March 2024 | Plateau Loop Trail at Monte Sano State Park, 4.9 miles, easy, 2 hours south of Nashville

This trail is located near Brownsville, AL. There is a $5 entry fee per adult, due to enter the park. Park is available and plentiful at the trailhead. Additionally, the parking lot sits between the north and south plateau trails. If you’re looking for a shorter trek, you can choose to do either the north or south portion on its own. I preferred the south trail. 

The trail is rated easy and is mostly flat. The trail is optimal for hiking, biking, and trail running. The trail features overlooks which weren’t accessible to me due to dense fog the morning I visited.

The south loop is mostly a soft dirt trail, while the north loop is quite rocky. While the main trails are well marked, I did trek a few un-marked spurs that took me to small waterfalls. To find these, you’ll have to listen for the running water and veer off when you see the paths.

For a post-hike meal, I highly recommend  Rosie’s Cantina.

February 2024 | Rainbow Loop Trail at Rainbow Mountain Preserve, 2.5 miles, moderate, 2 hours south of Nashville

This trail is located near Madison, AL. The trail is a land trust on the edge of a neighborhood. Parking is available, but limited. There are no restrooms at the trailhead.

The trail is rated moderate and has a couple of hills to climb. There are lots of rock formations to navigate over. Watch your step. The trek also features a natural spring.

For a post-hike meal, I highly recommend  Rosie’s Cantina.

February 2024 | Devil’s Race Track at Wade Mountain Nature Preserve, 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 hours south of Nashville

This trail is located near Huntsville, AL and is ideal for hiking, trail running, and horseback riding. The trail features rock formations and a lookout at the end. There is plenty of parking but no restroom facilities at the trailhead.

The trail is rated moderate. There are many tree roots and rocks to climb over but the trail is mostly flat and well padded, making it a pleasant trek.

For a post-hike meal, I highly recommend  Rosie’s Cantina.