Alabama · Hiking

Blue Trail

1.3 mi
round trip
413 ft
climb
1,631 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Blue Trail open right now?

Alert in the area

The National Park Service lists an alert for Little River Canyon National Preserve.

  • SEASONAL SAFETY MESSAGE

    Park alert covering Little River Canyon National Preserve · NPS · Little River Canyon National Preserve

As of · Source: NPS · Little River Canyon National Preserve. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Blue Trail is an easy out-and-back hike of about 2.6 miles that rises from 1,419 feet to 1,631 feet, with a total elevation gain of 413 feet. The trail lies within Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park in north Alabama, where the managing agency is State Park and Recreation. The closest town is Valley Head, about 5 miles away, and the nearest weather station is also in Valley Head. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the Valley Head station show October highs around 72°F with lows near 48°F, and April highs around 70°F. That station sits about 500 feet below the trail's high point, so expect it to run a little cooler. Bikes are not allowed. The trip takes about an hour, and the trail is within a short walk of several other routes. The Orange Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and the Knotty Pine Mountain Bike Trail and Family Bike Loop are each about 0.3 mile off. Paddlers can reach the East Fork Little River within about 4 miles.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Blue Trail

    Best months: March–June 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

      49° / 30°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      53° / 32°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 39°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      11 wet

    5. May

      77° / 55°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 63°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 67°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 66°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      81° / 60°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      72° / 48°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 38°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 33°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Valley Head, AL, 5.2 mi away at 1,121 ft. The station sits about 500 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.

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