Huntsville makes it easy to go enjoy the great outdoors with areas closer to Downtown Huntsville than you would think. Pop up a mountain here or there, enjoy a hike, and wrap it up with a coffee, beer, pizza, ice cream, or gelato. And of course, bring your pup along fur the ride, um, walk.
Get Wild
One trail that we love is The Wildflower Trail. It’s part of the Land Trust’s Monte Sano Nature Preserve, which includes 24 miles of trails and more than 1100 acres, making it one of the largest land preserves in the United States. Our favorite trail is an easy one for the whole family--including the four-legged ones. The Wildflower Trail is a smidge over a half mile, runs beside a creek, has big rocks for climbing over, and wows with seasonal wildflowers. Parking is limited at the Wildflower Trail, and there are no restrooms, so come prepared.
Cut through
Monte Sano State Park has quite a few trails that vary in difficulty, and the park is about 5 miles from Downtown Huntsville. The State Park is made up of more than 2100 acres and is a great place for a staycation with sites for camping, glamping, primitive sites, and even cabins. There are easy loop trails like the North Plateau Loop, just over 2 miles, and the South Plateau Loop, that’s still easy but longer at almost 3.5 miles if you want more time outdoors. There’s also the Stone Cuts Trail. This moderate trail is almost 3 miles and features amazing stone formations. There are several different parking lots and access points for trails.
Green Mountain Nature Trail
This one has been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl. It’s peaceful and easy. There’s the cabin and the covered bridge and the lake. It’s not quite as close to Downtown, located off Bailey Cove in South Huntsville, but the 1.5-mile trail and all the amenities make it worth the short, about 12-minute trek. Parking is easy, though it can get crowded here.
Land Trust Preserves
Additional Land Trust Preserves that are great spots for hiking include the Green Mountain Nature Preserve. We really enjoy the Alum Hollow Trail, and this preserve is still a short drive at about 13 miles from Downtown Huntsville. Water runs through the trail. It’s about a mile and fairly easy except for a steep decline at the end that leads to an overhang that early Native Americans used for shelter.
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve is east of Huntsville on 72 and features about 4.5 miles of trails. This has some shorter and easier hikes and is also a great spot for birding. Keep that in mind if you have pups that like birds. About five miles from downtown, it’s closer than you think.
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve features a stunning view of Huntsville the second you get out of your car. The lot, about 8 miles from downtown Huntsville, overlooks South Huntsville, and once you take in the view, take off hiking. The Bill and Marion Certain Trail is almost two miles and pretty easy, but it does have a cool view at the end. There’s about a half mile that’s a bit of a challenging uphill climb.
The Bailey Cove Trail is shorter, but it’s also steep, making it a little more challenging, but you’re rewarded with some waterfalls.
If you want more of a difficult trail, add the Fanning Trail to your list. It’s about 2 miles with lots of switchbacks, rocky areas, and a scenic overlook.
Fuel Up
Grab breakfast in downtown Huntsville before you head out on the trail. You can’t go wrong with Honest Coffee or The Moon Bakeshop. Dine in or grab and go. I also love the pain au chocolat from L’Etoile Patisserie.
Wind Down
Tired from your day of exploring the trails? Grab a bite and a beer. Sam and Gregg’s has great pizza and gelato. Enjoy a burger and fries from Straight to Ale or pizza and a beer at Yellowhammer. Need a sweet treat that will cool you off? Downtown Huntsville has two ice cream options-Big Spoon Creamery and the newly opened Jeni’s. All of these spots have areas where you can dine outside with your pups.
Tips for Hiking with Pups
Be aware of the weather. Certain times of the year it may be too hot for them to go along, as they can overheat. Bring plenty of water—for you and your pup. Keep your pup on their leash and respect other people on the trails. We usually try to slide off the trail as much as we can when we see people coming, since not everyone wants a giant dog saying hello. Bring bags and always clean up after your pup and take the bags back with you.
Ready, set, go-pawventure is out there!
