Alabama · Hiking

Lowline Railroad Trail

2.6 mi
distance
154 ft
climb
515 ft
high point
Lollipop
route
Oct–May
best months

Lowline Railroad Trail is a 2.6-mile loop in Alabama's Yates Lake West Wildlife Management Area, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The route rises from about 509 feet to 515 feet, with a total elevation gain of 154 feet, and is rated easy. It makes a short outing for hikers and riders alike, with the trail's gentle climb and flat stretches working well for a walk or a bike ride. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Milstead show October highs around 77°F with lows near 52°F, and April highs around 75°F. That station sits about 300 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the route run a little cooler. Bikes are allowed, but horses are not. The John B Scott Forever Wild Trail and the Cherokee Bluffs Railroad Trail both start about 0.1 mile away. Climbers can head to Cherokee Bluffs, roughly 0.9 mile off, and Lake Martin, about 9.4 miles away, offers fishing.

  • Best time to go · Oct–May

    Best time to visit Lowline Railroad Trail

    Best months: October–May. 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

      57° / 34°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      61° / 36°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      68° / 42°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      75° / 49°

      7 wet

    5. May

      83° / 59°

      8 wet

    6. Jun

      88° / 66°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 70°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      90° / 69°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      86° / 64°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      77° / 52°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      67° / 41°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      59° / 36°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Milstead, AL, 15.3 mi away at 215 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors