Wade Mountain Nature Preserve
Explore over 13 miles of trails, from paved greenways to rugged paths, at Wade Mountain Nature Preserve. Discover unique forest details, wildlife, and...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer bugs
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 13 miles of trails, from paved greenways to rugged paths, at Wade Mountain Nature Preserve. Discover unique forest details, wildlife, and a peaceful waterfall.
"A great place to get out in nature without having to drive far or be too isolated."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be rocky, muddy, and slippery. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
🐍 Watch for snakes & poison ivy
These are common in the preserve. Stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fossil Bench Trail
Pulaski Pike Trailhead
A rustic, rocky trail with unique forest details, moss, and fungus, leading to a peaceful waterfall.
Devil's Racetrack Trail
Spragins Hollow Trailhead
Known for its rocky terrain and a rewarding clearing at the top, offering a great hiking and trail running experience.
Wade Mountain Greenway
Pulaski Pike Trailhead
A paved, accessible path perfect for a leisurely walk or dog walking before venturing onto the nature preserve trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Wildlife
Trail Variety & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be rocky, muddy, and slippery. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
🐍 Watch for snakes & poison ivy
These are common in the preserve. Stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
🦟 Tick & insect repellent
Ticks are rampant in warmer months. Apply repellent before your visit to deter them.
🗺️ Use a trail map
Some trails can be tricky to navigate. Having a map, especially on longer loops, is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails can be rocky, muddy, and slippery. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hike.
🐍 Watch for snakes & poison ivy
These are common in the preserve. Stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
🦟 Tick & insect repellent
Ticks are rampant in warmer months. Apply repellent before your visit to deter them.
🗺️ Use a trail map
Some trails can be tricky to navigate. Having a map, especially on longer loops, is recommended.
💧 No restrooms available
Plan accordingly as there are no restroom facilities at the trailheads.
🐕 Leash your dog
While dogs are welcome, owners are reminded to keep them on a leash for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is praised for its extensive trail network, free access, and natural beauty, offering a great escape for hikers, trail runners, and dog walkers. While some visitors note the lack of restrooms and the prevalence of rocky, muddy terrain, the serene atmosphere and unique forest features, including a waterfall, make it a worthwhile destination.
"Wade Mountain Nature Preserve, Pulaski Pike Trailhead. Fossil Bench Trail.
Christmas Holiday off, so I decided to go for a hike. Since I been to various trails on Monte Sano and most local trails in Madison, I looked up local hiking trails on All Trails. The Fossil Bench Trail look like a good trail to try out so I pack my gear and drove out to the Wade Mountain Nature Preserve at 6998 Pulaski Pike NW #6946, Huntsville, AL 35810.
The first mile of the trail is paved which makes it a good trail for dog walkers. Once you get past the first paved mile of the trail you begin the Fossil Bench Trail which is rocky and was very muddy due to the recent rain. But fortunately I wore my hiking boots and despite the wet, muddy trail it was an enjoyable rustic hike. The trail is slightly elevated and becomes more rocky as you get go higher up in the mountain.
Even though the trees have dropped their leaves for the fall season it is very serene and scenic. With the leaves leaving the trees bare you actually focus on the unique details in the forest that can often be over looked. The vibrant colors of the moss and fungus stand out in the forefront of the monotone colors of the trees.
There were trail areas that were covered with water that made it challenging to traverse. The rain has also made the soft areas on the trail slippery mud and can be several inches deep so I would recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots.
At the end of the trail there is a very peaceful waterfall. The waterfall was flowing pretty well but definitely not a raging rapid. The waterfall make the rugged, muddy track throughout the trail worth the effort."
David Franklin
"Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is one of my favorite places in Huntsville to hike and trail run. There is a variety of features, wildlife, and options. Typically I hike up Devil’s Racetrack trail, go West on Shovelton, then South on Rock Wall trail back to the parking lot (about 4 miles.) I’ve also gone up and over Wade Mtn to the greenway parking lot and back a few times (about 13 miles round trip depending on route). The Land Trust nature preserves are free access, trails are well marked and maintained, and usually not too busy. Highly recommend checking them all out!"
Zach Harris
"Why do dog owners feel that is "there" dog that leash rules don't apply to!!!!
Nice trail, but somehow make dog owners keep their dog on a leash!"
Timothy Fisk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve has multiple access points. The Pulaski Pike Trailhead (6998 Pulaski Pike NW) offers access to the paved greenway and Fossil Bench Trail. The Spragins Hollow Trailhead is another popular starting point for trails like Devil's Racetrack.
Yes, there is free parking available at the main trailheads, including Spragins Hollow and Pulaski Pike. 
Public transportation options to Wade Mountain Nature Preserve are limited. It is generally recommended to drive to the preserve.
The primary trailheads are the Pulaski Pike Trailhead and the Spragins Hollow Trailhead. Both offer access to different trail networks within the preserve.
Yes, Wade Mountain is a great place for biking, with over 13 miles of trails suitable for mountain biking. The greenway is also a pleasant cycling route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wade Mountain Nature Preserve offers free entry and access to all its trails. It's maintained by the Land Trust of North Alabama.
The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check with the Land Trust of North Alabama for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
No advance booking or tickets are required. Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is open to the public for free exploration.
Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails, pack out what they pack in, and keep dogs leashed. Be mindful of wildlife and natural conditions.
Yes, Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is typically open on holidays. However, it's always a good idea to check for any unexpected closures.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Wade Mountain features a variety of trails, including a paved greenway, rocky hiking paths, and more rugged routes like Devil's Racetrack. There are over 13 miles of trails in total.
Unfortunately, there are no restroom facilities available at the trailheads or within the preserve. Visitors should plan accordingly.
You might encounter various wildlife, including birds, insects, and potentially small mammals. Some visitors have even spotted scorpions and livestock on trails.
Yes, Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is a great spot for birdwatching, with diverse habitats supporting various bird species.
The trails are generally well-marked, especially the main routes. However, it's still advisable to have a map, as some users have reported taking wrong turns.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks, unique rock formations, and the peaceful waterfall on the Fossil Bench Trail. The vibrant moss and fungus can also make for interesting close-up shots.
While there aren't prominent summit views, the forest itself offers a serene and natural landscape, especially with the details of moss and fungi visible.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and respect the animals' space. Be patient, and you might capture some interesting shots of birds or insects.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for forest photography. The colors of moss and fungus are often more vibrant in diffused light.
The waterfall on the Fossil Bench Trail is a popular subject. The rocky sections and dense forest also provide a rugged, natural aesthetic for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with slightly older children who enjoy a bit more of a challenge, the Fossil Bench Trail offers a more rugged experience with interesting natural features and a waterfall at the end, making the hike rewarding. It's important to be prepared for the terrain, especially if venturing beyond the greenway. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of potential hazards like poison ivy and uneven surfaces.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Trail Runners
Trails like Devil's Racetrack and the Rockwall Trail are popular for their moderate difficulty and engaging terrain, offering a good workout. The preserve is generally not overly crowded, especially on weekdays, allowing for a peaceful and immersive experience. Solo hikers and runners should prioritize safety by informing someone of their plans, carrying a fully charged phone, and being aware of their surroundings, particularly regarding wildlife and trail conditions.
🐶 Dog Owners
For more adventurous pups, the rocky trails offer plenty of sniffing opportunities and varied terrain. It's crucial for dog owners to be responsible and adhere to leash laws. While many visitors enjoy bringing their dogs, there have been comments about some owners not keeping their pets leashed, which can be a concern for other visitors and wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Wade Mountain's Trails
Beyond the greenway, the preserve transitions into more rugged terrain. Trails like Devil's Racetrack and the Rockwall Trail are popular for hiking and trail running, known for their rocky ascents and descents. +1 The Fossil Bench Trail, accessible from the Pulaski Pike Trailhead, is a more rustic experience, featuring unique forest details and leading to a serene waterfall. It's crucial to be prepared for the trail conditions. Many paths are rocky and can become very muddy after rain, making sturdy hiking boots a necessity.
The Land Trust of North Alabama maintains these trails, ensuring they are accessible and enjoyable for visitors seeking an outdoor escape. +1When planning your hike, consider the variety of routes available. Some visitors enjoy combining trails for longer excursions, such as the Wade Mountain Loop via Devil's Racetrack and Rockwall Trail, which can be around 5.9 miles.
Others opt for longer treks, like going from the greenway parking lot to the summit and back, which can cover approximately 13 miles depending on the chosen route. Wildlife and Natural Encounters
Beyond the common sightings, there are occasional encounters that add an element of surprise to a visit. Some hikers have reported spotting scorpions on the trails, though capturing them on camera can be challenging.
Additionally, there have been instances of encountering livestock on certain trails, which can be an unexpected but memorable part of the experience. It's important for visitors to be aware of their surroundings and maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife.Furthermore, the preserve is known for its poison ivy and snakes, particularly on rocky surfaces.
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