The Land Trust of North Alabama celebrated the completion of the Huntsville Spacewalk Trail 3.0 on Friday with a ceremonial stick cutting atop Monte Sano, recognizing the work of Eagle Scout candidate Lana Lien and a multi-year effort to revive one of the area’s most historic trail systems.

Lien, a member of Scouting America Troop 404, first connected with the project after getting lost on the trail at age 14.

“The maps were kind of vague and the blazes were pretty sporadic, so we got lost a couple times,” Lien said. “That’s how that discussion came up, where they suggested that I should reblaze as my project.”

What began as a frustrating experience quickly turned into a purpose-driven initiative. Now 16, Lien led the effort to rebuild and reroute the Huntsville Spacewalk Trail as part of her journey to becoming an Eagle Scout, ultimately creating a 16.5-mile loop around Monte Sano.

“As I did more research, talked to more people, got to know people, it became so much more,” Lien said. “That’s when it really started becoming meaningful to me. I had a purpose, a true purpose.”

Over the past two years, Lien collaborated with the Land Trust of North Alabama, Burritt on the Mountain, and Monte Sano State Park to restore access, reconnect trail segments, and improve navigation along the route. The project included the installation of new trail markers, or blazes, designed with a silhouette of NASA’s Space Launch System.

“On the blaze is a silhouette of the SLS, paying homage to the rocket launch that was just earlier this month, but also this new generation of technology and research,” Lien said.

The Huntsville Spacewalk Trail was originally established by local Boy Scouts in the 1960s, but portions of the route were lost over time due to development. Later efforts revived sections of the trail as Spacewalk 2.0. Nearly 70 years after its creation, the newly completed Spacewalk Trail 3.0 represents a significant expansion and reconnection of the historic route.

“We are thrilled to see the Huntsville Spacewalk Trail revived and reimagined through this incredible project,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “This trail represents decades of local outdoor history, and Lana’s work demonstrates the power of partnership. We are grateful to collaborate with the Eagle Scouts, Burritt on the Mountain, and Monte Sano State Park to bring new life to this historic route and connect more people with the beauty of Monte Sano.”

The updated trail forms a scenic and challenging 16.5-mile loop, designed for hikers seeking a more rigorous outdoor experience or preparing for long-distance treks. Land Trust officials note that some sections are considered very difficult and encourage hikers to review trail ratings before setting out.

Click here to view and download the Huntsville Spacewalk Trail 3.0 Map.