The 12 Best Kid Friendly Trails of the Huntsville Area

1. Harvest Square Nature Preserve: Located in Harvest, off Highway 53, this place is a hidden gem among the Land Trust of North Alabama properties. Most trails are easy, flat, and no longer than 1 mile, making them child-friendly. The Preserve features many boardwalks and bridges, and if you stick to the trails around the ponds, they are stroller-friendly too.

2. Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk (1.1 mi.): Situated in Madison, AL, this trail is an easy 1-mile out-and-back journey. Home to the largest Tupelo tree swamp, Beaverdam is a beautiful sight, where you might even spot some small creatures and bugs. The trail alternates between boardwalk and light gravel, making it another stroller-friendly option.

3. Madison County Nature Trail (1.5 mi): Located on Green Mountain, families can immerse themselves in nature, stopping at quaint cabins, train depots, old  outdoor schoolrooms, and covered bridges where children can play. This remains one of my kids’ favorite trails for adventures and is a perfect spot for family photos.

4. Wildflower Trail (0.7 mi): An easy trail in Huntsville, close to the parking lot, starts off with a rocky stream where kids can play in the water. If you look closely, you might spot tadpoles and small fish.

5. The Three Caves Loop (.26mi): A short, easy hike that surrounds three man-made caves. Unfortunately, entry into the caves is prohibited for safety reasons, but the view is still amazing. If you’re looking to extend the hike, Waterline and Alms House Trail connect to this loop for another thrilling adventure.

6. Space and Rocket Center Trails: Huntsville wouldn’t be complete without an extraterrestrial trail. Hidden behind the Space and Rocket Center, near the campgrounds, hikers can enjoy spotting old space equipment and airplanes that little ones can climb in. All the trails here are flat and easy, with fun discoveries for kids or adults.

7. Moonshine Trail on Chapman Mountain (0.5mi): An easy well marked trail starting from the parking lot on Chapman Mountain. The trail keeps kids entertained with a bird and blind spot for viewing birds; the trail ends at a natural spring area once rumored to have been used for making moonshine. If you’re looking to extend the trail, part of Terry Trail connects to Moonshine Trail, making a loop. You’ll find labeled trees and a guide on the Land Trust to learn more about them. Old farm equipment along the trail adds to the fun.

8. Balance Rock Trail on Rainbow Mountain (0.27mi): Rainbow Mountain, located in Madison, offers a unique experience near Huntsville. At the trail’s start, there’s a small playground for kids. While not all trails are kid or beginner-friendly, the Balance Rock Trail is the best option for families, featuring huge rocks for kids to climb and a relatively smooth, easy path. Other trails to consider include the High Pass Trail for amazing views from rocky overlooks and the Stoneridge Trail. The Rainbow Loop is safe for some parts, but it becomes difficult when the trail starts to descend downhill.

9. Jones Valley Loop on Blevins Gap (0.8mi): At the Fanning trailhead, a beautiful seasonal waterfall flows, especially after rainfall. The Jones Valley Loop is an easy trail that loops around the stream and waterfall, with even Pikler Triangle ladders for kids to enjoy.

10. Wade Mountain Greenway (0.87 mi): A smooth and easily accessible paved pathway begins right at the Pulaski Pike Trailhead. Perfect for strollers and even bikes, this section is owned by the City of Huntsville. At the end of the paved greenway, the Land Trust hiking trails begin. If you’re looking for more of a woodsy trail, try the Cotton Valley Trail directly after the greenway. It extends for an additional 0.34 mile loop and is perfect for families wanting to get lost in the woods.

11. Alum Hollow Trail on Green Mountain (2.2 mi): This trail is one of my favorites. It’s an easy 2-mile out-and-back trail complete with a waterfall and cave. There is a difficult part near the destination where you’ll need to keep a close eye on children, but other than that, it’s a perfect place for the entire family. You might want to bring water shoes to play in the water near the fall.

12. Monte Sano State Park: I must mention Monte Sano, This park does have a small entry fee, but it’s totally worth it. For $5 per adult and $2 per child ages 4-11, you can spend the entire day hiking the trails, seeing waterfalls, and letting the kids play on the huge playground. My favorite trail for kids to walk is the Fire Tower Trail. While the fire tower is no longer standing, there are quite a few historical landmarks, a Japanese Tea Garden, and at the intersection of the Bog Trail, the Classroom at the Lake.