A decades-old hiking route on Monte Sano is set for a revival, as local partners prepare to mark the completion of Huntsville’s Spacewalk Trail 3.0 with a public ceremony next month.

The Land Trust of North Alabama will host a ceremonial stick-cutting on April 3 at the South Monte Sano Trailhead, celebrating the reopening of the 16.5-mile trail loop that reconnects long-fragmented sections of the historic route.

Originally established in the 1960s by local Boy Scouts, the Spacewalk Trail had gradually faded in parts due to development and changing land use. The new 3.0 version restores continuity by linking preserved segments with newly marked paths, creating what organizers describe as the most complete version of the trail in decades.

At the center of the effort is Eagle Scout Lana Lien, whose project helped bring together multiple organizations and land managers to reestablish the route across Monte Sano’s terrain.

The initiative involved collaboration between the Land Trust of North Alabama, Burritt on the Mountain, Monte Sano State Park and local scouting partners.

Trail officials say the route is designed to offer both scenic views and a physical challenge, with some sections rated as very difficult. Hikers are encouraged to review trail conditions and difficulty levels before setting out.

The trail also incorporates Huntsville’s space heritage into its design, with markers featuring a white diamond and NASA’s Space Launch System rocket symbolizing the city’s connection to exploration and innovation.

The April 3 ceremony will include remarks recognizing Lien’s leadership and the collaborative effort behind the project, as well as the trail’s role in reconnecting the community with one of Huntsville’s longstanding outdoor landmarks.

Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.