— Historic Trough Springs On Monte Sano

Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. 

(Approximate Length: 2 miles / Difficulty: moderate)

Hike Leader David Young will discuss the Civil War significance of Trough Springs and, in particular, tell the story of Lt. Col. Milus E. “Bushwhacker” Johnston and his dramatic surrender to Union Forces on May 11, 1865.

Directions: From Governor’s Drive, turn onto Monte Sano Blvd. Trailhead parking lot is on the right, across the boulevard from Burritt on the Mountain.   



Monte Sano Preserve’s Old Railroad Bed Trail

Saturday, March 10 at 10 a.m.    

(Approximate Length: 1.5 miles / Difficulty: Moderate)

The Old Railroad Bed Trail on Monte Sano (Mountain of Health) follows the same path as the steam locomotive that traveled from the Huntsville Depot to the Monte Sano Hotel from 1888 until 1896. The hike takes a look into Huntsville’s past with hike leader Bruce Martin. 

Directions: Take Pratt Avenue to Bankhead Parkway, cross Tollgate Road.  Land Trust’s hiker’s parking lot is further on right.  Park at south end and walk past bollards to the Land Trust Pavilion. 

 

Beautiful Matthews Preserve in Limestone County

Sunday, March 25 from 1:30 – 4 pm    

(Approximate Length: 1 mile / Difficulty: Easy to moderate)

March is the beginning of the “Spring Burst” of wildflowers.  Wildflower Society President Brian Finzel will talk about what’s blooming and what’s yet to come.

Directions: Meet at 1:30 p.m. at Harvest Square Preserve just east of the Publix Market at the corner of 5851 Alabama 53 (Jordan Lane) and Jeff Road to form a caravan to the property.   



Hike to the Walls of Jericho in Jackson County  

Saturday, April 7 at 9 a.m.  

(Approxmiately-6 hour hike / Difficult)

Once the hunting grounds of Davy Crockett, “The Walls” are one of Forever Wild’s most popular properties. Preserving "The Walls of Jericho" also protects the headwaters of the Paint Rock River in North Alabama. Join Land Trust Board member Mike Dalen for the outing. 

Directions: Meet at the Hardy’s on Hwy 72 in Gurley at 9 a.m.  Bring a sack lunch, bottled water, camera and insect repellant.  This is a difficult hike – the climb out is a 1,000-feet elevation gain in approximately one mile.  Plan on arriving back at Hardy’s about 5 p.m.  





Wildflower Stroll on Rainbow Mountain             

Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m.

(2-3 hours / Moderate to difficult / Approximately 3 miles)

Doug Horacek will help hikers identify invasive plants, as well as Alabama native wildflowers along the city of Madison’s trails. Hikers will have the chance to view famous Balance Rock.  This slow mountain stroll includes stops to learn more about the flowers.

Directions: West on U.S. 72 (University Drive); turn left onto Hughes Road (in Madison) then left onto Thomas Drive.  Left onto Concord and then right onto Stoneway Trail. At T-intersection at top of mountain, turn right and follow Stoneway Trail to the water tower (approximately .6 miles).  The Land Trust’s graveled parking area is at the base of the water tower.



Celebrate the 42nd Earth Day on the Wildflower Trail   

Sunday, April 22 at 1:30 and 3:45 p.m.

(1 hour / Easy with moderate incline)

Join botanist Lynne Weninegar on the Land Trust trail named for its claim to fame: beautiful wildflowers. Hikers are encouraged to bring a camera and learn more about the stars of the Blossomwood trail.

RSVP is requested by calling 256-534-5263  — 20 participants per hike.

Directions:  California to Hermitage Avenue, left onto Cleermont; Wildflower trailhead at end of street.



Wonders of Wade Mountain Nature Preserve        

Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m.    

   

(2 hours / Easy to moderate/ Approximately 2.5 miles)

Botanist Lynne Weninegar, will lead hikers on an exploration of Wade Mountain’s bounty of forests and trees, cedar groves, and views to the north from Devil’s Racetrack.

Directions: Drive North on Memorial Parkway past Alabama A&M University.  Turn left onto Hollow Road which is the first road north of Winchester Highway.  Turn right on Spragins Hollow Road. Land Trust parking lot is on the right, just past the third 90-degree turn in the road.

Hikes are free to the public. However, donations are accepted.

Hikers are encouraged to wear long pants, wear comfortable shoes with good tread and bring bottled water.

In case of rain, hikes will be cancelled.

For more information, visit www.landtrustnal.org.