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An out-and-back run from Green Mountain Preserve on Alum Hollow and Oak Bluff trails to Buzzard Falls.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.5

KM

97%

Runnable

1,366' 416 m

High

1,182' 360 m

Low

313' 95 m

Up

313' 96 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Cave · Views · Waterfall

Overview

This route takes you into the new Green Mountain Preserve and down the famous Alum Hollow cave. This cave is a significant archeological site with evidence of Native American settlement going back thousands of years. Toward the end of the out-and-back, you go through some interesting rock outcroppings called Buzzard Falls which is named for the baby buzzard that the trail builders encountered while mapping out the trail. It's a moderate to difficult trail with several water crossings and some steep sections. The views along the bluffs make up for the difficulty, however.

Need to Know

There is a creek crossing at 1ish mile and 3ish miles. There are also some steep sections before and after the creek crossing

Runner Notes

This is Land Trust land, and some trails were created by the Oak Bluff subdivision. Please practice "Leave No Trace" trail etiquette.

Description

Park at the Land Trust of North Alabama's Green Mountain Nature Preserve parking lot on S. Shawdee Road. Follow the pink ribbon marking the Alum Hollow Trail, keeping left at each intersection. At about one mile, you'll go down into the hollow, and Alum Cave will be on your left.

Cross the creek below the water fall on your right and follow the flags on to the bluff on Oak Bluff Trail. Continue to follow the flags and trail signs until you reach the Buzzard Falls loop. Follow that loop and make your way back along the way you came or take the dirt road back to the bluff. Go back across the creek and up to the other side. For extra miles, take the unnamed side trails marked by blue or orange ribbon for an extra 1/2 mile and mile respectively.

Flora & Fauna

These trails have typical north Alabama flora and fauna.

History & Background

The property has a prehistoric Native American camp, as well as Alum Cave, a rock shelter that was used during the Middle Woodland period (1AD - 500AD).

Contacts

Shared By:

Ryan Harbaugh

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#3093

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
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4 Star
60%
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Recommended Route Rankings

#18

in Alabama

#3,093

Overall
7 Views Last Month
2,579 Since Jul 13, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Main trail is marked with pink ribbon.
Jul 14, 2016 near Owens C…, AL
Homemade bridge crossing a small creek.
Jul 13, 2016 near Owens C…, AL
Stone cut on the Buzzard Falls trail.
Mar 19, 2016 near Owens C…, AL
Sign at the trailhead.
Jul 13, 2016 near Owens C…, AL
Flags marking the trail from Alum Cave to Buzzard Falls.
Jul 13, 2016 near Owens C…, AL
This is a directional sign pointing the way to the Oak Bluff Trail going west from the Alum Hollow Trail.
Aug 26, 2016 near Owens C…, AL

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Check-Ins

Mar 30, 2018
John Nelms
Good trail run really close to town. Cool rock formations on buzzard falls trail 4.5mi
May 14, 2017
Patrick Moise
4.5mi
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