Even as social distancing prevails and there seem to be limited amounts of activities to pursue, there are still adventures to enjoy just right outside your window! Madison, AL and surrounding areas offer a variety of landscapes to explore for a family or solo hiking getaway. Here are some top rated hiking trails and tips for anyone to go enjoy some fresh air, gorgeous views and light exercise.
Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve (Madison, AL)
For Madison residents, this beautiful landmark is right in your backyard off Hughes Road. It is known for its rocky terrain and rock formations, hence the popular attraction, “Balance Rock.” Enjoy some more challenging climbs or take the family to the park’s pavilion and playground to picnic with glorious views of Madison below. The winter is still an excellent time to go, because the bare trees just widen the view of the terrain and downtown. They have over ten marked trails for both new and experienced hikers with varieties of cedar, hickory, and oak tree species, and spring fed streams. Wander to the city’s natural playground and prevent the winter blues all in one!
Bradford Creek Greenway (Madison, AL)
At the entrance of Palmer’s Park, residents can adventure to a beautiful and nicely paved 2 mile greenway trail running alongside Bradford creek. The dense hardwood forest keeps the path cool and shady throughout the year, making it a perfect pit stop during your day for a quick ride, walk, or run. The marked lanes are divided for bikers and walkers and have trailside benches and picnic tables, so you can take a break and soak in the lovely views of the creek, rural horse fields, and wetland wildlife. This trail can accommodate all hiker experiences, so new trail walkers or ones with children might want to try this out!
Indian Creek Greenway (Madison, AL)
Running along the western border of Huntsville with the city of Madison is a quaint 5.7 mile mostly flat trail perfect for all skill levels! This trail is the best of both worlds as the pathway begins at Creekwood Park with a heavily wooded area and bridges, then leads out to residential areas, restaurants and shops in the Providence community. Along with creeks, separated walker/rider paths and farmland, you can also partake in an 18 hole disc golf course, fenced in dog park, a large playground, and covered picnic tables. This is a city favorite for the overall package it provides for every outdoor individual.
Green Mountain Nature Preserve (Huntsville, AL)
Located just half a mile past the entrance to Madison County Nature Trail, residents can make a worthwhile road trip to this 366 acre preserve that exposes glorious streams and waterfalls that flow most of the year. This is a landmark preserve accommodating a prehistoric Native
American camp as well as Alum Cave, a rock shelter used in the Middle Woodland period. Ranging from easy to difficult, hikers can explore over 5 miles of a multitude of historic and natural features. With almost 10 trails to choose from, hikers of any level can find one that fits their needs and desires!
Monte Sano State Park (Huntsville, AL)
Spanish for “mountain of health,” Monte Sano mountain rises more than 1,600 feet above sea level where you can get a birds eye view of the 340 acre park. Features include rustic cottages, picnic areas, primitive camping areas, RV campground sites, a Japanese Garden, a planetarium, outdoor amphitheater, country store, cabin rentals and more! If you don’t mind making the extra effort to get over there, it truly offers the full hiking and exploration experience by having a lot more to offer than most parks. With nearly 30 trails and tons of amenities, all skill levels can find something to enjoy!
Hiking in Madison, Alabama, is a journey all in its own! Windscape Apartment Homes offers floor plans to fit your needs in the beautiful City of Madison. Our variety of floor plans, quality amenities and thriving eco-friendly community are ready to welcome you into your new home. Give us a call today at (256) 772-7030 or visit us online to find the perfect apartment rental in Madison, AL.
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