New trail and trail access created on Madison’s Rainbow Mountain – themadisonrecord.com

MADISON — For the first time in several years, there’s a brand new trail to enjoy on Rainbow Mountain, as well as the addition of a new trail head at the south end of the preserve, offering convenient access to this popular recreation area nestled in the city of Madison .

Surrounded by residential areas, Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve is a 147-acre outdoor oasis owned by the City of Madison with nearly 4 miles of natural surface hiking trails managed by the Land Trust of North Alabama. The beautiful rocky terrain offers some challenging climbs as well as easier treks perfect for families or beginners. On weekends in particular, the trail system bustles with activity as it is a favorite spot for many area residents to enjoy the weather surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature.

Until recently, the only trailhead for the Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve was on the Stoneway Trail at the top of the mountain. However, the City of Madison added a new entrance at the south end of the reservation on Kensington Drive, accessible from Eastview and McAdoo Drives. The trail entrance is located at the end of a cul-de-sac street and offers limited on-street parking as well as pedestrian access for surrounding residents. Stairs lead from the street to the start of the Rainbolt Trail. There, visitors will find an information kiosk with a trail map and other helpful resources for hikers.

“We are excited to open this new trail access point on Rainbow Mountain. This project reflects our commitment to expanding outdoor spaces and promoting healthy, active lifestyles for our residents,” said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. “I hope this new access point inspires more people to get out and explore and appreciate the amazing scenery we have here in our city,” he said.

The new 0.5 mile Rainbolt Trail is rated as moderate difficulty. Slightly ascended from the Kensington Trailhead, it winds its way up the mountainside through several switchbacks and stone steps to reach the intersection of the Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail and the Wild Trail. There are several beautiful rock formations along the route, including Alligator Rock, a 30-foot rock shaped like the head of an alligator. The trail names come from the mountain’s namesake, Elisha Reinbolt, who settled before 1814 in this Chickasaw homeland. The name “Rainbolt” evolved into “Rainbow” over the next century, giving us today’s Rainbow Mountain.

Construction of the Rainbolt Trail took place over 18 months and involved many volunteer hours. The project was led by Madison Greenways and Trails (MG&T) volunteers in partnership with Land Trust of North Alabama staff.

“Forty volunteers worked 700 hours on the trail, allowing easy walking access from hundreds of homes in the area. This allows us Madison residents to exercise and experience the privacy of nature in our backyards while increasing our property values. MG&T is committed to expanding the city’s preserves to support our area’s thriving population,” said Jim Chamberlain, president, Madison Greenways & Trails.

Rainbow Mountain Nature Reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk and is free to enter. Visitors can find a trail map and other helpful information to plan a visit at landtrustnal.org/rainbow-mountain-preserve.