Here are 9 exciting hikes to connect with nature this summer

What better way to reconnect with nature this summer than getting outside and hitting the trails?

Huntsville is nestled in a remarkably beautiful part of the country, the bottom of the Appalachian Mountains—and because of that, our area has many trails for you to discover.

Whether you’re outside all the time or looking for a fresh summer hobby, this guide will have you covered. We’ll cover nine hikes, with three in each difficulty category (easy, medium and hard).

Check them out below, and let us know if you complete any of these trails this summer 😃

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[EASY] Rainbow Loop @ Rainbow Mountain Preserve

This trail is perfect for beginners—located close to the city in the Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, the trail meanders through the woods and offers great views.

• 🚶Length: 0.9 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 167 ft
• ⌚Est. time: <1 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: loop
• 📍190 Stoneway Trail, Madison, AL 35758

[EASY] Bulldog Loop @ Chapman Mountain

This trail is multi-use, often hosting mountain bikers and horseback riders. Signage is good, and you’ll see massive hardwood trees along the shaded path.

• 🚶Length: 2.9 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 262 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 1-1.5 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: loop
• 📍1263 US-72, Huntsville, AL 35811

[EASY] Bankhead Parkway Trailhead @ Monte Sano

This was an old paved road which gave way years ago and could not be repaired—it was turned into a paved trail and was given the nickname, “the Broken Road.”

• 🚶Length: 2.6 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 239 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 1-1.5 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: out & back
• 📍Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL 35801

[MODERATE] Legacy Loop Trail @ Hickory Cove

This is the point where the hikes go from a relaxing peaceful outing to a full-body workout. This distance on this trail isn’t crazy, but you’ll be battling some tough mountainous terrain.

• 🚶Length: 2.9 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 285 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 1-1.5 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: loop
• 📍1500 Trailhead Main St, Huntsville, AL 35811

[MODERATE] Mountain Mist Loop @ Monte Sano

This loop trail is the longest on the list so far. You’ll experience beautiful scenery throughout and there are some benches when you reach about the halfway point.

• 🚶Length: 6.8 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 488 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 2.5-3 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: loop
• 📍SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801

[MODERATE] North Plateau Loop @ Monte Sano

This trail is on the east side of Monte Sano and offers great views of stone formations and caves. However, the path is very rocky so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

• 🚶Length: 2.5 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 482 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 1.5 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: loop
• 📍1 Cabin Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

[HARD] Big Monte Sano Loop

This trail is no joke—expect for this one to be an “all day” sort of affair. It can be very physically taxing, but you will get to enjoy incredible views of Monte Sano State Park.

• 🚶Length: 11.8 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 1,377 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 5 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: loop
• 📍1970 SE Monte Sano Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35801

[HARD] Walls of Jericho (AL Trailhead)

Located near the border with Tennessee, this trail might have the best payoff out of any other hike on the list—an absolutely beautiful waterfall. The path can be rough so sturdy shoes are recommended.

• 🚶Length: 6.8 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 1,341 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 4 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: out & back
• 📍Parking lot, Estillfork, AL 35745

[HARD] South Sauty Trail

The last trail on our list follows the rim and slopes of South Sauty Creek Canyon about 45 minutes from Huntsville. It is a natural path and can be very rough in parts, offering a great challenge for experienced hikers.

• 🚶Length: 2.3 mi
• 🗻Elevation gain: 436 ft
• ⌚Est. time: 1-1.5 hr
• 🗺️Trail type: out & back
• 📍393 Co Rd 174, Grove Oak, AL 35975

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