Hiking the Jones Valley Loop
Nestled behind the parking lot of the Church of the Nazarene in Huntsville, Alabama, lies a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and casual hikers alike—the Jones Valley Loop Trail. This delightful trail, is part of the Blevins Gap North Preserve and Land Trust of North Alabama Property. It offers a serene hiking experience suitable for all ages. A Glimpse of the Trail The Jones Valley Loop Trail is a smooth and easy 0.8-mile loop, perfect for families, beginners, and those looking for a quick nature escape. There are some roots and small rocks along the way, so it is unfortunately not stroller-friendly, but still easy to walk. My boys have…
The 12 Best Kid Friendly Trails of the Huntsville Area
Hiking with my family is one of my favorite activities. It’s a great way to exercise and expend the kids’ energy. It also offers a wonderful opportunity to breathe some fresh air, connect with nature, and, for the most part, enjoy the many trails that are free to use. Here are the top 12 kid friendly trails in the Huntsville area that will leave everyone delighted. 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…
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve- Spragins Hollow Trailhead
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is a Land Trust property spanning 935 acres, and is situated in North Huntsville, Alabama. It boasts a 12-mile network of trails accessible through three trailheads, with one located at the beginning of Spragins Hollow Trailhead. The Spragins Hollow Trailhead starts directly behind the parking lot and provides a choice of two trails to begin with: Devil’s Racetrack and Piney Loop Trail. Many of the trails at the Spragins Hollow Trailhead are smooth and easy, making them ideal for beginner hikers or families with small children. My family particularly enjoys hiking here during the fall to witness the beauty of the changing leaves. Trails: Piney Loop…
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve- Pulaski Pike Trailhead
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is a 935-acre natural reserve located in North Huntsville, Alabama. It features an extensive network of trails that cover a total of 12 miles. The preserve offers multiple trailheads, including one at the start of the Wade Mountain Greenway on Pulaski Pike. Wade Mountain Greenway begins on the Pulaski Pike side of Wade Mountain, offering a smooth, paved walkway that stretches for approximately 1 mile. This pathway is ideal for individuals seeking a short easy stroll, bicyclists, wheelchairs and strollers. After walking the greenway for approximately 1 mile, two benches mark the end of the paved area and the wilderness starts. The Wade Mountain Greenway Trail…
Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve in Madison City, Alabama, is part of The Land Trust of North Alabama. It offers over 3 miles and 147 acres of unique hiking experiences that differ from many other trails and preserves in the area. It’s mostly rocky terrain provides numerous moderate to difficult trails in the lower areas of the preserve, making it an excellent place for a workout. A playground for children is located at the entrance of the preserve, inviting the entire family to stay active. However, it’s important to note that not all the trails in the preserve are kid-friendly. If hikers stick to the top of the preserve, close to…
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve is a 551-acre property located to the east of Huntsville. The Preserve is part of the Land Trust of North Alabama and currently holds 7 well-marked interconnected trails, totaling 4.5 miles in all. My family frequents this preserve quite often, as most of the trails are fairly easy and child-friendly. This makes the preserve a perfect place for a quick getaway. Trails: Chapman Mountain is not only for hikers; horseback riders and bicyclist are also welcome. Additionally, the preserve features the Terry Education Pavilion, designed for educational purposes and community gatherings, as well as the Chapman Pines Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course located in Driskell…
Old Railroad Bed Trail
Old Railroad Bed Trail is a 2.9-mile moderate point-to-point trail on Monte Sano with a lot of history. This trail is home to one of the country’s oldest and shortest-used rail corridors, the Monte Sano Railway. In the late 1800s, a hotel was built atop the 1,600-foot Monte Sano. In order to transport passengers to the hotel location at the top, the railroad was built by 500 construction workers in four months. The line opened August 1888 and guests paid 25 cents each way to get to Hotel Monte Sano. However, by October, a derailment caused by brake failure frightened passengers away. As a result, only freight cars used the…
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…
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…
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…
Everything is Wonderful in Huntsville
