7 of the best hiking trails in Huntsville

If you love the great outdoors, you know there’s nothing like a long hike through the woods on a summer day. Waterfalls, flowers, wildlife and caves—you never know what new natural beauty you can discover. So, take a breath of fresh air with the best hiking trails in Huntsville, and get in touch with your natural side.

1. Alum Hollow Trail-Green Mountain Nature Preserve

Alum Hollow Trail is a 2.2-mile trail where you will see many other hikers as it is heavily used. It features a beautiful waterfall and is a good long hike for all skill levels. This is a great trail for beginners and is also dog-friendly, so grab a spot near the waterfall and enjoy a picnic with your furry pal.

• Location: 13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
• Hours: Dawn to Dusk

2. Lyons Loop-Monte Sano State Park

Lyons Loop is a 5.7-mile trail where you will see a number of fellow hikers on any given day. Like Alum Hollow Trail at Green Hollow Nature Preserve, this trail also has a waterfall, but is a touch more difficult to hike.

For those who like a bit of history during their hike, this path takes you down the historic Old Railroad Bed Trail which follows the same path as the train that traveled from the Huntsville Depot to the Monte Sano Hotel during the 1800s.

The loop will also take you past The Three Caves, which was a former limestone mine of the area called Hermitage Quarry.

• Location: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Hours: Daily 8AM-Sunset

3. Devil’s Race Track-Wade Mountain Nature Preserve

Devil’s Race Track is a 3.4-mile moderately difficult loop trail that is mainly used for hiking and running. The path is home to a lot of wildlife, so keep your camera on hand to capture the beauty.

It is also a horse trail for all the equine lovers out there, and, of course, dogs are welcome too

• Location:10130 Spragins Hollow Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
• Hours: Daily 7AM-7PM

4. South Plateau Loop-Monte Sano State Park

South Plateau Loop is a 3.3-mile loop trail great for all skill levels. This trail is great for hiking, walking, running, and mountain biking and features some great lookout points to stop and observe along the way.

• Location: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Hours: Daily 8AM-Sunset

5. Three Caves via Alms House Trail-Monte Sano State Park

Three Caves via Alms House Trail is a 3.8- mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Huntsville, Alabama that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.

It is accessible to the public year-round, but a reminder that It can be rocky in places and more difficult to climb.

• Location: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Hours: Daily 8AM-Sunset

6. West Bluff Trail-Belvin’s Gap Nature Preserve

West Bluff Trail is a 2.6-mile moderately difficult out and back trail that offers hikers the chance to see wildlife and offers a killer workout. It contains some beautiful views you won’t want to miss out on seeing.

• Location: 3470 Cecil Ashburn Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35802
• Hours: Daily 7AM-7PM

7. Wildflower Trail-Monte Sano State Park

Wildflower Trail is a 0.7- mile moderate trail that features some gorgeous wild flowers along the path.

All skill levels can try this path, and it is used for activities including hiking, walking, nature trips and bird watching. It is at its peak beauty from April to September, so go hike it today.

• Location: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Hours: Daily 8AM-Sunset

What are your favorite places to hike in Huntsville? Let us know by tagging us on social @thebamabuzz!