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Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 732 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve'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.
Popular destination for hiking with trails, a small playground & rock formations.
What runners say about Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
“We really enjoyed this hiking trail the views were beautiful and the trail was very well maintained!”
“Nice little area to explore, super dry ehen i went but loved the boulders and the vantage points which seem to have great views in the winter once the foliage is gone.”
“They are kid friendly, and are clearly marked.”
This is a very nice system of trails. It can be pretty hilly and rocky. The trails are very well maintained and marked fairly well. There is a lot of tree cover so it stays pretty cool even on hot summer days.
Exceptionally adventurous hiking right in the heart of Madison. If you visit while the ground is wet, lace up some hiking boots. The terrain is almost entirely rock surface, and the Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail dives down the mountain and then climbs back up again.
We really enjoyed this hiking trail the views were beautiful and the trail was very well maintained! Everything was clearly marked. The trail was a little bit more difficult terrain wise but the kids did great and it was a ton of fun
Beautiful, but keep one eye on the trail it's rocky and will get you if you aren't careful. It's a beautiful trail highly recommend it.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice little area to explore, super dry ehen i went but loved the boulders and the vantage points which seem to have great views in the winter once the foliage is gone.”
“Beautiful, but keep one eye on the trail it's rocky and will get you if you aren't careful.”
“Choose your path carefully because some of the climbs, should you choose to accept them, take the shortest path up the hill without the aid of switchbacks.”
“There is a pavilion and a port-a-potty in the lower parking area and a second parking area just up the road on the other side of the playground.”
“The terrain is almost entirely rock surface, and the Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail dives down the mountain and then climbs back up again.”
Plan your run at Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitelandtrustnal.org
- Phone(256) 534-5263
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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