Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, Birmingham, AL


Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in Birmingham, Alabama is one place residents and visitors can head to get out into nature. The city surrounds this area, but when in the nature center and parkland one can be in forested land. Ruffner Mountain Nature Center provides 1,011 acres of natural land that has remained undeveloped for centuries. It is one of the only places in Red Mountain Ridge that has never been touched by industry. It is a ten minute drive from Birmingham to reach the nature center. There are walking and hiking paths to enjoy for a half day or full day. The trails offer an abundance of biodiversity with wetlands and wildlife. Some of the area within the park has been mined for iron, but this was in the earlier 19th century.

The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center refers to a building and the park land. The facilities on site provide a lesson for visitors regarding the area and its history. Programs about nature and the environment exist for visits. There are also some exhibits like the raptors, turtles, and other native wildlife. Teachers can bring their classes to the nature center for a hike and tour of the facilities or families can come for the experience.

The old facility on the site was redone in 2009. This new building is called the Tree Top Visitor Center. It also showcases a Mountainside Pavilion Complex. The complex offers shows and other productions for visitors. The meeting rooms and Tree Top Activity Room allows for students and teachers to gather during their visit. Restrooms, vending, and picnic areas are also available.

The construction is still ongoing with the new center, which means some sections are still closed off. Since the center is closed for this time no hours have been released, though it is likely they will be the same hours as the trails. The trails are open Monday through Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. The trails and rest of the park are closed on major holidays. There is no admission fee for the center or the park. However, it could change in the future. They also accept donations to keep the facility running.

The renovations currently ongoing at the park for the nature center have been made possible through donations and city help. Many fundraisers were held to raise the money. The programs offered through the facilities do have fees. They are highly reasonable, but help to keep the facilities open and running.

The programs include a weekend program, winter camps, spring, summer, and general camps. There are also options for Saturdays on the Mountain in which visitors are taken on a tour to learn about Red Mountain, how it helped promote Birmingham, and how it is being conserved now. Conservation is very important to the park facilities. They have a number of ways to protect the wildlife. When going out on the trails visitors are asked not to feed or try to pet any animals they encounter.

Review, comment, or add new information about this topic:

Discuss Birmingham, Alabama (AL) on our hugely popular Alabama forum.


City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site.  Use at your own risk.
Some parts © 2024 Advameg, Inc.