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FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Create lasting memories with family and friends

Looking for ways to entertain your family? We’ve compiled a list of activities for parents and kids to enjoy together while learning something new or getting some exercise. We can’t wait to see what you discover!

Pack a Picnic & Go Exploring!

There are numerous ideal places to “pack in” a picnic lunch on all Land Trust nature preserves. You can dine stream side, on a quiet rock in the woods, or at one of our pavilions. Plan to “pack out” any waste or trash.

Big Tree Tour on Terry Trail

Big Tree Tour on Terry Trail

In collaboration with the Land Trust, the Mountain Lakes Chapter of The Society of American Foresters presents an educational hike at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve, showcasing awe-inspiring, giant trees!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Experience nature from a new perspective with our nature scavenger.

Spot Spring Wildflowers

Spot Spring Wildflowers

Wildflower season in North Alabama peaks around March-May. Learn about wildflowers commonly found on Land Trust nature preserves then take a hike to see what you can spot in the wild. Monte Sano Nature Preserve’s Wildflower Trail is a great place to start.

Be a Citizen Scientist!

Be a Citizen Scientist!

Use the iNaturalist app to identify and document flora and fauna as you observe it in nature. No plant or animal identification knowledge required and the app works with any smartphone. By documenting what you find, you can help us inventory the incredibly varied species on our properties.

Pick up litter as you hike.

Carry out what you carry in and bring along a garbage bag and plastic gloves. You can help keep the trails clean by picking up any trash you find.

Discover Geocaching

Discover Geocaching

Find all 8 Land Trust geocaches. Download the Land Trust Geocache Passport, then go to geocaching.com and search for each location using the letter/number code provided. Bring your completed passport to the Land Trust office and you’ll get a Land Trust pathtag!

Disc golf at Chapman Mountain

Play Disc golf at Chapman Mountain

Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve offers Chapman Pines Disc Golf Course. You can find some rules and instructions for how to play here.

Complete a hike challenge

Complete a hike challenge

Decide on a goal and set out to reach it. Hike at least one trail on all Land Trust nature preserves or pick your favorite Land Trust nature preserve and hike all of the trails (bonus points if you pick Monte Sano).

Trail Checklist

Fishing at Harvest Square

Fishing at Harvest Square

With two ponds for fishing, Harvest Square Nature Preserve is ideal for the little ones in your life that are just learning the joys of this activity. Bring your own rod and reel as well as lures or live bait. Anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid Alabama fishing license.

SELF-GUIDED HIKES

RECOMMENDED HIKE ROUTES

Hike on your own without missing any of the interesting stuff along the way using the recommended hike routes below.

Educational Videos

Identifying Common Native Trees

How to Identify Poison Ivy

Devil’s Racetrack Hike