Alabama · Hiking

Jones Branch Loop Trail

2.5 mi
round trip
547 ft
climb
660 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Jones Branch Loop Trail is a 2.5-mile loop in Shoal Creek Preserve Tract in northern Alabama, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The trail rises from about 544 feet to about 660 feet, with the steepest stretch at roughly 1.1 miles in, where the grade reaches about 7 percent. The climb is moderate, and the trail is rated as such. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Muscle Shoals show April highs around 72°F and October highs around 74°F, while July and August average highs near 89°F. The Tennessee River—Wilson Lake and Pickwick Lake paddling route and the Rockpile Trail are both about 8.7 miles away. Middle Cypress Creek, another paddling option, is about 9.2 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Jones Branch Loop 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

      51° / 31°

    2. Feb

      55° / 35°

    3. Mar

      64° / 42°

    4. Apr

      72° / 49°

    5. May

      79° / 57°

    6. Jun

      87° / 65°

    7. Jul

      89° / 69°

    8. Aug

      89° / 68°

    9. Sep

      84° / 61°

    10. Oct

      74° / 49°

    11. Nov

      62° / 39°

    12. Dec

      54° / 35°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Muscle Shoals 2 N, AL, 9.4 mi away at 530 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