Alabama · Hiking

Chalet Trail

0.7 mi
round trip
182 ft
climb
1,560 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Chalet 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.

Chalet Trail is a short, moderate hike in northern Alabama, set at the edge of Little River Canyon National Preserve and within DeSoto State Park. The route is an out-and-back of about 1.3 miles, with a total elevation gain of 182 feet, and it starts at roughly 1,519 feet, rising to about 1,560 feet before returning. The trail is managed by State Park and Recreation, and it is a quick outing that pairs easily with other paths in the area. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Valley Head weather station show October highs around 72°F with lows near 48°F, and April is similar at about 70°F by day and 46°F at night. That station sits several hundred feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the route run a little cooler. Bikes are allowed, and the Violet Trail lies just 0.1 mile away. The CCC Road and Green Trail are each about 0.4 mile off. Climbers can head to Winter Wall, about 2.6 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Chalet 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, 5.3 mi away at 1,121 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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