Rainbow Mountain Trails
Rainbow Mountain Trails
4.5
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4.5
91 reviews
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D Bay
Warner Robins, GA61 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Decided to try this trail after moving to Harvest 3 years ago. Was surprised the trail was rocky and steep. Bring a walking stick to help keep your balance. Luckily I took a Pic of the trail map before we started. We started down Rainbow Loop and decided to take Wild Trail. We followed about 3-4 trail markers and then got to a point where we couldn't see another trail marker at all, so we backtracked and went back up the hill the way we came. We were very disappointed the trails were not well marked. Not sure if we'll attempt this trail again.
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dreimer043
Naples, FL170 contributions
Jun 2020
I hiked here two times over the week end. The first trail was difficult and led down to a water fall and trail was very muddy due to recent rain. The second hike was much easier maybe a mile and well marked. The scenery was beautiful.
Written June 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clemson_grad79
north_alabama488 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
I decided to try a couple of the trails located on Rainbow Mt Madison as it was too cold for golf. Hiking is always good in cold weather. Anyway the entrance or trail head has some parking but it is limited. One can park by the pavilion or slightly further uphill behind the water tower. While I parked at the pavilion I walked to the trail end or beginning, depending on your perspective, for the Rainbow Mt. Loop trail just behind the water tower. This trail also couple with the Jamookoo Loop trail to make for a 2.2 mile hike. The Rainbow trail is quite rocky though so one has to be careful. The 2 loops together made for an interesting and enjoyable hike. There are some descents and ascents but nothing too strenuous. I'd hike this again. Not as long as the trails going up Wade Mt or some of the trails on Monte Sano Mt.
Written January 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah R
Cocoa, FL9 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Rainbow Mountain is a charming oasis. Whether your schedule allows 30mins, or 2hrs, the trails are a beautiful outdoor getaway. Be sure to check out Balance Rock!
Written June 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim T
Huntsville, AL32 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
N34.734266 W86.727659 (Parking lot 1) Located 2 miles off Hughs Rd in Madison, AL at 230 Stoneway Trail is Rainbow Mt and the associated trails managed by the Land Trust of North Alabama. There are 5 trails but the 2 main trails are Rainbow MT Loop Trail and Balanced Rock Trail. Visit the kiosk on arrival. Trails are marked. To get to Balanced Rock is easy and under 5 minutes from the parking lot.
If you just want to visit for a few minutes and not venture down the longer trails, just walk the Balanced Rock Trail. If you have young children, visit the playground. If fresh air is all you want, just park and sit under the pavilion.
The Rainbow MT Loop Trail is between 1.5 miles and 1.8 miles depending on your GPS. It is moderate to strenuous. Nice lush canopy most of the year and so no sunscreen needed. It is rocky most of the way and when damp or wet, be very cautious of your steps. If you fall, it could be on rock.
I have hiked this trail over 75 times and it never fails to satisfy. I love it because I get an excellent workout in 30 minutes and I can walk it twice (as many times as you want) to get an hours workout. This trail starts with a hike along the mountain ridge line, then it descends down to the base where you are looking at Rainbow Falls (dry most of the time). After a pause at the small spring crossing (simple rock hop), it is all uphill from there regardless of the direction you choose (counter clockwise is slightly easier). This is a moderate to strenuous (depends on fitness level) climb that gets the heart pumping as it has 370 feet of elevation gain and about as much downgrade as upgrade. There are some interesting rock features along the ridge as well as some nice views over the valley.
I actually combine the Balanced Rock Trail and Rainbow MT Loop Trail together to get the best scenery and a bit of extra distance (about 2 miles total). AllTrails rates Rainbow MT Loop Trail as the 6th most popular trail in Alabama.
If you just want to visit for a few minutes and not venture down the longer trails, just walk the Balanced Rock Trail. If you have young children, visit the playground. If fresh air is all you want, just park and sit under the pavilion.
The Rainbow MT Loop Trail is between 1.5 miles and 1.8 miles depending on your GPS. It is moderate to strenuous. Nice lush canopy most of the year and so no sunscreen needed. It is rocky most of the way and when damp or wet, be very cautious of your steps. If you fall, it could be on rock.
I have hiked this trail over 75 times and it never fails to satisfy. I love it because I get an excellent workout in 30 minutes and I can walk it twice (as many times as you want) to get an hours workout. This trail starts with a hike along the mountain ridge line, then it descends down to the base where you are looking at Rainbow Falls (dry most of the time). After a pause at the small spring crossing (simple rock hop), it is all uphill from there regardless of the direction you choose (counter clockwise is slightly easier). This is a moderate to strenuous (depends on fitness level) climb that gets the heart pumping as it has 370 feet of elevation gain and about as much downgrade as upgrade. There are some interesting rock features along the ridge as well as some nice views over the valley.
I actually combine the Balanced Rock Trail and Rainbow MT Loop Trail together to get the best scenery and a bit of extra distance (about 2 miles total). AllTrails rates Rainbow MT Loop Trail as the 6th most popular trail in Alabama.
Written March 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuel T
Athens, AL246 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
We have lived in the area for nearly 15 years and had just learned about Rainbow Mountain Trails. So we found a nice Saturday morning and set out to explore it. The trail head has a map to help you determine which trails is best for you. We chose the shortest route but missed the marker and ended up on one of the longer routes. So be aware of your surroundings and pay attention at all times. It is such a pretty environment that it is easy to get distracted. I would suggest stopping every now and then to look around but maintain your eyes on the trail when moving. You will need some appropriate shoes for the environment. You will be climbing over rocks, limbs, down slopes, etc. Make sure to take a bottle of water with you and your cell phone in case you get lost. You can get a signal for your cell. HINT: We got a little unsure of where we were so I used my map app to zoom in on our location and was able to see where we were. This is not a very risky trail but you should take precautions just to be safe until you become more familiar with the trails. This is a highly recommended family friendly activity that is free. HINT: if you are a little unstable on your feet you should take a walking stick of some type to help with the more difficult areas. You can buy one at Academy or just find a good sturdy stick or use a cane.
Written May 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beto71
Huntsville, AL105 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Although Rainbow Mountain can give you a wilderness experience in the city, there are a few problems. The first problem is that some of the trails are poorly marked. This can be a huge problem since it is often hard to see the trail because of all the rocks and leaves. Second problem is grafetti on the Balanced Rock, which is the premier sight on the mountain. The Land Trust and the City of Madison need to put more effort into trail markings and erasing grafetti.
Written February 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detarica
Madison, AL28 contributions
May 2015 • Family
Rainbow Mountain Trails are not be a casual stroll. They are rocky and require some climbing, good balance, and endurance to complete the full loop. If you would like a hike that will challenge you right in the middle of Madison, then you are in luck. If you are looking for a stroll or something for small kids, then I would stick to the greenways.
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AshBernadette88
Huntsville, AL1,571 contributions
Apr 2023
Over the span of two(ish) hours, we hiked Rainbow Mountain Loop, JaMooKoo Trail, and Balance Rock Trail. These trails were very well-maintained and well-marked, and we saw lots of beautiful Spring flowers in bloom! There were some rocky parts on the trail, but it was mostly dirt and easily navigable. The terrain consisted of gently sloping trails but nothing steep (our four-year-old did just fine on all three trails).
I recommend getting there somewhat early, as the parking lots fill up quickly. There is a playground just off the trailhead, and leashed dogs are welcomed on all trails. There are also no fees to hike here.
We're excited to return to explore the other trails!
I recommend getting there somewhat early, as the parking lots fill up quickly. There is a playground just off the trailhead, and leashed dogs are welcomed on all trails. There are also no fees to hike here.
We're excited to return to explore the other trails!
Written April 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JSR_Adventures
Fairhope, AL972 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
This place is small, but it is located smack in the middle of civilization, although you wouldn't know it once you leave the car. The trails can be a bit rocky, but being careful is all that it takes to enjoy the walk. Parking is extremely limited, so get there early.
Written January 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry, there are no provisions for camping at Rainbow Mountain.
Written October 15, 2017
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