RULES & REGS

Follow the Trails, Respect the Rules!

Embrace Nature’s Path: Follow the Trails, Respect the Rules! To ensure a positive outdoor experience for all, please adhere to our simple land use rules:

Trail Rules

No motorized vehicles
Stay on marked trails
Stay off wet trails (24 hours after rainfall). Using muddy trails creates ruts, erosion, and other trail maintenance problems.
No new trail construction or alterations are allowed without prior permission.
Leave no trace. Carry out what you bring in.
Do not remove plants, minerals, or artifacts from the property. Instead, take a photo and share it with us (@landtrustnal) or on iNaturalist.
Pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times.
The following activities are NOT ALLOWED: fires, hunting, camping, flying of drones, slacklining, metal detecting, rappelling
Once trailhead parking is full, the preserve is closed for additional visitors. Do not park on the street or in a non-designated area. Consider visiting another Land Trust nature preserve or at non-peak times.

Questions or Concerns? Contact us at 256-534-5263 or questions@landtrustnal.org.

Trail Hours and Usage

Trails open dawn to dusk. Trails are multi-use, open for hiking and biking

Horseback riding

Permitted ONLY at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve or Wade Mountain Nature Preserve

Rock climbing

Permitted ONLY at Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve

Fishing Regulations

Fishing with a valid permit is allowed at Harvest Square Nature Preserve

Before hosting events or gatherings (especially of groups larger than 25 people) at a Land Trust nature preserve, please contact us so we can confirm availability and ensure your plans adhere to our property use guidelines.

HIKING TIPS

Safety and Preparedness

Let someone know where you’ll be hiking and/or bring a buddy. Companions are for safety as well as for sharing the scenery and fun. Make certain your phone is charged.
Always bring a trail map! With miles of trails on each nature preserve, maps are the best way to ensure you don’t get lost. Download a trail map before you go. GPS on your phone is helpful but consider bringing a paper copy in case your phone dies.
Pro Tip! Land Trust members can access our FREE map app!
Stay on marked trails. Venturing off trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species/habitats. The Land Trust specifically avoids sensitive areas when planning our trails. You can also unintentionally create rogue trails that create confusion for other hikers.
Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.

Hydration and Clothing

Hydrate – before, during, and after a hike!

Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Suitable footwear can help you maintain footing as you navigate rocky, uneven terrain and many hiking boots provide helpful ankle support. A long-sleeved shirt and light-weight pants are a good idea.

Wash Your Boots! By removing the dirt from your shoes after your hike, you reduce the possibility of transferring invasive plants from one hiking area to another.

Flora & Fauna Reminders

Don’t disturb the wildlife. It’s their home. Observe and enjoy wildlife and plant life but leave them undisturbed.

Know how to identify poison ivy, or similar plants that commonly cause skin irritation, so you can spot and avoid them.

Hiking Stick & Trailhead Safety

Hiking Stick: Consider bringing a hiking stick to assist on steep or rocky trails. They are inexpensive and can help you keep your balance to avoid injuries.

Valuables & Trailhead Safety: Trailheads are naturally somewhat isolated spaces so be aware of your surroundings. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight or preferably leave them at home. If you notice suspicious activity, notify local law enforcement.

Dealing with Snakes and Ticks

Snakes: Keep an eye out for snakes but remember this is their natural habitat so please do not harm them. Always be careful when stepping over obstructions or reaching into or around logs and rocks. If you encounter a snake, back away slowly and give them plenty of space. Chances are they will simply head the other way.

Ticks: Always check yourself, children and pets for ticks after hiking. In order to avoid them, we suggest using a bug spray with DEET, permethrin, or picaridin. Wear light-colored clothing and tuck your pant legs into socks. Stick to the trails to avoid areas that ticks commonly reside, like tall grasses. If you find a tick, use tweezers or a tick key to remove it within 4 hours to reduce risk of infection. Make sure to remove the tick’s head from the site.

Pro Tip! Roll a sticky lint roller along your clothing at the end of your hike to pick up any ticks that might be hanging on or too small to easily spot.