Alabama · Hiking

Swan Creek Greenway Trail

2.3 mi
round trip
162 ft
climb
685 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Caution today

Weather is marginal · OpenWeather · checked 11 h ago

Swan Creek Greenway Trail is a 2.3-mile easy hike in Alabama, starting just 0.4 miles from the small community of French Hill. The route is an out-and-back with a total length of about 4.6 miles, and the round trip adds up to a low of about 31 feet of elevation gain, with the trail rising from roughly 655 feet to about 685 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.4 miles in, where the grade reaches around 3%. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens show October highs around 75°F with lows near 53°F, while April runs about 73°F by day and 51°F at night. Summer is hot, with July and August highs averaging about 90°F. Bikes are allowed on the trail. Paddlers can find Swan Creek about 3 miles away, and Wheeler Lake, a fishing destination, lies roughly 10 miles out.

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

    Best time to visit Swan Creek Greenway 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° / 34°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      56° / 37°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      65° / 43°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      73° / 51°

      11 wet

    5. May

      80° / 60°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 68°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 72°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      90° / 71°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 64°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      75° / 53°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      63° / 42°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      54° / 37°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Athens, AL, 0.7 mi away at 689 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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