A 1,038-acre nature preserve inside the city limits, one of the largest urban nature preserves in the eastern United States. Ruffner Mountain sits on a ridge east of downtown and has fourteen miles of trails running through oak-hickory forest, past iron ore mines from Birmingham's industrial era, and to ridge overlooks with city views.
The preserve is managed by the nonprofit Ruffner Mountain and is free to visit with a suggested donation. The old mine shafts and iron ore cuts along the trail system add industrial-historical interest to what would already be a solid hiking destination. Good for a morning walk before visiting downtown Birmingham in the afternoon.