Alabama · Hiking

Bankhead Trail

Bankhead TrailPhoto: dmtilley, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
1.9 mi
round trip
1,350 ft
climb
1,355 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Bankhead Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike in Alabama, about 1.3 miles from the town of Mountain Heights. The route is roughly 3.8 miles long, with a total elevation gain of about 280 feet, and it reaches a high point of 1,355 feet. The climb is steepest near the start, with a grade of about 12% at 0.29 miles in. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 74°F with lows near 47°F, and April highs around 71°F. That station sits about 765 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. The trail sits close to several other routes. Dummy Line Trail and Cold Spring Trail both start about 0.1 mile away, and Cold Springs Trail is about 0.7 mile off. Arrowhead Trail, a climbing area, is about 1.9 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Bankhead Trail

    Best months: February–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      50° / 30°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 32°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      63° / 39°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      71° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      78° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 64°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 68°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      88° / 67°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      84° / 59°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 47°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      62° / 36°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      53° / 32°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Owens Cross Roads 3s, AL, 14.3 mi away at 590 ft. The station sits about 800 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors