Green Mountain Trail, Huntsville, Alabama

My daughters and I decided to go to Huntsville, Alabama to visit my parents for a few days. I wanted to take advantage of this time to seek out some of my childhood trails. We decided to visit Green Mountain located in southeast Huntsville overlooking the city. This was always one of my favorites growing up. It has some beautiful historical landmarks including a beautiful chapel and a little cabin. The trail runs around the beautiful lake that is filled with ducks, geese, dragonflies, and turtles.

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ARRIVING TO GREEN MOUNTAIN

As soon as we arrived I came to find that the SD card for my camera was at my dad’s house in my laptop. My stepmom, Vilma, was kind enough to get it for me as she was going to meet us there as well.  I seem to always forget something. Change (coins), bug repellent, shoes, memory cards, snacks… you name it. Luckily my brother gave me the idea of having a checklist on my phone or in my pack of everything that I need before heading out, including the small items such as battery or the memory card for the camera.

CAMBRON BRIDGE

As we waited for my stepmom to arrive, we decided to hit the trails. We started towards the left working our way to the Cambron Bridge. This bridge is old and made solely of natural wood. It is the perfect spot to watch the turtles swimming around. My daughters were back and forth from each window of the bridge looking for the turtles. If you saw my stories on Instagram you can see their excitement. Every duck, geese, turtle that they found, they pointed at it and called out, “Mom look!!” There is nothing like seeing their excited little faces and big eyes every time they spotted an animal friend.

SCHOOL TRAIL

We continued our trail and saw the cutest outdoor school. They use this area for kids for outdoor education. I think this is an amazing way to educate our kids and engage them more in outdoor activities. If all of my classrooms were outdoors, I may have done better in school… or gone missing on the trails. We will never know! 

The outdoor classroom no longer holds any activities or events.

THE GREEN’S FAMILY CABIN

I was so excited to see this cabin again. It was always one of my favorite spots to visit as a child. I remember going up to their dark and creepy attic. Not anymore. They’ve had to board it up to avoid injuries and vandalism.

The one unique feature about this cabin that I love is the fireplace. The way it was built. The frame of it and everything. I just love that rustic look.

Outside of the cabin you can find a small porch with some history about Green Mountain, the Green family, and the cabin. The porch has two benches where you can sit looking out to the trail and the water well.

THE LONG WAY

As we continued on our hike we decided to take the long route. Once you get to the first split on the trail you will take a left which is the longer route. It’s not much longer. Only about an extra 20 minutes if that. I am doing the trails with little ones so it may be much less. 

THE CHAPEL

Once you are off the long trail and back on the main trail you will continue it to your left. Shortly after you will run see an outdoor chapel. This chapel is absolutely beautiful. I remember coming here when I was little, dreaming of a small outdoor wedding. There are two places in the world where I want a wedding at and this is one of them. For many personal childhood related reasons. 

AT THE DOCKS

As you pass the chapel you will continue the trail to the entrance area where the pavillion, restrooms, and docks are at. If you are here by the end of the day, I highly recommend staying to see the sundown over the lake. It can be pretty stunning at times. The reflection of the trees over the water make for some beautiful photography as well. 

ABOUT THE TRAIL

The trail at Green Mountain is easy and perfect for all levels. It is very family friendly with many scenic spots along the trail.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Estimated Distance of Trail: 1.5 miles

You can view their interactive map here.

There is only one restroom and it’s at the park entrance. Make sure to take your kiddos to the restroom before starting on the trail.

WHAT TO BRING

• Daypack to put all of your belongings in.
• Wallet with ID.
• Phone
• Trail map
• Small first aid kit
• Hydration
• Snacks
• Sunblock
• Bug repellent
• Camera
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip Butter. This will keep your lips hydrated and prevent them from cracking. I highly recommend using an organic lip balm such as BendSoap versus a petroleum based lip balm such as Chapstick. You don’t have to keep reapplying every 10 minutes either like you do with other cheaper brands and it lasts much longer too. Use coupon code TWM10 to receive 10% off your first purchase.

LOCATION

Green Mountain Nature Trail

5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803

256-883-9501

Directions: From South Memorial Parkway take Weatherly Road east, right on Bailey Cove Road, then a left on Green Mountain Road. Follow the road up the mountain and when you see South Shawdee Road take a right and you will see the park to your right in about 1.3 miles.

It was nice going back to a childhood trail. I love how it has only changed for the better and can’t wait to see how it continues to grow. I plan to continue to take my babies here and make it a part of their childhood memories as well.

*Remember to LEAVE NO TRACE. Don’t forget to leave the places you visit looking more beautiful than when you arrived.*

Check out this other amazing trail right next to this park. It has a waterfall!

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