Crusher Trail

The Crusher trail offers the best view into the historical past of Ruffner Mountain. As you hike, you will pass several foundations, the ore crusher, and mine impressions. The trails begins about 1/2 mile into the Quarry Trail. A wooden sign post makes the trailhead. The trails is slightly steep in some places. As you leave the Quarry trail, you will turn downhill and pass through a thickly forested area until you intersect with the Ridge and Valley trail. Crossing over, you will continue to meander past mining foundations, sunken mine shafts and rock walls as you make your way towards the crusher. As you approach, you will cross over a small wooden bridge into a wet, creek bed. The very large crusher atop a stone foundation is the highlight of the hike. Continuing on, the trail weaves it way back up the mountain, past a few additional foundations and sunk mines before re-meeting the Ridge and Valley trail. At this point, you may want to follow the Ridge and Valley trail out; so as to not follow the same path as you entered.

Overall the hike is great for just about anytime. There are a few steep grades along the way, especially as you approach the crusher. Birds are numerous in the spring, as well as flowering plants. You may keep in mind also, that this hike can easily be combined with one of the other hikes at Ruffner.