The Land Trust of North Alabama officially celebrated the opening of the Tollgate Greenway with a community stick-cutting ceremony on April 27, 2026, marking the completion of a long-anticipated project that expands outdoor access on Monte Sano.

Community members, supporters, and project partners gathered at Bankhead Trailhead to commemorate the occasion, with remarks from representatives of the Land Trust of North Alabama, the City of Huntsville, Mayor Tommy Battle, Monte Sano State Park, and local community advocates.

The Tollgate Greenway is a 1.2-mile paved, multi-use trail that follows a portion of the historic Toll Gate Road on Monte Sano. Beginning at the Land Trust’s Bankhead Trailhead and connecting to the closed section of Bankhead Parkway, the greenway creates a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists along the western slope of the mountain.

The greenway also provides an opportunity for individuals with limited mobility to experience nature in a way that traditional natural-surface trails often do not allow. With a smooth paved surface, shaded pathways, and benches placed throughout the route, the trail creates a welcoming outdoor experience for a wider range of visitors.

The project began as a community vision in 2023 when the Land Trust launched a fundraising campaign to make the greenway possible. After a 14-month effort, the organization successfully reached its $500,000 fundraising goal ahead of its October 2024 deadline through generous support from individuals, organizations, and foundations across the community.

Those donations were matched by a $500,000 investment from the City of Huntsville, providing the full funding needed to move the project forward.

With funding secured, planning and design took place throughout 2024 and 2025, and construction officially began in September 2025. Less than a year later, the project is now complete and open for the public to enjoy.

“We have been working toward this project for several years, and it is incredibly rewarding to finally see it come to life,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “This project was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, the leadership of the City of Huntsville, and our partnership with Monte Sano State Park.”

Visitors can enjoy the greenway in several ways. Guests can park at Bankhead Trailhead and take a 1.2-mile uphill trip to the Old Bankhead Parkway connection before returning downhill for a 2.4-mile roundtrip experience.

For groups, visitors can leave one vehicle at Bankhead Trailhead and park another along Bankhead Parkway to enjoy a one-way 1.2-mile downhill hike or reverse the route for an uphill challenge.

Hikers and cyclists can also connect from the greenway to High Trail for a longer outdoor adventure.

The completion of Tollgate Greenway represents more than just a new trail. It reflects a community-wide commitment to conservation, accessibility, and ensuring that more people can experience the beauty of Monte Sano for generations to come.