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Ruffner Mountain was once home to the Sloss-Sheffield Mines where iron-ore and limestone were extracted and sent to the blast furnaces at Sloss. Join Gary Bostany and discover Ruffner’s role in the mining heyday of Birmingham while exploring these sites and artifacts up close.  Learn about the extended railroad system “the old mineral railroad” that serviced Ruffner and the rest of Red Mountain.

The hike is approximately 4 miles total, usually about 3.5 hours, with moderate inclines and slopes. The hike will take us to Mine Site #3, the limestone quarry and overlook. Adults and children 10 and up are welcome. We will meet at the nature center. Please bring water and any snacks or a bag lunch if you'd like. Registration is required for these hikes as well as a completed waiver for each participant attending.

Gary Bostany is a volunteer educational docent at Vulcan Park and Museum, and a history buff regarding Birmingham’s early days of the making of iron and steel.

Please complete the waiver here: WAIVER