here I just hate the $5 for parking cause I never feel like I spend enough time to justify that amount however- I don't mind because it supports the area 🥰”
“) This is also a great option for those who may have mobility issues to still enjoy a beautiful forest.”
“The gravel road provides easy access to Lizard Loop and Crusher#2.”
“The gravel road provides easy access to Lizard Loop and Crusher#2.”
Plan your run at Ruffner Mountain Eastern Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteruffnermountain.org
- Phone(205) 585-9697
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–5 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
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,306 reviews
1,038-acre preserve with hiking trails, old mining sites, a modern nature center & rustic pavilion.
Ruffner Mountain Irondale Trailhead
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Flora Johnston Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
Calm city park, featuring walking trails through woods and mountainside.
Tom Bradford Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 211 reviews
Public park offering facilities for baseball, tennis, and soccer, as well as a playground.