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Ruffner Mountain Nature Center

1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206
205 833 8264
Website
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Ranked #13 of 34 attractions in Birmingham
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Owner description: This 1,000-acre oasis in downtown Birmingham attracts birdwatchers, hikers and nature lovers to its 11 miles of hiking and walking trails, nature... more » Owner description: This 1,000-acre oasis in downtown Birmingham attracts birdwatchers, hikers and nature lovers to its 11 miles of hiking and walking trails, nature center with native animals, picnic area, gardens, gift shop and special sunset hikes with wine and cheese or moonlight treks with music. « less
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30 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    13
    12
    3
    1
    1
Date Rating
Los Altos, CA
Senior Contributor
49 reviews 49 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 2, 2013

I did not expect such an extensive park so close to downtown Birmingham. This park is near the airport. Coming from the San Francisco bay area where there is lot of open space, I was happy to see this so close to the city center. I wish I had the time to do lot more hiking. We were on a... More

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Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 31, 2013

The Nature Center has a Naturalist on staff, and they know how to tailor their information to adults or youth.

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See 3 more reviews by Pat S for Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 18, 2013

I've lived in Birmingham since 1978, and first visited Ruffner in '87 - love the miles and miles of trails, woods, rocks, and now added new buildings, picnic and wetland areas. The parking lot is only three miles from the I-20 exit, so I feel (through years of personal experience) that any reviewers' safety concerns are wildly overblown - I... More

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See 4 more reviews by nature55_13 for Birmingham
Halifax, Canada
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 5, 2013

I came here as part of a large group. Very nice trails to walk, and I loved the all the animals. There was a big aquarium with turtles that we really liked, and they have a great gift shop.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 25, 2012

This is a gem in the middle of civilization. There are beautiful hiking trails and a diversity of wildlife to see, both in the nature center and on the trails. There is really no time of year that is bad to go and it is an excellent way to relax and appreciate some quiet in a busy week.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 14 more reviews by Marie R for Birmingham
Homewood, Alabama
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 24, 2012

This park can take up an entire day. Make sure to bring a GPS to look for nuggets of geocaching. Go when its not to hot.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by Steve W for Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed September 6, 2012

This place is great but the drive getting there is seedy and not worth the risk if your alone or with kids. Wish I didn't have to put that because it over shadows this nice nature center.

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See 8 more reviews by TsZappaLady for Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 30, 2012

Take my summer campers there every year. The staff is extremely knowledgeable Alabama wildlife and environmental issues and the guides are expertly trained. This summer one of my kids fell down while hiking and the guide responded immediately and knew exactly what to do. Extremely impressed with their "green" way of operating.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by marvalynd for Birmingham
West Palm Beach
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed August 1, 2012

Loved the trails, though this wasn't a huge hike for us! (didn't make it to the summit, due to lack of time!) - but it is just lovely! Be aware, you drive through a very scary and ghetto part of town to get there. Bring mace or a big dog, if you feel skittish about being in the woods at... More

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See 3 more reviews by piratical for Birmingham
Long Beach, Mississippi
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 28, 2012

I remember going here when I was little & it was my brother, my dad, & I. We were going to go on the 5 mile trail & hike the whole way, but my brother was acting like he was about to pass out, so we turned around & went back. I SO want to go back there & hike... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by CrayfishYAY for Birmingham

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