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A flat trail that leads to an old fire tower.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.5

KM

Point to Point

1,628' 496 m

High

1,594' 486 m

Low

50' 15 m

Up

60' 18 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

This is a simple trail that lead to the old fire tower on Monte Sano. Unfortunately, it is closed and you can't climb up it. If you could it, seeing how it is on the highest mountain in Huntsville, you'd have some amazing views of the city, Red Stone Arsenal, Tennessee River and the Cumberland Plateau.

The first section of the trail, which is located north of Nolen Avenue and starts off of the North Plateau Loop, runs past an old set of railroad tracks from a rail line that used to run from downtown Huntsville to up to Monte Sano. It also loops around the Japenese Tea Garden before crossing Nolen Avenue. This 1/2-mile section is flat with very few rocky areas but some roots.

From there the trail heads south to toward the fire tower crossing the North Plateau Loop and the South Plateau Loop. The 1/10 of a mile from Nolen to the intersection with North Plateau Loop dips down and crosses a power line clearing. From here to where the trail ends at the fire tower it is flat with even rewer roots to worry about.

Contacts

Shared By:

Luke Brisk

Trail Ratings

  3.6 from 5 votes

#23816

Overall
  3.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#198

in Alabama

#23,816

Overall
11 Views Last Month
2,390 Since May 6, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Remnant of the historic Monte Sano Railway.
May 12, 2015 near Huntsville, AL
Monte Sano Fire Tower
May 6, 2015 near Huntsville, AL
The Old Fire Tower, can you spot the vulture?
May 12, 2015 near Huntsville, AL
The bog on the Bog Trail.
Jun 2, 2015 near Huntsville, AL
South Plateau loop is well maintained with bridges like this over some small streams.
Jun 8, 2015 near Huntsville, AL

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Check-Ins

Nov 20, 2019
Janet Lauderdale
Jul 20, 2019
Jennifer Pritchett
Oct 23, 2018
Stephanie Wilson
Jan 14, 2017
Kc W
Combined with south loop and Mackey trails to make a longer more difficult hike! Completed with Hilary and Katie! 1.6mi

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