Hikes
Wildflower Trail
The Wildflower Trail in Huntsville, Alabama is a great option for a family walk. It is located at the base of Monte Sano and is protected by the Land Trust of North Alabama. The trail is relatively short, measuring 0.7 miles out and back, and is an easy hike suitable for families and beginners. As you walk along the trail, you will encounter rocky terrain and follow alongside Fagan Creek. The trail gets its name from the beautiful wildflowers that can be spotted during the spring. If you visit in early spring, you may be able to see Yellow Trout Lilies, Wild Blue Phlox flowers, and more. The creek and…
Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk is an excellent place for a quick walk in Huntsville, Alamba. Located off I-565 on County Line Road, the trail is part of the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. It is an easy, well-marked, 1.1-miles out-and-back trail, taking an average 20 minutes to walk. Beaverdam is partially split between a flat, lightly gravel path and boardwalk, making it another stroller and wheelchair friendly trail. The path is surrounded by Alabama’s largest Swamp Tupelos, trees that thrive in a constant flooded environment. This trail is perfect for young children and people of varying abilities. Wildlife sightings are common, especially during the wetter seasons. Our favorite time to visit is…
Hickory Cove Nature Preserve
Hickory Cove Nature Preserve is the newest preserve of the Land Trust of North Alabama, making it the Land Trust’s tenth preserve. The preserve spans 146 acres of mountainside and features the Legacy Loop Trail. Additionally, it is located alongside part of the City of Huntsville’s Trailhead Greenway. The Legacy Loop Trail is a moderate 1.74-mile loop that starts from the Trailhead Greenway, near a springhouse. The trail takes hikers through a forest, up and down the mountainside, ending near the entrance. Along the way, hikers can enjoy scenic views of rocky bluffs, wet weather falls, wildflowers, and a variety of trees. The trail is well marked and rated moderate…
Space and Rocket Center Trails
The Space and Rocket Center is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Huntsville. People from all over the country come to view the rockets and other space artifacts. What many people do not know is that directly behind the center, hidden in plain sight, lie some amazing space-themed trails. Along the trails, hikers will find broken-down aircraft, cockpits, planes, and even a “UFO.” The trails are fairly flat and easy to navigate, making them perfect for families with small children, people of varying abilities, and bicyclists. Each trail connects to the others, offering about four miles total, but hikers can easily exit the trail if they want to do…
The Three Caves Loop
The Three Caves Loop is an easy 0.26-mile loop trail near Huntsville, Alabama. The short hike leads you around the perimeter of The Three Caves, which were created when the area was a limestone mine. Along the trail, there are barrier gates to help people get a good view of the caves but keep them from falling. However, the entire loop is not gated off, so watch for some steep areas, especially around young children. You cannot enter the caves due to falling rock. There are gates blocking entry. But it still offers an amazing view. Three Caves often has concerts and events held there. This was my very first…
Harvest Square Nature Preserve
Harvest Square Nature Preserve is one of my favorite hidden spots, located off Highway 53, next to Publix. Harvest Square is the smallest nature preserve of Land Trust North Alabama, covering 69 acres, with 33 acres of farmland and two miles of interconnected hiking trails. The trails are extremely diverse, ranging from crushed gravel, boardwalks, grassy areas, farmland, into woods, and next to two manmade ponds, Terry and Turner Ponds. The trails are mainly flat, making them perfect for young kids or people with varying abilities Trails: Beaver Dam Trail: (0.21 mi) An accessible crushed gravel trail that passes near the beaver home. This trail is at the start of…
Hiking Bethel Springs Nature Preserve
The largest waterfall in Madison County lies nestled on a 360-acre property on Keel Mountain. The Bethel Spring Nature Preserve is a beautiful hike located in New Hope, Alabama, offering hikers 1.8 total miles of free trails to explore. The preserve has two trails hikers can choose from. The first one, Bethel Creek Loop, is at the start of the preserve. The trail is a 0.3-mile simple loop. The trail starts off on a small bridge. Hikers proceed to pass through farmland, Bethel Creek and a valley view looking up at Keel Mountain. The next trail is one of my family’s favorite trails and is actually three trails combined to…
