Name: Hike at Chapman Mountain
Start: 2024-12-21T14:00:00-06:00
End: 2024-12-21T15:30:00-06:00
Location: Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve

Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve

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A Gateway to Huntsville and Outdoor Adventure

Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve is a 740-acre property located just to the east of Huntsville on HWY 72. A little over 4.5 miles of trails are ready to explore. Like all of our public preserves, Chapman Mountain is open dawn to dusk and access is free. These trails are not just for hiking though. Mountain bikers and horseback riders are also welcome and an 18-hole disc golf course adds another way to play outside.

The preserve is also a stop on the Alabama Birding Trail. A key feature for birders is the Bird Blind & Habitat, located along Moonshine Trail just a short walk from the trailhead. The preserve attracts a variety of bird species throughout all seasons so whenever you plan a visit, consider bringing your binoculars.

Trailhead

1263 U.S Hwy 72 East
Huntsville, AL 35811

Directions: Coming from Huntsville, cross Chapman Mountain and u-turn at Moores Mill Road. When safe, get into the merge lane on the right (plenty of time). When the silver guard rail ends, be ready to turn right onto the paved entrance. Drive through the gate and down the gravel road to the parking area at the bottom of the hill.

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Trails

Moonshine Trail

0.5 Mile

This easy, half mile trail begins from the parking lot and ends at a natural spring area rumored to have once been used for making moonshine (hence the name). Along this trail not far from the pavilion, you’ll find a Bird Blind & Habitat where you can stop and quietly observe birds as they visit the area.

Terry Trail

1 Mile

Named for the family who donated the property, this one mile journey takes you to the northern end of the property and back again. Along the way you’ll see large hardwoods, mossy rocks, and an old roadway. As you hike, follow the Big Tree Tour on Terry Trail for an educational guide to the tree species found on this property featuring some of the preserves largest trees.

Whole Planet Trail

0.2 Mile

This .2 mile connector from the Moonshine Trail to Terry trail features lots of red buckeye trees. It’s a moderate hike courtesy of our friends at Whole Foods Market, who lended several hands (and lots of volunteer hours) to build many of the trails at Chapman Mountain.

Amphitheater Trail

0.2 Mile

This quick and easy .2 mile out-and-back trail leads to an area above the Moonshine Spring. The unique geography below the trail resembles a natural amphitheater.

Chasco Trail

0.5 Mile

A half mile, easy loop is located near the southern border of the property along Hwy 72.

Driskell Trail

1 Mile

Another easy loop but this one is a full mile. It starts at the parking lot and circles Chapman Pines Disc Golf Course.

Bulldog Trail

1.5 Mile

This 1.5-mile loop connects with Terry Trail on both ends and utilizes Alabama A&M property that adjoins the north end of Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve.

What You’ll Find

Terry Education Pavilion

This 1,920 square foot, open-air facility, made possible with funding from the Terry Family, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and Vulcan Materials Company, offers the perfect spot for a picnic and can also be reserved for small private gatherings.

Reserve a Pavilion

Bird Blind & Habitat

This space was created with grant funding from Cornell Lab of Ornithology to offer a unique opportunity for bird spotting and education. The blind and water feature area has become an incredibly busy stop for an impressive variety of birds during migratory seasons and a favorite for local bird watchers. Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve is now featured on the Alabama Birding Trail.

Chapman Pines Disc Golf Course

Chapman Pines Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course located inside Driskell Trail at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve.

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Big Tree Tour on Terry Trail

Education is key to appreciating our natural world! Follow the Big Tree Tour with a hike along Terry Trail for an educational guide to the tree species found on this property featuring some of the preserves largest trees. Informational signage along the trail identify a selection of trees plus you can access expanded information about each of the species and identify additional trees along the way with our online tree tour map.

Explore the Big Tree Tour