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Alum Hollow
4.7 ★★★★★ 180 Google reviews · Running trail in Huntsville, Alabama · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 80 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Alum Hollow's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Area with a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, waterfalls, and a cave.
What runners say about Alum Hollow
“Great place for an easy hike, the trails are well kept, and marked.”
“Beautiful views, not too difficult of a walk or hike, just stay on the trail and wear proper shoes that have some grip.”
“I really liked (and suggest for most people) staying on the main Alum Hollow Trail, it's the most clearly marked and 'easier' path to walk.”
“Easy walk to the waterfall, shelter, and random truck at the bottom.”
Lots of fun. I really loved the Ranger Trail. Overall a little more difficult than I had expected. The Talus trail was most rewarding. Check out Turtle Creek Trail. Overall worth the hike. Boundaries were clearly marked. Wasn't busy at all. The rock shelter was gorgeous.
This was my first hike, ever! We took the Alum trail which wasn’t so bad. The only part that I had trouble with were the steep steps. Mostly because of my weak knees. The waterfall was a lot smaller than I imagined, but the rocky side that was open underneath was amazing!
I went out of a weekend hike with some of my friends to alum hollow, really nice trail for hiking. The trail not only offer easy afternoon walk, but also have some harder ones where you have to hike up and down the mountain. Great place for family and friends hiking.
This trail is perfect for dog owners easy and it has a little waterfall which my dog enjoyed tons
Trail conditions & character
“The really neat waterfalls, creek, and caves are found on the far west side of the trail, near the intersection at Alum Hollow/OakBluff/Ranger Trail.”
“Plateau loops are flat, while the talus, ranger, and the sister trails provide more technical difficulty and fun things to look at.”
“Plateau loops are flat, while the talus, ranger, and the sister trails provide more technical difficulty and fun things to look at.”
“The only part that I had trouble with were the steep steps.”
“This trail is perfect for dog owners easy and it has a little waterfall which my dog enjoyed tons”
“On our way out, we talked with a more advanced hiker and was told that he couldn’t find the trail markers for Ranger either.”
“We thought we would make a loop by taking Ranger trail…that was a mistake.”
Plan your run at Alum Hollow
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance80 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitelandtrustnal.org
- Phone(256) 534-5263
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Huntsville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Green Mountain Nature Preserve (Alum Hollow Trailhead)
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J.D. & Annie S. Hays Nature Preserve
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Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
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