You can explore local history and the nature that surrounds you with a free self-guided audio tour on Monte Sano Nature Preserve‘s Old Railroad Bed Trail available through the TravelStorys app.
About the Tour
To get started, download the TravelStorys app and follow along the gps triggered hike telling the unique story of Huntsville’s “Mountain of Health” along the way. The tour, made possible with support from the Ruth and Lyle Taylor Fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, is the Land Trust’s first audio trail tour. This 10 stop podcast-style tour features the historic Monte Sano Railway, Monte Sano Hotel, fossils, geology, and other local lore.
Stories play automatically along the tour route using your phone’s GPS, no network needed and hands-free so you can enjoy your surroundings without looking at your phone. Begin the tour from Monte Sano’s Bankhead Trailhead. The suggested route is detailed below. Open the app at the beginning of your hike and launch the tour. As you walk, the audio tour will automatically keep pace. You can also access it remotely if you’d like to listen but are unable to visit.
About the Hike
The approximately 2 mile tour begins and ends at Bankhead Trailhead (2442 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL 35801). From the trailhead, take Bluff Line Trail to Old Railroad Bed Trail. Turn right onto Old Railroad Bed Trail, which you’ll follow for the majority of the tour. Right after you cross Fagan Creek, take a right onto Alms House Trail to return to Bankhead Trailhead where the tour concludes.
This route is moderate to difficult. This hike is rated moderate however the climb up Alms House Trail taking you back to the parking lot is challenging but you can plan to take that part slowly. Or reverse the tour route for a less challenging hike. You can download the Monte Sano Nature Preserve Trail map here and Land Trust members enjoy exclusive access to the map app.
We hope this holiday season Land Trust trails offer the perfect space for you and your family to enjoy time together safely. Find information about all Land Trust nature preserves at landtrustnal.org/explore.
