By james art MADISON, Ala. (WAFF) – New trail and trail access has opened at Madison’s Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve.
Until recently, the only trailhead for the Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve was on the Stoneway Trail at the top of the mountain. 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 at the end of a cul-de-sac street and offers limited on-street parking as well as pedestrian access for surrounding residents.
“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 moderately difficult to hike. There are several beautiful rock formations along the route, including Aligator Rock, a 30-foot rock shaped like an alligator’s head.
The construction of the new trail took 18 months and required many volunteers to make it happen.
“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.
Click here to subscribe on YouTube: Watch WAFF 48’s latest news, sports and weather videos on our YouTube channel!
Copyright 2024 WAFF. All rights reserved.