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Blevins Gap Nature Preserve (Fanning Trailhead)
4.8 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Huntsville, Alabama · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Blevins Gap Nature Preserve (Fanning Trailhead)'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.
What runners say about Blevins Gap Nature Preserve (Fanning Trailhead)
“Us Dawgs come up here 5 days a week to see how the creek is doing and enjoy this gorgeous landscape.”
“Fanning Trail - decent challenge of a trail at times - moderate at best - well marked and ample parking.”
Hidden gem of Huntsville! Don't be afraid of the church! Drive past it and discover nature! Us Dawgs come up here 5 days a week to see how the creek is doing and enjoy this gorgeous landscape. Beautifully marked trails make it clear!
Just an FYI the parking lot is behind a church. When we first arrived at the destination, we were confused and thought Google had taken us to the wrong place, but it is indeed a hiking trailhead. Just drive behind the church and you will see a sign with the trail mappings.
The Land Trust creates a huge contribution to Madison County. Their original goal was to purchase land so the mountain backdrop of Huntsville wasn't completely developed. Their preservation has created hundreds of acres of hiking trails and access to unique waterfall, rock overlooks and clean flowing streams.
Fanning Trail - decent challenge of a trail at times - moderate at best - well marked and ample parking. Good options for easier trail loop via Jones Valley Loop & Stevenson Trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Fanning Trail - decent challenge of a trail at times - moderate at best - well marked and ample parking.”
“Their preservation has created hundreds of acres of hiking trails and access to unique waterfall, rock overlooks and clean flowing streams.”
“There's a great easy jones valley loop in addition to more ambitious hikes if you don't have many dogs with you.”
“Fanning Trail - decent challenge of a trail at times - moderate at best - well marked and ample parking.”
Plan your run at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve (Fanning Trailhead)
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance4.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitelandtrustnal.org
- Phone+1 256-534-5263
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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.
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
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