Hike to Ruffner Mountain's Hawk's View Overlook

Birmingham, Alabama

4.8/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by John Morgan Harrison

This is a quick and easy little climb in northeast Birmingham with a rewarding view that faces the sunset. I have been at both sunrise and sunset and it is better at the sunset. Be on the lookout for hidden gems such as the little caves and paths to walk around the rim of the abandoned quarry areas.

Park at the little league baseball fields that are across the road from the access point where the trail meets the road on the southeastern corner of the preserve that you can see on the map. Hike up a gentle incline NW on the Ridge and Valley Trail for about fifteen minutes to the trail intersection with the Possum Loop Trail, where you head left on Possum and follow the sign towards the overlook. Once you arrive at the general area of the quarry there are lots of little trails to follow and explore the area, with many cool things to find.

Trail Map

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness
Chillin
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

Hike to Ruffner Mountain's Hawk's View Overlook Reviews

The best view of Birmingham- hands down. It's quiet up there, and you can't beat the sunset views. There is a shortcut, but it's probably better to stay on the main trail. And if you think you've reached the end, you haven't. It can be confusing, but keep going. You'll see the whole city and you won't be able to walk any further- that's when you know you're there. Enjoy!

Takes 15 minutes to get to the downtown overlook. As Emma said, go left at the fork where it says "to trails" and 5 minutes later you'll reach more signs. Follow the overlook one for about 5 minutes to get to the first overlook, Cambrian, which gives you a good view of the quarry. About 5 more minutes past that you'll reach the overlook that gives the awesome view of downtown! The trails throughout here are nice enough for anyone wanting to do a little trail running.

Didn't follow the trail/ridge route. Went to the left at the fork where it says trails from the ball field and after about 5 min got to a sign that said left to overlook. Easy to get to but definitely room for some more advanced hiking

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Jemison Park Nature Trail

Bike to Sloss Furnace from Railroad Park

Run at Railroad Park in Downtown Birmingham

Kayak the Cahaba River

Trail Run to Skyhy Tree House at Red Mountain Park

King's Chair Overlook