Alabama · Hiking

Fossil Bench Trail

1.3 mi
round trip
414 ft
climb
1,039 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Oct–Dec
best months

Fossil Bench Trail is an easy out-and-back hike in north Alabama, about 0.3 miles from the town of Cedar Valley. The trail is short, roughly 2.5 miles round trip, and climbs only about 23 feet from its low point of 1007 feet to the high point of 1039 feet. The steepest stretch comes early on, at about 0.18 miles into the route, where the grade reaches 8 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Huntsville put October highs around 76°F with lows near 52°F, and April is similar at 75°F and 51°F, while July highs typically reach about 92°F. Bostick Trail starts just 0.1 mile away. Wade Mountain Trail and Wade Mountain Nature Reserve National Recreation Trails are each about 0.6 mile off, and the Wade Mountain Greenway Trail is about 0.9 mile away.

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Oct–Dec

    Best time to visit Fossil Bench Trail

    Best months: February–May and October–December. 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

      52° / 33°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      57° / 36°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      65° / 43°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      75° / 51°

      10 wet

    5. May

      83° / 60°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      89° / 68°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      92° / 71°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 70°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      86° / 63°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      76° / 52°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      64° / 41°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      55° / 36°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Huntsville Intl Ap, AL, 15.1 mi away at 624 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors