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Guided Hike: Mining History with Gary Bostany - REGISTRATION CLOSED

  • Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve (map)

Miner’s Hike At Ruffner Mountain:

Join Gary Bostany on a hike at Ruffner Mountain while learning the history and its early beginnings. View some of the mining relics, iron-ore crushers— learn their purpose, and view mine openings that visitors rarely get to see. Learn about the extended railroad system “the old mineral railroad” that serviced Ruffner and the rest of Red Mountain.


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. Discover Ruffner’s role in the mining heyday of Birmingham while exploring these sites and artifacts up close.

The hike is approximately 3 miles total, usually about 3.5 hours, with moderate inclines and slopes. The hike will take us to Mine Site #3, and the Quarry. Adults and children 10 and up are welcome. We will meet at the tree house at the nature center and please bring water and any snacks or a bag lunch. Registration is required for these hikes.

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.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL. THANKS!

Earlier Event: February 10
Bird Habitat Workday
Later Event: February 12
Wildlife Up Close