Green Mountain Nature Preserve is a 500-acre property featuring streams and waterfalls that flow most of the year, ultimately contributing to the Tennessee River. It also holds a prehistoric Native American camp as well as Alum Cave, a rock shelter used during the Middle Woodland period. Visitors can enjoy a variety of interesting natural and historic features while exploring over 5 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult.
Trailhead
Alum Hollow – 13800 South Shawdee Road, Huntsville, AL 35803
(Located about .5 mile past the entrance to Madison County Nature Trail)
Trails
- Alum Hollow Trail: (1 mile) The main trail in the Green Mountain network, follows the bluff line. This trail is easily navigable with the exception of a steep downhill climb at the end leading to the final destination – Alum Falls and around the corner Alum Cave – a rock overhang that the Native Americans used for shelter.
- East Plateau Trail & West Plateau Trail: (East Plateau 0.6 mi. / West Plateau 0.4 mi.) Both are primarily flat with gentle hills. They begin and end on Alum Hollow Trail.
- Stonefly Trail: (0.6 miles) Meandering down the mountain, this trail exits Land Trust property and connects to Buzzard Falls Trail, which leads to a nearby subdivision – Oak Bluff on Green Mountain.
- Talus Trail: (.6 miles) This trail connects directly to Alum Hollow Trail. Talus meaning “a sloping mass of rock fragments” was a very appropriate name for this trail. It is very rocky and continues to the bottom of the hollow. This is a difficult trail and is recommended for experienced hikers.
- Ranger Trail: (1.2 mile) Rated difficult for its rocky terrain and incline, Ranger Trail takes its name from the remnants of a Ranger Truck abandoned alongside it. The trail ventures downhill then loops back uphill to Alum Cave and the waterfall.
- Talus Connector: (.3 miles) Connects the Three Sisters Loop to Talus.
- Oak Bluff Trail: (.6 miles) Connects the Oak Bluff subdivision to the Stonefly trail. This was an existing trail when the Land Trust acquired the property.
- Three Sisters Loop (0.428 mi)
- Gibson Trail (.25 mi) – A relatively easy hike over mostly flat terrain, the trail was named in recognition of a long-time Land Trust volunteer and trail care partner for this preserve Phill Gibson.
Trail Rules + Tips
Self-Guided Trail Tours
Check out one of these suggested hikes, including interesting content about the area you’ll encounter along the way. These self-guided trail tours are prepared by Land Trust hike leaders and friends.
