Monte Sano's Old Railroad Bed Trail

Sponsored by Land Trust of North Alabama

• Location: Alabama
• Travel Type: Walking
• Tour Duration: 1.5 hour
• Language:

The Land Trust of North Alabama’s tour of the historic Old Railroad Bed Trail on Monte Sano Nature Preserve explores local history and the nature that surrounds you as you take a hike on Huntsville’s “mountain of health.”

The 10-stop tour features the historic Monte Sano Railway, Monte Sano Hotel, fossils, geology, and local lore.

The approximately 2-mile tour begins and ends at Bankhead Trailhead. From the trailhead, take Bluff Line Trail to Old Railroad Bed Trail. Turn right onto Old Railroad Bed Trail, which you’ll follow for the majority of the tour. After crossing Fagan Creek, take a right onto Alms House Trail to return to Bankhead Trailhead, where the tour concludes.

As you walk, the audio tour will automatically keep pace. You can also access it remotely if you’d like to listen but are unable to visit.

This route is moderate to difficult. This hike is rated moderate; however, the climb up Alms House Trail taking you back to the parking lot is challenging, but you can plan to take that part slowly. Or reverse the tour route for a less difficult hike.

Download a Monte Sano Nature Preserve trail map before you go.

Tour Sponsors
This tour is sponsored by the Land Trust of North Alabama. The Land Trust leads regional and community collaborations that plan, preserve and provide stewardship for green space in North Alabama.

Its mission is to preserve North Alabama’s scenic, historic and ecological resources through conservation, advocacy, recreation, and education.

This walking tour of Monte Sano’s Old Railroad Bed Trail was made possible with support from the Ruth and Lyle Taylor Fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville.

Find information about all Land Trust of North Alabama nature preserves at https://www.landtrustnal.org/explore/ .

Find More Tours Near You
If you are interested in more audio tours in Alabama, check out Red Mountain Park and Walk Historic Red Ore Express in Birmingham. To find more tours wherever your travels may take you, visit TravelStorys.com. Every place has a story.