One thing that I’ve really missed since our move from Alabama is the hiking trails that we used to frequent. It’s not that we can’t hike in Ohio. We do and we love it, it’s just that living in Alabama allowed us the opportunity to hike nearly all year long. With the exception of the hot humid weather of summer, nearly any other season allowed us ample time to get outdoors and explore our surroundings.
On our recent visit to North Alabama, we made sure that we allowed a bit of time to stop by one of our favorite trails, Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail in Madison.
Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail is part of the Madison County Greenway and the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama. This important trail system is part of a preservation effort to prevent further development of one of the last remaining natural areas in Madison County.
I think the pictures will show you why we were, and still are, so fond of this popular trail.
Things to know before you go:
Though there is a playground for kids, there are no facilities. Make sure you “go” before you leave your house.
You can spend anywhere from 15 minutes (just to see the view) to 1 1/2 hours or more hiking the easy to moderately difficult trail. Some of the trail is rocky with cliffs and some of the trail is not marked as well as it could be. If you plan to hike with children, keep them near you.
As a pet owner, I’m happy to say that dogs are welcome on Rainbow Mt. Loop Trail- just make sure to be responsible and clean up after your pet.
Where to find Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail
Rainbow Mt. Loop Trail can be found in the Stone Ridge subdivision off Hughes Road in Madison, Alabama. Turn on Hughes Road from Hwy. 72 or Madison Blvd. Turn onto Lynnbrook Drive which is across from the Discovery Middle School and follow the brown signs which will direct you to turn right on Concord Drive, left onto Stoneway Trail, right at the top of the hill and continuing to the parking lot beside the water tower. You can’t miss it.
Are you interested in more places to hike near Huntsville, Alabama? Check out these popular posts:
Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama
Hiking Near Huntsville, Alabama: Devil’s Racetrack at Wade Mountain Preserve
McKay Hollow Trail- Monte Sano State Park
Natural Well- a Never Ending Pit
Russell Cave National Monument: One of the Best Hikes in Northern Alabama
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cathie mayne
Sunday 21st of August 2016
Thank you for writing about the Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve. While the Preserve is owned by the city of Madison, the Land Trust of North Alabama maintains the trails.
Please click here http://www.landtrustnal.org/#!nature-preserves/clqr for updated maps of our other Nature Preserves which are open to the public. We offer 60+ miles of public trails on five Nature Preserves.
Please also enjoy the 25+ miles of trails on our flagship Preserve: the Monte Sano Nature Preserve. At 1,107 acres, this Preserve is one of the largest urban nature preserves in the U.S. It serves as the iconic green backdrop for downtown Huntsville. It also features Three Caves (a former limestone quarry) and Old Railroad Bed Trail (one of the first rails-to-trails in the country.)
Best regards, Cathie Mayne, Marketing Director August 21, 2016
cathie mayne
Sunday 21st of August 2016
Thank you for writing about the Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve. While the Preserve is owned by the city of Madison, the Land Trust of North Alabama maintains the trails.
Please click here http://www.landtrustnal.org/#!nature-preserves/clqr for updated maps of our other Nature Preserves which are open to the public. We offer 60+ miles of public trails on five Nature Preserves.
Please also enjoy the 25+ miles of trails on our flagship Preserve: the Monte Sano Nature Preserve. at 1,107 acres, this Preserve is one of the largest urban nature preserves in the U.S. It serves as the iconic green backdrop for downtown Huntsville. It also features Three Caves (a former limestone quarry) and Old Railroad Bed Trail (one of the first rails-to-trails in the country.)
Best regards, Cathie Mayne, Marketing Director August 21, 2016