One of my favorite things to do when the weather warms up is go on a hike with my kids. I mean, load up the dog, put on our “muddy shoes”, and disappear down a trail for an hour or two kind of hike. Thankfully, the Land Trust of North Alabama hosts a fantastic guided hike series and they just released their Spring schedule!

That’s what makes the Land Trust of North Alabama such a treasure for local families – it’s their mission to preserve and protect Huntsville & Madison County green spaces. They are all about connecting people with nature. To date, more than 6,000 acres in five counties have been preserved and 70+ miles of public trails have been developed and are maintained with the help of their committed volunteers.

Please note: Reservations are required for all hikes. Call 256-534-5263 or email [email protected] to RSVP.

2018 Spring Guided Hike Series

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Hike to Monte Sano Baths

Saturday, March 10 at 9:00 AM
Bankhead Trailhead (map) 
3.5 hours / 4.5 miles / Difficult
Hike with guide Bruce Martin to the location of Monte Sano’s Historic Roman Style Baths which were a sought-after feature of the Hotel Monte Sano. Learn about the history of the once popular hotel, the railroad, and Tally-ho service that transported guests while enjoying the freshly sprung wildflowers and budding trees that adorn these trails.

Oak Park Hike

Saturday, March 17 at 9:00 AM
Oak Park Trailhead (map)
3 hours / 2.8 miles / Difficult
Enjoy some green on St. Patrick’s Day with the Land Trust of North Alabama. This guided hike begins at Monte Sano Nature Preserve’s newest trailhead at Oak Park. Guide David Young will lead you from Oak Park to Raven Point’s waterfall, Dallas Branch’s drainage basin – a highlight of this area – and to view the shallow sea fossils on Bankhead Trail.

Hike the Wildflower Trail

Sunday, March 18 at 1:30 and again at 4:00 PM
Wildflower Trailhead (map)
1 hour / 1.5 miles/ Easy
RCM’s favorite hike for kids! Become a botanist for the day as you walk with expert Lynne Weninegar and learn about the many species of plants and flowers growing alongside Fagan Creek. Moderate incline; roots and rocks on trail.

Alum Hollow Herpetology Hike

Saturday, March 24 at 10:00 AM
13800 South Shawdee Road (map)
3 hours / 2 miles / Moderate – Difficult
Join Alabama A&M Biology & Environmental Science’s Andrew Cantrell on a herping adventure. Explore the unique selection of amphibians and reptiles, also known as herps, that call South Green Mountain home.

Rainbow Mountain Hike

Saturday, March 31 at 9:00 AM
Rainbow Mountain Trailhead (map)
2 hours / 2.5 miles / Moderate – Difficult
Head out with former Land Trust Board Member and wildlife enthusiast Adele Hoffman for a trip around Rainbow Mountain Loop. Take a stop by the famous balance rock and find out what makes Rainbow Mountain one of our most popular preserves!

Hike with Fido

Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 AM
Chapman Mountain Trailhead (map) 
2.5 hours / 3 miles / Moderate
Bring your own pup or test hike a new family addition with Land Trust Board Member Mike Dalen and the Greater Huntsville Human Society at our newest preserve. GHHS will be onsite with some very lovable, adoptable dogs and you’ll have opportunity to meet them and head out on the trails. This is a great social opportunity for all dogs!

Walls of Jericho

Saturday, April 7 at 8:30 AM
Meet at Hardee’s in Gurley (map)
6+ hours / 6 miles / Very Difficult
Rated one of the best hiking trails in Alabama, Walls of Jericho is definitely a bucket list hike. Mike Dalen will lead you through the mountains, woods, springs, hosting caves, rocky bluffs, and riparian forests that make this Jackson County trail so famous. Bring a sack lunch and lots of water.

Devil’s Race Track Hike

Sunday, April 8 at 2:00 PM
Devil’s Race Track Trailhead (map)
2 hours / 2.5 miles / Moderate
Springtime on Wade Mountain offers an incredible variety of trees and wildflowers in bloom. Head out on the trail with botanist Lynne Weninegar as she leads a hike on plant identification at Devil’s Race Track.

Monte Sano History Sampler Hike

Saturday, April 14 at 9:00 AM
Monte Sano Trailhead (map)
3.5 miles / 3 hours / Difficult
Join Historian Bruce Martin on journey through Monte Sano history. You’ll begin at the old Monte Sano Dump, Travel to Fagan Springs, visit the Monte Sano Pumphouse and Hospital Hollow, stop at the Railroad Bed Megatrestle, and finally hike up the Old Wagon Road before returning on the Bluffline Trail.

Birding Hike at Whitaker Reserve

​Sunday, April 15 at 7:30 AM
Meet at Hardee’s in Gurley (map)
1.5 hours / Easy walk on flat land
It’s time for spring migration and Whitaker Nature Preserve is the perfect place to view a wide variety of avian travelers. John Ehinger will help you find and identify birds visiting this beautiful property owned by the Nature Conservancy in Alabama and managed by the Land Trust. No dogs on this hike please.

Alum Hollow Hike

Sunday, April 21 at 10 AM
Green Mountain Preserve (map) 
3 hours / 2.5 miles / Moderate to Difficult
The Green Mountain Preserve has gained a few more hiking trails and the Land Trust is excited to show them off! Join Board Member Mike Dalen as you navigate the newly added Talus, Ranger, and Three Sisters trails.

Blevins Gap Hike

Saturday, April 28 at 10 AM
Blevins Gap Trailhead (map) 
6 miles / 4 hours/ Difficult
Join seasoned hike leader Richard Williams on a challenging hike around Blevins Gap. Richard will lead you down the Smokerise trail, over to the Sugar Tree Trail, down the Varnedoe Trail, and back up the Bill and Marion Certain trail. You’ll get to experience two overlooks. Bring a sack lunch and be ready for a picnic with a view!

Rainbow Mountain Hike

Sunday, April 29 at 2:00 PM
Rainbow Mountain Trailhead (map)
2.5 hours / 3 hours / Moderate to Difficult
Join former Land Trust Board Member Jim Chamberlain on a journey through the Rainbow Mountain Loop. Jim will take you to the many points of interest that have earned Rainbow Mountain the honor of being named Trip Advisor’s number one best thing to do in Madison!

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