The southwestern reach of the Appalachians boasts countless beautiful hiking trails and natural areas, all a quick drive from Livano Trinity, Livano Nations, and Livano at Town Madison.
1. Cave Creek Trail Cheaha State Park
Popular for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so expect to meet fellow adventurers along the way. Open year-round, this trail welcomes leashed dogs and promises scenic beauty in any season.
2. Bill & Marion Certain Trail Blevins Gap Preserve
This 4-mile, moderate-level trail includes a power line pass with beautiful views of both the Huntsville and Owen’s Crossroads sides of the mountain. Park in the lot along Cecil Ashburn Drive for easy access.
3. Sinks, Stone Cuts, & North Plateau Loop Monte Sano State Park
Rock formations, caves, and an overlook make this trail one of the most popular in Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes; this trail is pretty rocky.
4. West Rim Loop Cloudland Canyon State Park
Generally considered a moderately challenging trail, this loop takes an average of two hours to complete. The route showcases the breathtaking scenery of the canyon, the forests, and cascading waterfalls.
5. Walls of Jericho Trail Skyline Wildlife Management Area
Enjoy this 6.6-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of three hours and twenty minutes to complete. The waterfalls are a key attraction, but watch your step, as the trail can be quite slippery.
6. Grundy Day, Sycamore Falls, & Fiery Gizzard Loop South Cumberland State Park
This 3-mile loop is considered a moderately challenging route and takes about two hours to complete. There are many opportunities to take a refreshing swim, and you’ll be treated to stunning views of the river.
7. Crockett Falls Shoal Creek Trail David Crockett State Park
This 2.9-mile out-and-back trail is considered moderately challenging. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
8. Machine Falls, Adam Falls, Busby Falls, & Laurel Bluff Loop Short Springs Natural Area
This 3.1-mile loop is generally considered moderately challenging. You can expect to get wet, and it is suggested to bring waterproof shoes. The trails are well maintained and worth the effort to see these majestic waterfalls.
9. Old Stone Fort Loop Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
Though generally considered an easy route, hikers caution some steep drop-offs along the ridge. This hike has good variety, with a river, a couple falls, a brief ridge, and excellent leafy shade the whole way.
10. Greeter Falls Loop & Greeter Trail to Alum Gap Savage Gulf State Park
This trail is for waterfall enthusiasts. The 3.2-mile loop winds through a lush forest with many opportunities to observe wildlife. The terrain is steep in places, and hikers suggest downloading the offline map to help with navigation.
11. Base Of Falls Trail, Cane Creek Falls, & Gorge Overlook Fall Creek Falls State Park
This tour of overlooks takes you to some of the most stunning spots in Fall Creek Falls State Park. The peaceful forest setting for this 2.7-mile moderately challenging hike makes it suitable for families of all ages.
12. Twin Falls & Downstream Trail Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park boasts lush forests, a sandy beach, and an impressive limestone gorge. While this 1.6-mile out-and-back trail is easy, it can get narrow in some spots, so proceed with caution.
13. Virgin Falls Trail Virgin Falls State Natural Area
This 8.1-mile hike is long and relatively challenging. There is camping along the route available by reservation. Visitors will find rolling, forested hills, hidden creeks, waterfalls, and caves.
14. Radnor Full Lake & Gainer Ridge Trail Loop Radnor Lake State Park
This 5.1-mile loop is generally considered a moderately challenging route, taking an average of two hours to complete. The best times to visit this trail are March through January. You’ll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
15. Day Loop Trail Long Hunter State Park
A portion of this 3.7-mile trail branches out to follow the shore of Percy Priest Lake to two campsites. This is a nice hike with an excellent destination for a picnic or an easy overnight camping trip.
16. Percy Warner Paved Trail Warner Parks
This solid paved trail is a good hilly workout with a nice overlook and lots of shade. The majority of the trail is in the moderately steep (5-8%) grade category. Trail goers using wheelchairs or strollers may need assistance due to sections that are consistently above a 5% grade.
