Some days you just wanna get outside and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re into beautiful scenery and getting a bit of exercise, head to these great parks, greenways, and hiking trails that are right in your backyard.
Address: 1100 Mountain Gap Road Huntsville, AL 35803
Acres: 103.55
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: Paved 4.19 mile trail trail with walking, jogging, bicycling and rollerblading allowed. Pets allowed on a leash only. Parking at Ken Johnston Park.
Address: 2710 Carl T. Jones Drive Huntsville, AL 35802
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: 0.9 mile, multi-use walking and biking trail that runs along Atwood Drive and connects Jones Family Park to the Valley Hill Country Club. A small parking lot is available near the Aldridge Creek Bridge on Four Mile Post Road or large parking lots can be found at the northern terminus at Valley Bend Shooping Center at Jones Farm.
Address: 2641 Cherry Tree Road, Gurley, AL 35748
Acres: 360
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info: Bethel Spring Nature Preserve on Keel Mountain offers 200 acres open for outdoor recreation with a little under two miles of trails for hikers to explore. The property includes upland forest, working farmland, historic sites, an environmentally significant spring and creek, as well as one of Madison County’s largest waterfalls.
Bethel Creek Loop Trail is a .3 mile crushed gravel loop that welcomes hikers at the start of the trail system and makes natural exploration accessible to visitors of varying abilities. An easy stroll, the trail passes alongside working farmland and Bethel Creek before returning to the trailhead and parking area. An approximately 1-mile hike will lead you to the spectacular waterfall. The hike is difficult due to changes in elevation and slippery or rocky areas but worth the effort.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: 315 Fountain Circle Huntsville, AL 35801
Acres: 0.3
Type: Park
Info: Splash fountains operating seasonally for children
Address: 261 Old Highway 431 Huntsville, AL 35763
Acres: 53.4
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: Paved 2.86 mile trail with walking, jogging, bicycling and rollerblading allowed. Also offers outdoor exercise equipment. Pets allowed on a leash only. Connects to the Flint River Greenway at Hays Nature Preserve. Parking at Hampton Cove Elementary School
Address: 200 Church Street Huntsville, AL 35801
Acres: 17.96
Type: Park
Info: Park overlooking natural spring in downtown Huntsville. Park offers picnic tables, park benches, and lots of green space. Also serves as a venue for annual festivals and other outdoor activities including Panolpy Arts Festival, Concerts in the Park, and more.
Address: 4100 Cecil Ashburn Drive Huntsville, AL 35802
Acres: 1,086
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info:
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve is a natural oasis in South Huntsville minutes from residential and commercial hot spots. The preserve is divided into two sections with trails to the north and south of Cecil Ashburn Drive. The main Blevins Gap Trailhead provides access to around 8 miles of woodland hiking trails on the south side of Cecil Ashburn. This area features Huntsville’s best spot to enjoy spectacular valley views, including a spectacular overlook directly off the spacious parking lot. It’s a great spot to stop and enjoy a sunset.
Trails north of Cecil Ashburn can be accessed from Fanning Trailhead (located behind Southeast Church of the Nazarene). This portion of the preserve features a rocky incline with wet-weather waterfalls and approximately 4.5 miles of trails.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: Palmer Road Madison AL, 35758
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: 12 foot wide pathway stretching for approximately 2.3 miles beginning at Palmer Park and ending at Heritage Elementary School
Address: 3770 Ivy Ave SW Huntsville, AL 35805
Acres: 169.62
Type: Park
Info: Large park offering 6 baseball and 4 softball fields, 6 volleyball courts, disc golf, horseshoe courts, and 4 multipurpose fields. Park also offers 3 playgrounds, 12 pavilions, concessions and restrooms. Pavillions can be reserved for a fee through the Brahan Spring Recreation Center.
Address:1263 U.S Hwy 72 East, Huntsville, AL 35811
Acres: 459
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info:
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve is located just to the east of Huntsville on HWY 72. A little over 3 miles of trails are ready to explore. The eastern portion of the preserve, formerly used for agriculture, offers flat, easy hikes among the pine trees. This area also includes Chapman Pines Disc Golf Course. Trails on the west end of the property climb the mountainside. This includes Terry Trail, named for the family who donated the property, along this one-mile journey you’ll see large hardwoods, mossy rocks, and an old roadway. As you hike, you can follow the Big Tree Tour on Terry Trail for an educational guide to the tree species found on this property featuring some of the preserves largest trees. Through a partnership with Alabama A&M University, Bulldog Trail crosses the northern boundary of the preserve and offers access to an adjoining 225-acre property owned by A&M.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: 360A Harvestwood Court Huntsville, AL 35758
Acres: 71.88
Type: Park
Info: Large park with 5 pavillions, a large playground, restrooms, a walking trail and lots of green space.
Address: 293 Ditto Landing Road Huntsville, AL 35803
Type: Park
Info: A public facility operated by the Huntsville-Madison County Marina and Port Authority. Dry storage for boats up to 23’, wet slips, overnight docking, picnic pavilions that accommodate 50-300 people, shaded campsites, fishing, boat ramps, fuel dock and more.
Address: 200 Cleveland Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801
Acres: 1.5
Type: Park
Info: Greenspace for dogs and their owners
Address: 8324 Madison Pike Madison, AL 35758
Acres: 60
Type: Park
Info: Basketball court, 9 soccer fields, 7 tennis courts, volleyball and disc golf course. Park also offers playground, diving well, indoor and outdoor pool, kiddie pool, walking track, and walking trails
Address: Adjacent to Haysland Road
Acres: 2.5 miles
Info: The Elgie’s Walk Greenway includes nearly 2.5 miles of a new 12-foot-wide multi-use path, stretching from Grissom High School to Bell Mountain Park on Redstone Road. The Elgie’s Walk Greenway is the first phase of an additional 5.3 miles of hard surface walking paths to be constructed at Hays Farm within the Rena and Elgie Hays Green Park.
Address: 2710 Drake Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805
Type: Park
Info: Park offers a playground for children of all abilities, a pavillion, and restrooms
Address: Southeast Old 431 Highway, Huntsville, AL
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: 1.87 mile long walking and biking trail connecting Old US 431 to the Big Cove Creek Greenway in the Hays Nature Preserve where parking is available. Parking is also available off Old Hwy 431.
Address: 200 Monroe Street NW Huntsville, AL 35801
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: 0.6 mile trail that connects Veterans Park to Pratt Avenue in downtown Huntsville. Parking is available along Meridian Street.
Address: 13800 South Shawdee Road, Huntsville, AL 35803
Acres: 366
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info: Green Mountain Nature Preserve features pristine forest, mountain streams, and waterfalls flowing toward the Tennessee River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of interesting natural and historic features while exploring over 5 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Alum Hollow Trail, the main trail in the Green Mountain network, follows the bluff line for about 1 mile. This trail is easily navigable with the exception of a steep downhill climb at the end leading to the final destination – Alum Falls and around the corner Alum Cave – a rock overhang that the Native Americans used for shelter.
You’ll find the trailhead and parking area about .5 mile from the entrance to Madison County’s Green Mountain Nature Trail.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: 5851 Highway 53 Harvest, AL 35749
Acres: 69
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info: Harvest Square Nature Preserve offers over 2 miles of trails, including an accessible, crushed gravel trail. Two naturally-stocked ponds provide opportunities for fishing (with an Alabama fishing license). Trails are free and open from dawn to dusk daily. Stop by Dale W. Strong Educational Pavilion for a picnic in the shade or reserve this space for small private gatherings. Submit our Pavilion Rental Request Form to inquire about availability. Located east of Publix at the corner of Hwy 53 and Jeff Road.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: 7161 U.S. Hwy 431, South Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Acres: 552.35
Type: Park
Info: Part of the North Alabama Birding Trail and has 10 miles of hiking and riding trails, a picnic area, fishing, nature trails with maps, and a natural playground. Connects to Big Cove Creek Greenway and Flint River Greenway.
Address: 360A Harvestwood Court Huntsville, AL 35758
Acres: 61.68
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: Paved trail (Two segments with plans to connect: South – 2.95 miles; North – 0.82 miles) with walking, jogging, bicycling, and rollerblading allowed. Pets allowed on a leash. Parking is available at trail heads located on Old Madison Pike and Creekwood Park.
Address: 2305 Airport Road Huntsville, AL 35805
Acres: 432
Type: Park
Info: Large park offering 25 soccer fields, 3 baseball and 1 softball fields, and 1 multipurpose field. Park also offers a playground, 12 pavilions, concessions and restrooms. Cross country running park entrance is past Tennis Center. Offers 3 mile running trail, outdoor exercise equipment, and restrooms.
Address: 8324 Madison Pike Madison, AL 35758
Type: Park
Info: Large Community playground project with pavillion and picnic tables. Located in Madison’s Dublin Park.
Address: 2010 Airport Road Huntsville, AL 35801
Type: Park
Info: Large community playground project with pavillion and restrooms. Pavillion can be reserved for a fee through the Brahan Spring Recreation Center.
Address: 261 Old Highway 431 Huntsville, AL 35763
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: 5.04 mile trail that connects Big Cove Creek greenway north to the Flint River in Southeast Huntsville. The greenway travels along Little Cove Road. Parking is available at trail head located on Old Highway 431
at Hampton Cove Elementary
Address: 5000 Nature Trail Road Huntsville, AL 35803
Acres: 72
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: 72 acre park located atop Green Mountain in southeast Huntsville. Open free to the public each day from seven in the morning until thirty minutes prior to sunset, your convenient escape from urban life encompasses Sky Lake, a 1.5 mile walking trail, pavilion, chapel, picnic tables, covered bridge, and accessible restrooms.
Address: 1351 Mcclung Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801
Acres: 8.64
Type: Park
Info: Park offers playground and pavillion. Parking is on Newport Drive, just east of Maple Hill Cemetery off McClung Avenue.
Address: Mill Creek Dog Park North of Mill and Balch Road intersection
Acres: 1.43
Type: Park and Greenway
Info: 1.43 acre fenced park is located along the Mill Creek Greenway, just North of Mill and Balch Road intersection. The park is divided into three separate areas: a staging area at the entrance of the park allowing owners to unleash their pet before allowing them to enter the play areas,an area for smaller doges weighing 25 pounds or less, and one designated for larger dogs weighing over 25 pounds.
Address: 2760 Bankhead Parkway
Huntsville, AL 35801
Acres:1,178
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info:
The wooded slopes of the Land Trust of North Alabama’s Monte Sano Nature Preserve create the scenic backdrop for the city of Huntsville and is one of the largest urban land preserves in the United States. Only two miles from Downtown Huntsville, this 1100+ acre natural escape features over 22 miles of free public trails for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation. Land Trust trails on Monte Sano offer varying levels of difficulty offering options for all ages and abilities. The trail system also connects to the trail networks managed by Monte Sano State Park and Burritt on the Mountain. This nature preserve showcases the importance of conservation with an abundance of native wildflowers, karst features, historically significant sites, sink holes, waterfalls and more.
Some suggested highlights include:
Wildflower Trail: A great family hike! The trail winds alongside Fagan Creek and in the spring offers a beautiful display of native wildflowers.
Old Railroad Bed Trail: Follow the path of one of the country’s oldest, and shortest-lived, rail corridors—Monte Sano Railway. As you hike the narrow dirt and stone bed, you will pass waterfalls and the original stone bridge supports. FREE Audio Self-Guided Trail Tour along Old Railroad Bed Trail available in the TravelStorys app.
High Trail: While a challenging hike, this trail passes a small quarry and the remnants of Monte Sano Hotel (accessed using Hotel Basin Trail). Built in the late 1800’s, this resort promised fresh water springs, cool climates, and valley views.
Three Caves Loop: Circle the perimeter of a large, former limestone quarry. The open area outside of the cave openings is now used as a unique venue for Land Trust fundraising events including Concerts at Three Caves and Moon Dance. Three Caves is not open for visitors due to falling rock inside.
Bankhead Trailhead: Located at Land Trust’s Hiker’s Parking Lot off of Bankhead Parkway, this trailhead featuring an open-air pavilion serves as a great starting point for hikes as it sits at the intersection of several trails.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: 5105 Nolen Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801
Acres: 2140
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info: 2,140 acre mountaintop retreat with playground and multipurpose field, hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, rustic cottages and modern campsites. Park also offers disc golf course.
Address: 703 Oakwood Avenue Northeast
Huntsville, AL 35811
Acres: 8.5
Type: Park
Info: Park offers baseball field, quarter mile looped walking trail, a large pavilion, and 4 smaller pavilions. Park also offers a large playground and large free play areas.
Address: 574 Palmer Road Madison, AL, 35758
Type: Park
Info: 13 baseball and 6 softball fields, 2 football fields, 6 soccer fields, batting cages, and concessions. Park also offers ADA accessible playground, pavillions and restrooms
Address: 233-245 Stoneway Trail Madison, AL 35763
Acreage: 334
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info:
Located in the City of Madison not far off of Hughes Road, this preserve offers a little over three miles of trails featuring some difficult but beautiful climbs thanks to the rocky terrain. Known for its interesting rock formations, “Balance Rock” is a particular favorite. In the winter when the trees are bare, you can see views of Madison below. A large pavilion is available for picnics as well as a playground making this a comfortable starting point for families to explore the outdoors. This City of Madison property is managed by the Land Trust of North Alabama.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: 783 Coleman Road New Market, AL 35761
Acres: 250
Type: Park
Info: Forested park with 12 acre fishing lake, olympic size swimming pool, campground facilities, picnic shelters and pavilions, playground, shooting range, arena and soccer fields and marked 5k walking/ running course.
Info: The Singing River Trail is a vision for a long-distance trail in North Alabama that connects our communities, provides active-living opportunities for residents, and spurs further economic development for the region.
The Land Use Committee of Launch 2035, formed of representatives from federal, state, county, municipal, and private agencies, developed the Singing River Trail Master Plan over the course of a 15-month period from March 2018-July 2019. The Master Plan is a guidance document for implementing the Singing River Trail. Already, portions of the Trail are being constructed. We need your help to keep this momentum going! Please see our interactive storymap to learn more!
Address: 200 Cleveland Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801
Acres: 0.66
Type: Park
Info: Alabama’s first public skatepark
Address: Off Chaney Thompson Road
Next to Aldridge Creek Huntsville, AL
Acres: 52
Type: Park
Info: Large park with playground, pavilion, 9-acre dog park and disc golf.
Address: 293 Ditto Landing Road Huntsville, AL 35803
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: Connects to the Aldridge Creek Greenway at Ditto Landing in South Huntsville and adds an additional 0.93 miles of walking and biking trails than run along the Tennessee River. This greenway connects Ditto Landing to the Madison County Marina. Parking is available at Ditto Landing.
Address: 1999 Monte Sano Blvd. SE Huntsville, AL, 35801
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: Alabama History Preserved: Hiking the Trough Springs Trail is a visit to an historic Madison County landmark. It is the site of the surrender of Lt. Col. “Bushwhacker” Johnston and 150 Confederate soldiers to Union troops one month after General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox.
The Trough Springs Trail is a partnership between the Monte Sano State Park, Burritt on the Mountain Museum, and the Land Trust of North Alabama.
From Governor’s Drive, turn onto Monte Sano Blvd. Trailhead parking lot is on the right, across the boulevard from Burritt on the Mountain entrance.
Address: 200 Monroe Street Huntsville, AL 35801
Type: Park
Info: Greenspace in downtown Huntsville. Park has a fountain, memorial with inscribed pavers, and park benches. Dedicated to Veteran’s of Madison County. Formerly called Gateway Park.
Address: 10130 Spragins Hollow Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
Acres: 935
Type: Greenway/Trail, Park
Info:
This preserve located in North Huntsville, offers approximately 12 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The trail system can be accessed directly from Spragins Hollow Trailhead or from The City of Huntsville’s Wade Mountain Greenway (a paved walking path) off Pulaski Pike. Along the greenway, a pavilion provides a shady spot to gather or have a picnic. Wade Mountain includes a significant geologic feature called Devil’s Race Track, which makes a great destination for your hike and offers one of the best views of north Huntsville. Piney Loop Trail which can be access directly from the Spragins Hollow Trailhead offers a great beginner’s hike, ideal for little ones.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
Address: 500 Cleermont Drive Southeast Huntsville, AL 35801 (limited parking)
Type: Greenway/Trail
Info: One of the area’s most beloved family hikes. Spring is at its finest here with wildflowers along Fagan Creek. Benches allow for rest and contemplation. You can take a hike down Wildflower Trail or plan a longer adventure by continuing to explore the Monte Sano Nature Preserve trail system. Be sure to take a map and plan your route. The most direct access to Wildflower Trail is from Cleermont Trailhead, which has limited parking and is located within a residential area.
Land Trust nature preserves are free and open dawn to dusk daily but donations are encouraged. Trail maps available at landtrustnal.org/explore.
We love to explore and discover all that Huntsville has to offer, and that includes hitting the trails and finding our favorite local park.