Ruffner Mountain

[Joshua Szulecki]

Hey folks,

I ended up going to Ruffner Mountain instead of visiting the eagles today, because I felt I owned the dog a little outdoor time. I was very impressed by the variety of avian lifeforms that I was lucky enough to encounter (although Downy Woodpeckers seem to follow me around these days), and I was also impressed with the amount of moss.

I only got a chance to go as far as where the Quarry Trail meets up with the "Mine Ruins" spur trail, but I enjoyed it there. I have some questions...

1) Any trail suggestions?
2) Is there an unobstructed view of B'ham from the overlook by the quarry?
3) How good are the wildflowers in spring? They had signs indicating not to pick them, so I'm guessing there are a bunch.

[SteveO]

From the trail head the quarry trail is your best route IMO. All the way to Hawks View overlook. Which is the overlook you are talking about. The 'Mine Ruins' are no more than a bricked up mine shaft.
The wildflowers are nice in spring. Best time to go to Ruffner.
Also, they have a section of forest side aside and have been nursing 20 or so longleaf pines they are nice.

It is a nice area for a day hike. But it doesn't have alot of features.

Here is the view from the overlook... its great at night..

Ruffner Mountain

and the mine shaft...

Ruffner Mountain

[PastorLarryT]

Hi Guys,
Never been to Ruffner, but would like to check it out.  What about crowds on the weekends?  Would prefer trails and areas that are not overcrowded.  Thanks for the input.

[Joshua Szulecki]

PastorLarryT,

I ran into about 7 people there on Saturday morning, and 6 of them were in pairs. It wasn't terribly crowded, but I imagine that on some days it gets pretty bad.

SteveO,

What kind of "features" are you looking for in a park?

[SteveO]

I hike the Sipsey and the Smokies ALOT. Im used to alot of water features, canyons, views, and long trails. Ruffner has none of that except a a few overlooks.

[Joshua Szulecki]

SteveO,

I certainly wouldn't put Ruffner Mountain in the same league as Sipsey, and especially not in the same league as GSMNP. But we are talking about different things, really.

Ruffner Mountain is an urban park, designated for day-use, and only intended for dayhikes. I mean, sure, I'd rather be in the Smokies, but I don't always feel like driving five hours!

By the way, what were you doing there at night, I thought they closed at 5 most days? Was it one of those winter evenings where the sun sets at like, 4:30?

[SteveO]

Your right, for what it is, its nice.  I cant complain about it, and Im not, just saying it would be nice if it had more features.



The woods dont close man!

Seriously, the nature center closes. However, if you park at Ruffner Ball Park, there is a back entrance to the park. I go night hiking there alot. Get there before dark and watch the sun go and the city light up. Very cool. Just beware, the spiders there loooove to make their web across the trail at night, right about eye level.