When we walk in the woods, remarkable things happen. The fresh air and quiet calm lift our spirits and melt away worries. As we stride down the trail, oxygen-rich blood strengthens muscles and improves the heart and lungs. Over time, hiking can lower blood pressure, reduce respiratory problems, and boost your immune system. Plus, hiking provides a way for friends and families to gather, which nurtures relationships and enhances our social lives.
Fortunately, residents of Huntsville can easily work hiking into their routine. More than 100 trails in and near the city explore nature preserves, Monte Sano State Park, and a dozen greenways. From easy walks to challenging treks, you’ll find trails that suit your abilities and experience level. As you prepare to launch your next hike, consider these top Huntsville-area trails.
A Great Trail for Kids
Jones Valley Loop Trail, Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
For a convenient family escape, explore this 0.7-mile loop that skirts Bailey Cove Branch, a creek teeming with mini waterfalls and small pools. It makes the perfect watery playground for young ones on a warm, sunny day. Plus, people of all ages can handle this mellow trail with only modest elevation changes. Also, the path forms a loop measuring less than a mile, making it an ideal destination for a brief outing.
A Massive Waterfall
Bethel Spring Nature Preserve
You only have to hike about a mile to reach one of the largest waterfalls in Madison County. On the flank of Keel Mountain in Gurley, three high cascades combine to form a sprawling set of falls that plunge into a giant sinkhole. At first, this hike is pretty, as you follow the level Bethel Creek Loop and climb gradually on the Carpenter trail. Then, you begin a steep half-mile ascent on the Mill Trail to reach the falls.
Abundant Wildflowers
Wildflower Trail, Monte Sano Nature Preserve
In spring and summer, a wide variety of wildflowers bloom along this 0.5-mile path, which follows Fagan Creek at the base of Monte Sano Mountain. The moist soil on the creek bank provides fertile ground for myriad species, including trilliums, trout lilies, Indian pink flowers, and brilliant Alabama snow-wreath blossoms. For much of the way, the path hugs the creek and remains relatively level, allowing hikers to stroll comfortably. While flowers are a main attraction, Fagan Creek is also a popular warm-weather spot for families and kids who splash in shallow pools and search for crayfish.
A Challenging Hike
McKay Hollow Trail, Monte Sano State Park
The 2.4-mile McKay Hollow Trail will suit experienced hikers seeking a longer, more challenging trek. At the beginning of this hike, you’ll descend more than 500 feet on a steep, rocky path to McKay Hollow, one of the park’s more remote areas. In the hollow, you get a breather as the trail traverses a plateau. But at 1.5 miles, the hike becomes a real thigh-burner as you climb for almost a mile and gain more than 580 feet to reach the top of Monte Sano’s southern plateau.
Paved Greenway Path
Indian Creek Greenway (southern section), 7488 Old Madison Pike, Huntsville, AL
The Huntsville metro area is home to more than a dozen greenway paths. Because these trails are paved and mostly level, they’re ideal for people with disabilities and anyone seeking a smoother surface for walking, running, or biking. Measuring about 3 miles, this southern section of the Indian Creek Greenway includes long stretches where woods surround the path and shroud neighboring homes. Hugging the trail, the rushing waters of Indian Creek create a soothing soundtrack to escape the city noise.
Awesome Views
West Bluff Trail, Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
The 0.8-mile West Bluff Trail explores Green Mountain’s west side and boasts stellar views of the Tennessee Valley. To reach the path, you’ll first walk 0.8 miles on the Bill and Marion Certain Trail, which includes a steep climb. But the West Bluff Trail rewards you with a stroll across the mountain crest. Be sure to pack a phone or other camera because outcrops along the trail make perfect spots to take photos. At 0.4 miles, turn right onto a short path to reach a rock outcrop with a bird’s eye view of forested land. Just beyond 0.5 miles, a power line break offers a panoramic view of Huntsville.
For information on 150 trails in the Huntsville metro area, get your copies of Hiking Huntsville Volume 1 and Hiking Huntsville Volume 2 by local author Marcus Woolf.
Marcus Woolf has been an editor and writer for outdoor adventure magazines and other media for over 25 years. As a native of Huntsville, Marcus grew up on Monte Sano Mountain, where he discovered his love for hiking. When he isn’t mapping trails for books, Marcus enjoys backpacking, canoeing and kayaking with his wife, Wendy.
Over time, hiking can lower blood pressure, reduce respiratory problems, and boost your immune system. Plus, hiking provides a way for friends and families to gather, which nurtures relationships and enhances our social lives.