Community support provides funding to create greenway on Monte Sano

HUNTSVILLE — After an 14-month effort, Land Trust of North Alabama has gathered the community support needed to create a greenway on Monte Sano.

The greenway will provide a safe route for pedestrian and bike travel on the mountainside while also expanding outdoor access for those who have difficulty using natural surface trails.

With contributions from individuals, organizations and foundations, the Land Trust has reached the $500,000 fundraising goal ahead of its October deadline. These donations and a $500,000 match from the city of Huntsville provide the resources required to kickstart the project and create access for more people to enjoy the beauty of Monte Sano. With funding secured, planning and design of the greenway will begin.

“It is exciting to see widespread community support for this greenway, which will provide greater and safer access to the natural beauty and scenery of Monte Sano,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “The city is honored to contribute resources toward its creation, and we look forward to the day when we can safely hike and bike up and down the mountain.”

The paved, multi-use greenway will follow a segment of the historic Toll Gate Road on Monte Sano extending from the Land Trust of North Alabama’s Bankhead Trailhead parking lot through Monte Sano Nature Preserve to the old Bankhead Parkway (commonly referred to as the “closed road”) within Monte Sano State Park. This route was specifically selected because of its wide existing corridor and its current use for utility access, which will minimize the disruption to the surrounding area.

The construction of the Tollgate Greenway will enhance access to Huntsville’s natural beauty for all, as well as make an outdoor experience more accessible to many with physical limitations,” said Noel Estopinal, Tollgate Greenway Committee Chair. “It also will provide a safe and scenic option for bikers going up Monte Sano.

“As a bit of lagniappe, it also preserves a historic road that was integral to the early development of Monte Sano and increases access to the State Park for bikers and pedestrians.”

To learn more about the project, visit landtrustnal.org/tollgate-greenway.