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Ruffner Mountain Quarry Trail


Highlights:

An enjoyable hike to a quarry filled with fossils.
Near:Birmingham, AL
Scenery:
Distance:3.1 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:400 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: I took this hike today with my children, Dakota age 12 and Meagan age 8. We took the Quarry Trail from the trail head and enjoyed the well-maintained trail and the educational information provided by the well-marked points-of-interest which are detailed in a free guide from the park office. We hiked until we entered the quarry. The quarry was active almost 100 years ago and it was fun to find fossils in the limestone floor and walls. After leaving the quarry, we hiked up to Hawk's View Overlook to see the Birmingham skyline. We then hiked back down to Gray Fox Gap where we took the Silent Journey trail, which leads back to the Quarry Trail. After rejoining the Quarry Trail, we followed it back to the trailhead.

We really enjoyed our time together on the trails of Ruffner Mtn Nature Center. It is nice to get away from computers and television and spend quality time alone in the woods with your children. We are sure you will also enjoy this hike.

Trailhead: From Exit 132 in Birmingham, follow Oporto Madrid Blvd to Rugby Ave. Turn right on Rugby Ave. Follow Rugby Ave to 81st Street. Follow 81st Street to the entrance of Ruffner Mountain Nature Center. The trailhead to all trails at Ruffner Mountain are accessed next to the pavilion. There is no charge to enter the park, but donations are accepted and appreciated as the park receives no public funds. Free trail maps and point-of-interest guides are available in the park gift shop, as well, as some live animals native to the area such as snakes, lizzards, turtles and even a flying squirrel. There are also several native animals housed outside the gift shop such as owls, hawks and possums. (Lat:33.55853 Lon:-86.70728)
Trail Guides for Ruffner Mountain Quarry Trail:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 205-833-8264
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jeff Johns, who has posted  15 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Joe on 4/5/2005
great place to go relax and have a great day!!!!


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Alabama Hiking, Alabama Trails, Alabama Hikes, Jefferson County Hiking, Jefferson County Trails, Jefferson County Hikes

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