Ruffner Mountain is a privately held 1,038-acre urban nature preserve in the heart of Birmingham. The park has educational programs for children and adults and creates a rehabilitation center for wildlife. Hikers can enjoy the 14 miles of trails, from easy to difficult, branch and loop all over the mountain at difficulty levels. The trails are open to the public from morning till evening. The student groups from pre-K to undergraduate level frequently use the trails for science research studies, and other organizations and local hiking clubs enjoy their paths. They pride themselves on affording fun, hands-on, and relevant field trips. This reserve provides opportunities for hiking and education and artifacts from the mining days. The nature center offers exhibits and gift shops, and services for families. There is also an outdoor, roofed area complete with tables near the bathrooms for a simple picnic or other small events.

Red Mountain Park is a 1,500-acre public urban park that encloses a 4.5-mile-long section of Red Mountain, a prominent ridge that passes through Birmingham, Alabama. Tourists can enjoy walking and mountain biking trails for over 15 miles. The park tours include support for regular cleanups and natural area planning and promote the park in their communities and different community sites. The park features over 15 miles of trails featuring two city overlook, three breathtaking tree houses, the 6-acre off-leash Remy's dog park adventures like the Vulcan materials zip trip, and the Kaul adventure tower. Currently, Red Mountain Park receives about 11,000 visitors every month. Accessible parking and restrooms are provided. The park features wide, flat trails, challenging trails, beautiful scenery, folks, and is dog-friendly. The woodland park contains closed mines and other artifacts of the city's industrial history.

Vulcan Trail scales the ridge of a 1,025-foot hiking trail in Birmingham. This tree-lined park offers cool respite from the heat, while bare winter trees yield city views in summer. The trail provides a bird's eye view of many notable historical buildings and regions. Its paved surface is beautiful for walkers, joggers, and those who take pets for a stroll. Vulcan Trail also houses the Vulcan Museum, which explores the town's manufacturing history and offers revolving displays. The route runs below this 10-acre park, home to the world's largest cast-iron statue and trail/park namesake. The park is generally considered an easy route, and it takes an average of 1 hour 17 min to complete. The park is a popular trail for road biking, trail running, and walking. The park is a nice downtown paved trail with great views and lots of shade. The park is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers.