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A rocky and hilly loop around Rainbow Mountain.


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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

Point to Point

1,141' 348 m

High

753' 230 m

Low

432' 132 m

Up

461' 140 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Overview

Rainbow Mountain is located in the heart of Madison Alabama but as soon as you step foot on the trail you can feel miles away from civilization.

Description

From the gravel parking lot you take the Rainbow Loop Trail past the balance rock, this part is pretty easy. At a 1/2 mile, things get much rockier and more technical as you start to descend to the lowest part of the trail where it opens up to reveal a creek bed and intersects with Spring Trail.

From there you start to good and rocky climb up the hill to Ja Moo Koo Loop Trail which you'll reach just after a mile. This loop is just short of a mile long and has some very large rocks. Some of which can obscure the route so keep your eyes peeled around mile 1.5.

At two miles the Ja Moo Koo Loop Trail meets back up with the Rainbow Loop Trail which you take west toward the exit. There is an exit sign that will inform you of the correct direction to travel. The trail here is still very rocky, so be careful.

From here you only have 1/3 of a mile to go. In this last section, you'll go past the top of Spring Trail and Jakes Trail. From Spring Trail to where the hike ends at the old playground, the rocks start to clear out and this section of trail is quite easy.

I have written an article about Rainbow Mountain if you would like to learn more about this property, please visit my website HuntsvilleOutdoors.com.

Flora & Fauna

There is an abundance of squirrels and chipmunks. You could possibly see a snake or a some weird bugs.

Red Spotted Purple Butterflies were in abundance in September.

Contacts

Land Manager: Land Trust of North AL

Shared By:

Luke Brisk with improvements by Nancy Snyder

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 17 votes

#1154

Overall
  4.3 from 17 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
12%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Alabama

#1,154

Overall
18 Views Last Month
5,150 Since May 13, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
13%
6%
75%
6%

Photos

The Balance Rock without a tree on top of it.
May 11, 2015 near Madison, AL
Follow the ashen rock road!
Nov 19, 2019 near Madison, AL
This and several of these beauties (Red Spotted Purple Admirals) were fluttering about on the trail.
Nov 19, 2019 near Madison, AL
A rock wall near balanced rock.
Nov 19, 2019 near Madison, AL
Rock Table
Nov 6, 2019 near Madison, AL
Rock formations on Rainbow Loop Trail
May 11, 2015 near Madison, AL
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 74 days ago
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