The Land Trust of North Alabama (LTNA) is excited to announce that construction is officially underway on the Tollgate Greenway Project, a 1.2-mile paved multi-use trail designed to provide all visitors with a safe, scenic, and accessible route into nature.

On Thursday, LTNA hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the Bankhead Trailhead, where community members, donors, and local leaders gathered to celebrate this milestone. Mayor Tommy Battle, Council Member David Little, and other representatives spoke about the project’s importance for expanding access to nature and outdoor recreation in Huntsville.

“This is an exciting day for Huntsville! The Tollgate Greenway will be the first safe, paved trail up Monte Sano for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Mayor Battle. “The greenway is possible because the Land Trust and community donors contributed a half-million dollars to kick-start a vision, and the City invested to make it real. This project is all about connection — to nature, to our community and to Huntsville’s future.”

The greenway will begin at LTNA’s Bankhead Trailhead and connect to the closed section of Bankhead Parkway, creating an accessible path along the western slope of Monte Sano. The trail will open up outdoor opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, and especially for those with limited mobility who may not be able to enjoy traditional natural-surface trails.

“We have been working toward this project for several years, and it is incredibly rewarding to finally see it come to life. The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, the leadership of the City of Huntsville, and the partnership with Monte Sano State Park,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of LTNA. “Beginning construction on the Tollgate Greenway is an exciting milestone that will allow even more people in our community to experience the beauty and benefits of nature.”

The Tollgate Greenway is expected to open in Spring 2026. To allow for construction, Bankhead Trailhead at Monte Sano Nature Preserve will close in September 2025 and remain closed until the project is complete. During this time, hikers are encouraged to explore other Land Trust preserves and trailheads.

Stay tuned for updates as this exciting project progresses!