Land Trust Loop

Like many Alabama cities, and cities across America, for that matter, urban sprawl is threatening the landscape, changing mountain tops and beachfront property into a setting of resorts and condos. Through the dedicated work of its volunteers and generous donations of money and land by local residents and businesses, the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama has done a remarkable job at giving back green spaces to the community. The trail described here, what we call the Land Trust Loop, is an excellent example of what can be done to help preserve nature for everyone, even in an urban setting.

This loop is located in one of several tracts of property now managed by the Land Trust - on the west side of Monte Sano Mountain next to the state park of the same name. The 567 acres of the Monte Sano Preserve are thick with black walnut, hickory and live oak forest, draped liberally with muscadine vines. With its acquisition, further development has virtually stopped on Monte Sano Mountain.

The preserve, which at one time was the home of a Huntsville landfill, has been returned to "green" and features some truly beautiful and rugged scenery, and the Loop Trail takes it all in. By connecting several of the trails here (the Bluffline, Waterline, Alms House) you will pass by towering rock bluffs and the rubble of a 1998 landslide, two seasonal waterfalls including the impressive bowl falls along the Waterline Trail, several creeks, many wildflowers, and a great view of Three Caves Quarry – three huge cave openings at the base of a bluff.

Remember that the route outlined here can be very steep and rugged. There are several connecting paths that allow you to shorten the route or plan additional outings. Please contact the Land Trust office for complete maps and brochures on all of these trails and their fascinating history.

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Trail Type:: 4.7-mile loop
Difficulty:: Moderate to Stenuous
Hours:: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.
Maps:: Brochures with maps available through the Land Trust office.
Fees:: No fee to hike.
Events:: Moon Over Three Caves Dance Held each September, the event features dancing and dining with all of the proceeds going to help the Land Trust continue their work. Please visit their Web site for details and other events sponsored by the Land Trust.