Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Hikers, bikers, paddlers and fun-seekers: Irondale has something for everyone
Reading time: 6 minutes
Sponsored
Think about how you spend your free time: If you’re an outdoor-lover, you shouldn’t have to travel far outside your own backyard to access the fun.
This is why the City of Irondale is worth considering for those who love to hike, bike, paddle, play and more.
Location, location, location
With Ruffner Mountain on one side of the city and the Cahaba River on the other, Irondale makes it easy to get out and play thanks to the trails and access points that run through—or in close proximity to—city limits.
The city has also worked to form partnerships with conservation and preservation groups like the Fresh Water Land Trust, Ruffner and the Cahaba River Society.
“With our abundant natural resources, Irondale is perfectly positioned to serve as an eco-tourism destination for our citizens and visitors from across the region.
We’ve invested in creating a robust parks master plan with the input of our residents, and we’re following through on bringing that plan to fruition with our new Tails by the Rails dog park, Ruffner Park Sports Complex and more to come.”
James D. Stewart, Jr., Mayor, City of Irondale
As the weather warms up, here’s how to take advantage of your favorite outdoor activities in and around Irondale this spring and beyond.
For hikers: Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
At more than 1,000 acres and 10 miles of trails, there’s plenty to do, see and experience at Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. A nature preserve of this size this close to a large population is a true treat for those who like to take their strolls off the beaten path. In fact, it’s one of the country’s largest privately-managed preserves.
Hikers here love to bring along their dogs, but please keep your furry friends leashed at all times.
- Get there: Trailhead access is just across the street from Ruffner Park Sports Complex, 301 Ruffner Road
- Don’t miss: The Nature Center, where you can check out a variety of native snakes, turtles, owls and more. The Center also does amazing animal rehabilitation work.
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7AM-7PM (closes at 5PM November-February)
- The Nature Center can have more limited hours, but is usually open Thursday-Sunday from 9AM-5PM.
- Cost: Free to enter | Citizens accessing the trailhead can park at the Ruffner Park Sports Complex for free, too!
For cyclists: The City of Irondale’s Highway 78
Irondale offers plenty of fun routes for cyclists, but Highway 78 is a popular path.
Detour a quick few blocks north via 20th street for our favorite stops to take a break: Check out the mural at city hall for a selfie moment, or stop to refuel at one of the restaurants or cafes along the way.
Train-watching enthusiasts cite Irondale as top-notch for spotting, as around 50 trains pass through each day.
- Get there: Busy highway 78 between Irondale and Leeds might be best for more experienced cyclers, so those who are looking for a more leisurely pace will love exploring Irondale along 1st Avenues North and South.
- Don’t miss: The City of Irondale’s annual farmers’ market ramps back up on Saturday mornings starting May 24. If you arrive by bike, consider a backpack for your fresh hauls.
For paddlers: Enjoy the Cahaba calm
Boasting two canoe access points to the Cahaba is a definite plus: The Grants Mill Canoe Launch & River Walk (also known as Cahaba Landing) and the Moon River Canoe Launch (on hwy 78 just before the Cahaba River bridge) make it easy to take in all the natural beauty along the way.
For those who like to linger longer: A three to five-hour float starting from the Grants Mill location takes you all the way to Liberty Park! If dry land is more your scene, the Landing offers a 1.5-mile nature trail and fishing opportunities.
- Get there: Put in at Grants Mill Canoe Launch & River Walk: 2171 Grants Mill Rd
- Get there: Put in at Moon River Canoe Launch: 6213 Hwy 78
- Float on: The Cahaba River Society is a non-profit dedicated to conservation and celebration of the Cahaba River. Check out their guided canoe tours to explore the river’s fascinating flora.
For the kid in all of us: Playgrounds, picnics, puppies + pick-up sports in Irondale
There’s no shortage of spots to stretch your legs around Irondale. Here are some of our favorite places to while a way a sunny afternoon in Irondale:
- Beacon Park (off Beacon behind Irondale Pickers) offers a walking track, playground + space for picnics + barbecues.
- Ruffner Sports Complex (near Ruffner Road and 16th Street) is a newly-opened destination for youth sports in the city with playgrounds + artificial turf playing fields
- Tails by the Rails at Ellard Park Dog Park (downtown Irondale between 1st Ave N and Ruffner Rd) is another new offering that has separate areas for large and small dogs, shaded seating, watering stations + fun play equipment for pups.
🎥 Must see: Irondale’s Screen Scene Movie Series this summer! 🍿
Look out for the Screen Scene Movie Series hosted at Beacon Park this summer on select Friday nights at 7PM. The City of Irondale will provide free hot dogs, popcorn, train rides, snow cones, lemonade and more.
Just pack the family, blankets and lawn chairs and get ready to view:
- “Wicked“: May 23
- “The Wild Robot”: June 20
- “Mufasa“: July 18
We can’t wait to get out and play in Irondale! Where’s your favorite way to spend an afternoon in the outdoors?
Sponsored by:
