Alabama · Hiking

Waterline Trail

0.9 mi
round trip
590 ft
climb
1,349 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Waterline Trail is a short, easy out-and-back hike in Monte Sano Nature Preserve in Alabama, managed by a non-governmental organization. The trail covers about 1.7 miles round trip, with a high point of 1,349 feet and a low of 793 feet. It gains about 590 feet of elevation on the way up and loses the same on the way back, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.66 miles, with a grade of about 32%. For comfortable weather, aim for spring or fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run highs around 71°F in April and 74°F in October, while July and August average highs near 88°F. The Three Caves Loop starts just 0.1 mile away, and the Young-Kennedy Trail and Flourish Trail are both within half a mile. Climbers can find the Arrowhead Trail about 1.1 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Waterline 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, 13.6 mi away at 590 ft. The station sits about 800 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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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors