This article was originally published in the Bodies issue of Kaleidoscope. Read it in its original printing here or pick up a magazine at UAB Student Media’s office.

Quarries, abandoned mine shafts, wetlands and overlooks can all be found at Ruffner Mountain. The 1,000 acre park, found east of Birmingham wedged between Roebuck and Irondale, is one of the largest urban nature reserves in the United States. It’s a terrific place to go if you want to escape all the smog and cement of the city and be in the woods for a bit. 

What is there to do at Ruffner Mountain? 

Many people go there to hike, some go there to birdwatch and observe local fauna and others go there to learn about local species. These are all some of the many things you can do at Ruffner. There are 14 miles of trails at the park, some with many great views, and it is incredibly biodiverse. If you’re in an environmental studies class check out the Nature Center. 

What are some good trails to hit?  

The biodiversity of Ruffner Mountain can really be seen in the differences between the southwest and northeast ends of the park. 

Towards the northeast of the park on the Wetlands trail are natural wetlands. If you go there in the summer especially, it is a guarantee you will find many frogs, dragonflies and native wetland plants. There’s also a roofed area there for picnics. 

Towards the southwest of the park you’ll be met with rocky terrain, overlooks and old, abandoned, nature-filled quarries. The most famous overlook, and arguably one of the best views of Birmingham, can be found at the Hawk’s View Overlook. The fastest way to get there, and to the main quarry, is by parking at Ruffner Ballpark in Irondale. Once you’ve parked at the ballpark, cross the street to enter Ruffner Mountain and take the Bypass Trail to the Overlook Trail. Just keep following the Overlook Trail and it’ll take you straight there. 

There are many different places and trails to explore at Ruffner Mountain, but that’s for you to discover yourself. The Wetlands and Hawk’s View Overlook are a great way to start your adventures there and fall in love with the place. 

Any secret spots you can share?  

For those looking for adventure, I’ll give you a hint at a secret spot you can find at the park that even many Ruffner veterans don’t know about. It’s called Taylor’s Cove, and if you want to get there you’ll need to get on the Possum Loop. Once on the trail, keep your eyes out for a hidden path that goes up the hill. Careful, some paths may be misleading, and it may take a while to find, but if you do it’s well worth it. But please, keep it a secret.