Madison County Nature Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Madison County Nature Trail |
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Cambron Covered Bridge
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| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Area | 72 acres (29 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,340 feet (410 m) |
| Operated by | Madison County, Alabama |
| Open | All year |
| Hiking trails | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
The Madison County Nature Trail, also known as the Green Mountain Nature Trail, is a cool park in Huntsville, Alabama. It's about 72 acres big and sits high up on Green Mountain. Imagine a giant outdoor playground!
At the heart of the park is Sky Lake, which is about 17 acres. A fun 1.5-mile trail goes all the way around the lake. You can find a neat covered bridge, picnic spots, and an open-air building here. The park is special because it's called a 'Treasure Forest' and a 'Wildlife Sanctuary'. This means it's a protected place for nature and animals.
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Exploring the Park: Trails and More
The Madison County Nature Trail is open every day from 7 a.m. until just before sunset. It's free to visit! The only days it closes are Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Hiking and Walking Trails
The main trail is a 1.5-mile loop, which means it goes in a circle and brings you back to where you started. There are also smaller side trails you can explore. This trail is great for beginners because it's mostly flat and wide. You'll find good signs to help you know where you are going.
Part of the trail, about half a mile, is a special Braille trail. This means it has features that help people who are blind or have low vision enjoy nature.
Cool Spots to See
You'll get to cross the Cambron Covered Bridge, which is named after Joe E. Cambron. He helped build many bridges in Madison County a long time ago. This bridge is a perfect spot for taking awesome photos!
There's also a historic log cabin you can explore. This cabin was built way back in 1810 near a place called New Market. A family donated it to Madison County, and it was moved and put back together right here in the park.
Other fun places in the park include an open-air pavilion, a small A-frame chapel, and an outdoor classroom. There are also picnic areas where you can have a snack and accessible restrooms.
Fishing at Sky Lake
If you like to fish, you can do that at Sky Lake! Fishing is allowed Monday through Friday. There is a small fee to fish, so make sure to check the rules before you go.
History of the Nature Trail
The Madison County Nature Trail was built between 1974 and 1975. The project got money from both the U.S. government and the Madison County Commission. It's said that James Record, who was in charge of the county at the time, really loved nature. He played a big part in making this beautiful nature trail happen for everyone to enjoy.
