Activity Overview
Whether you live in Birmingham, Alabama, or are just visiting, you should head along with your little nature lovers to the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. The great thing about this nature preserve is that it's not miles away from downtown Birmingham. In fact, you can get there from downtown Birmingham in around quarter of an hour.
The nature preserve covers over 1,000 acres of land. Its central location means the preserve is classified as an "urban nature preserve" and this ones happens to be the third largest in the country! The preserve aims to protect the native animal and plant life in the area and manages to do so in an area that was once used for mining.
Things to Do
- Go for a hike! There are around 12 miles of hiking trails throughout the preserve and they offer some fantastic views.
- Visit the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center and see the Alabama Animals. There's a rabbit, a squirrel, an opossum, owls, turtles, and snakes. These animals are kept inside because they require care and are unable to survive outside.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Insider Tips
- Don't leave your furry friends at home! As long as they remain on a leash, dogs can be brought along to the trails. However, they are not allowed into the facilities at the nature preserve.
- Make sure you bring along your camera as on clear days you'll have the opportunity to take some fantastic pictures of the Birmingham skyline which can be seen from some of the overlooks on the trails.
- If any of your little ones are nature lovers, consider having their birthday party at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.
