Alabama · Hiking

Tollgate Trail

Tollgate TrailPhoto: dmtilley, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
0.6 mi
round trip
256 ft
climb
1,058 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Tollgate Trail is a short, easy out-and-back hike in Alabama's Monte Sano Nature Preserve, managed by a non-governmental organization. The trail is about 1.3 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 256 feet, and it starts and ends at roughly 873 feet. The high point on the route reaches about 1,058 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about half a mile in, with a grade of nearly 29 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 preserve, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. The hike takes about half an hour. The Wagon Trail starts just 0.1 mile away, and Fagan Springs and the Alms House Trail are within a third of a mile. Climbers can find the Arrowhead Trail about 1.6 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Tollgate 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, 14.4 mi away at 590 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