One of the best overlook views in the entire state of Alabama is located just a few minutes away from the center of Birmingham. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is a suburban park only nine miles from downtown Birmingham. As the name suggests, the preserve protects over 1,000 acres of wilderness on Ruffner Mountain and the spectacular views therein. The best view is from the Hawk’s View overlook, which features rolling hills, wooded city streets, and downtown Birmingham’s high rises from afar.
You can find the Hawk’s View Overlook on the Outlook trail via the Quarry trail. The trail starts at the Nature Center off 81st St and is a roughly 3.5-mile hike out-and-back that’s rated by the park as moderate.
Hemanth Grandhige/Google
The Quarry trail stays in the forest for the entire hike, so keep on the lookout for wildflowers, birds, and critters.
Tony Colon/Alltrails.com
The Sloss-Sheffield Mines once operated on Ruffner Mountain, extracting limestone and iron ore to be sent to the blast furnaces nearby. Remnants of this mining operation are still present on the mountain along the trail.
Tony Colon/Alltrails.com
The Quarry trail ends at a junction. Take the Overlook trail another 0.4 miles to the Hawk’s View Overlook. If you wish to add to your hike, come back to this spot and take on the Possum loop trail, which leads you to one of the old quarries.
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You’ll pass the old quarry from the Overlook trail, as well. It has a second scenic overlook that looks out over the rocky landscape.
Brian Bell/Google
At last, you’ll arrive at the Hawk’s View Overlook that you came for, complete with a stunning view of the park and of the city beyond.
James Harris/Google
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is a non-profit organization with zero funding coming from the federal, state, or local levels. There is a $5 parking fee that goes toward the maintenance and operation of the park. You can learn more about hours of operation, trails, and programs on the preserve’s website.
Hemanth Grandhige/Google
Tony Colon/Alltrails.com
Kelly Goodwin/Alltrails.com
Brian Bell/Google
James Harris/Google
Have you visited Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve? What other hikes did you do while you were there? Let us know in the comments!
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Address: Ruffner Mountain, 1214 81st St S, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
