Alabama · Hiking

Young - Kennedy Trail

1.4 mi
round trip
699 ft
climb
1,028 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

The Young - Kennedy Trail is a short, easy hike in Alabama's Monte Sano Nature Preserve, a protected area managed by a non-governmental organization. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 2.9 miles, with a total elevation gain of about 215 feet. It starts at roughly 904 feet and reaches a high point of about 1,028 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 0.67 miles in, where the grade reaches about 11 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 about 438 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the trail run a little cooler. Several other trails lie close by. Alms House Trail is about 0.2 miles away, Fagan Springs about 0.3 miles, and Toll Creek Trail and Three Caves Loop each about 0.4 miles.

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

    Best time to visit Young - Kennedy 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 mi away at 590 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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