Quarry Overlook Trail (Ruffner Mountain) Hiking Guide
Ruffner Mountain is more than 1,000 acres of oak, hickory and pine forest on a reclaimed mining site on Birmingham's east side, with over 11 miles of trails. The Quarry Overlook route follows the ridgeline Quarry Trail from the main entrance, then climbs to an overlook above the preserve's largest quarry and a wide view of the city. Jefferson County Greenways, which runs the preserve, lists it at 2.7 miles out and back.
Permit: Ruffner Mountain charges a $5 parking fee (ParkMobile, the pavilion vending machine or cash at the trailhead box). Jefferson County Greenways members park free with a permit.
Distance and Route
Jefferson County Greenways lists the Quarry Overlook Trail at 2.7 miles out and back with 374 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate and marked in white, and estimates about an hour and a quarter. The Quarry Trail is the preserve's gateway trail along the ridgeline and connects to most of the others. At Gray Fox Gap, the Overlook Trail branches off with what the trail map calls a challenging incline to the Cambrian Overlook above the large quarry, then continues to a hawk's-eye view of the city. A smaller quarry sits below that vantage point, and you can keep climbing to a forested high point at 1,104 feet.
Quarries, Fossils and Mine History
Ruffner was mined for iron ore and quarried for limestone, and remnants of that work turn up along the trails. The trail map suggests extending the hike into the limestone quarry to look for fossils of ancient sea life. All mine openings are closed to the public, and the map warns of unseen hazards at former mining sites, so stay on marked trails and keep well back from the edges at the overlooks.
Parking, Fee and Hours
The main entrance is at 1214 81st Street South, with a 56-car lot by the Nature Center and pavilion; the preserve asks visitors not to park on the roadside when it fills. Parking costs $5, paid through ParkMobile, at the vending machine by the pavilion or in cash at the trailhead donation box, and members park free with a permit. The trails are open Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays. The trail map lists 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March through October and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through February.
Dogs, Bikes and Birds
Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash at all times, and waste bags and trash cans are at each main trailhead. Bicycles are not allowed on any Ruffner trail. More than 150 bird species use the mountain, and migrating songbirds stop here to feed; the preserve has documented cerulean, worm-eating, Swainson's and Kentucky warblers and wood thrush. The Nature Center, with its wildlife ambassador animals, is open Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A Loop From the East Side
Hiking Project maps a 2.7-mile loop with about 360 feet of climbing that starts from the small Eastern Trailhead lot on Ruffner Road and links the Ridge & Valley, Crusher, Quarry and Overlook trails. That trailhead has room for about five cars, so the main entrance is the safer bet on weekends. The trail map calls Ridge & Valley the preserve's most demanding trail, with several small streambed crossings between the ridges and valleys.
Hiking tips for Quarry Overlook Trail (Ruffner Mountain)
- Start from the main entrance on 81st Street South, where the lot is largest.
- Pay the $5 parking fee on ParkMobile before you leave the car.
- Plan around the Monday closure.
- Stay well back from the edge at the Cambrian Overlook.
- Bring binoculars in spring and fall for migrating warblers.
Nearby trails to explore
- Vulcan Trail (Vulcan Park)
- Red Mountain Park Loop
- Narrows Ridge Trail (Turkey Creek Nature Preserve)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The overlook at Ruffner is a fine place to watch the city at the end of the day. Use TrailMates to find hikers for an after-work walk to the quarry, check the closing time together in the event's group chat, and meet at the 81st Street South lot. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.