Alabama
Madison County
Land Trust Loop
Loop along the western side of Monte Sano Mountain
The loop runs through part of the Land Trust of Huntsville, which is comprised of land that has been aquired via donations in order to "preserve nature in Madison County".
The Land Trust Loop combines three trails: the Bluffline Trail, the Waterline Trail, and the Alms House Trail.
As its name suggests, the Bluffline Trail runs along the limestone bluffs of Monte Sano Mountain, crossing a few creeks and passing two waterfalls along the way. The scene shifts in the Waterline Trail, with the hike becoming more difficult as the path follows a streambed. An old waterline is exposed in portions of this trail, hence the name. The final portion of the loop begins when hikers reach Three Caves Quarry, where the Alms House Trail starts. The Alms House Trail is a bit smoother than the Waterline Trail, but the trail ascends steeply just before the parking lot.
Length: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: 8
Nearby Trails
Old Railroad Bed Trail
The Land Trust's Monte Sano Preserve consists of over 1,120 acres with 18 miles of public trails
McKay Hollow Trail
Trail down the ridge of Monte Sano Mountain to O'Shaughnessy Point
North Plateau Loop Trail
Trail along the northern plateau of Monte Sano Mountain
South Plateau Loop Trail
Trail around the southern plateau of Monte Sano Mountain
Mountain Mist Trail Loop
A loop made up of several trails through Monte Sano State Park