Alabama · Hiking

High Trail

High TrailPhoto: dmtilley, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
3.4 mi
distance
280 ft
climb
1,487 ft
high point
Lollipop
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

High Trail is a 3.4-mile loop in Monte Sano Preserve in Alabama, managed by a non-governmental organization. The trail starts at about 1,416 feet and reaches a high point of 1,487 feet, with a total elevation gain of 280 feet. The climb is gentle, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.7 miles in, where the grade reaches 14 percent. 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 well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. The trail links easily with other routes in the preserve. Bluffline Trail is just 0.1 mile away, Flourish Trail is 0.3 mile away, and Annandale Trail is 0.5 mile away. Climbers can head to Arrowhead Trail, about 0.6 mile off.

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

    Best time to visit High 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, 13.4 mi away at 590 ft. The station sits about 900 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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Flourish TrailPhoto: dmtilley, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Bankhead TrailPhoto: dmtilley, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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The PortalPhoto: dmtilley, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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South Plateau LoopPhoto: dmtilley, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors