5 Kid-Friendly Hikes in Huntsville, Alabama

One of my favorite things about Huntsville, Alabama (my hometown!) is how absolutely beautiful it is. It’s green and lush and has the mountains and river. This means we also have some fantastic hiking options. And because we are just at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it also means that most of our hiking trails are pretty family friendly (i.e. we aren’t too steep into the mountains yet.)

So if you’re looking for some kid-friendly hikes in Huntsville, Alabama, this is for you! Every single one of these is a trail we have done (often multiple time) and have taken our daughter on at multiple ages throughout her childhood.

Madison Country Nature Trail on Green Mountain

This family-friendly trail is one of my favorites to recommend for both new hikers and people new to the area. This trail on top of Green Mountain goes around a lake, plus has tons of fun sights like a covered bridge, a log cabin, and a woodsy chapel.

Plus there is a pavilion and large picnic area at the front of the trail, making this a great place for groups to gather. And there are bathrooms! (Not always something you find near hiking spots.)

This is also one of the best trails to see in each season. In fall, the trees around the lake make for prime leaf-peeping. And spring, summer, and winter are all lovely in their own way up on the mountain.

The trail itself is an easy, mostly flat 1.5 mile loop around the lake. Entrance is free.

The Madison County Nature Trail is located at 5000 Nature Trail Road, Huntsville, AL 35803.

Wildflower Trail

The Wildflower Trail is maybe THE most popular hiking trail in Huntsville, and with good reason. It is gorgeous, easy, and runs along Fagan Springs where you can often play in the water and/or sit on the rocks. If you go far enough, you can also meet up with the Fagan Springs Trail and then the Alms House Trail to see some waterfalls. It is really is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Huntsville — an easy trail with plenty to see and do!

During the summer this is a popular place for swimming and rock-hopping. So grab your swimsuits and a towel and spend the day hiking up and down the trail and wading in the water.

This trail is a short .3 mile out-and-back trail (.7 miles round-trip). It’s just a bit longer if you choose to keep going on the Fagan Springs Trail.

Wildflower Trail is located in the Blossomwood neighborhood. The trailhead is at the end of Cleermont Drive.

The Fagan Springs Trail is also nearby and is another great option for families and kids, but it isn’t as consistently close to the water. The trailhead for the Fagan Springs Trail is located at the end of Owens Drive.

These trails are both free, but because they are Land Trust of North Alabama trails, donations in the donation box are always appreciated.

Three Caves Loop

This short loop hike is a fun one for the family because you can see a unique Huntsville sight — 3 man-made caves that were former limestone mines. The caves are blocked off today, but the Land Trust sometimes hold concerts and other events here.

This short trail walks around the top of the caves and is an easy .3 mile loop. Do be aware that there are some spots that overlook the caves that aren’t always blocked off completely, so be ready to hold the hands of your younger kids.

Parking for this trail is located at 901 Kennemer Drive. Entrance is free, but there is a donation box for the Land Trust of North Alabama.

Alum Hollow

This trail is also located on Green Mountain near the Nature Trail. It is a bit steeper and has some inclines, but most kids should be able to handle it. They will love the treat at the end too — caves! It also runs along a waterfall, which, depending on recent rainfall, is a fun sight. Plus, it has a few nice semi-overlooks.

This trail is a 1.1 mile out-and-back trail (2.2 miles round trip). Entrance is free, but because it is a North Alabama Land Trust trail, donations are appreciated.

Alum Hollow Trail is located at 13800 S. Shawdee Road, Huntsville, AL 35803. Entrance is free, but because it is a Land Trust of North Alabama trail, donations are always appreciated.

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

This unique hike is more in Madison than Huntsville, but it’s worth the drive. Located in the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, this trail is half gravel path and regular hiking trail and half boardwalk over a swamp.

We love this hike because it’s a great place to look for wildlife and has such a different feel than anything else in the area.

If you want to see water in the swamp though, make sure there’s been enough rain recently. When we’re going through a dry spell, the swamp can easily dry up.

This trail is flat and family friendly, although toddlers might need their hands held because there is no railing on the boardwalk, which sits relatively close to the ground. The trail is .6 miles out-and-back (1.1 miles round trip), and is completely flat.

The Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk is located on Old Highway 20 in Madison. On County Line Road, cross south over I-565. Then turn right onto Old Highway 20. You’ll come to the trailhead at the end of the road. Entrance is free.

Huntsville is full of great family and kid friendly hikes — and this is just the beginning! We haven’t even touched on of the hiking at Monte Sano State Park, another great resource. And if your looking for more hiking possibilities, the Land Trust of North Alabama site is a great place to start.

Looking for more fun around Huntsville? Check out Cathedral Caverns State Park!