Land Trust of North Alabama breaks ground on Tollgate Greenway

HUNTSVILLE — Marking a connection of nature, community and the future, The Land Trust of North Alabama broke ground Thursday to celebrate construction for the Tollgate Greenway Project.

The 1.2-mile trail is being built to provide all visitors a safe and scenic route with a paved multi-use trail.

Community members, donors, and local leaders gathered today at the Land Trust’s Bankhead Trailhead to mark this milestone.

Mayor Tommy Battle, Council Member David Little and other community representatives delivered remarks highlighting the project’s importance for expanding access to nature and outdoor recreation in Huntsville.

“This is an exciting day for Huntsville,” Battle said. “The Tollgate Greenway will be the first safe, paved trail up Monte Sano for pedestrians and cyclists. The greenway is possible because the Land Trust and community donors contributed a half-million dollars to kick-start a vision, and the city invested to make it real.

“This project is all about connection — to nature, to our community and to Huntsville’s future.”

Beginning at the Land Trust’s Bankhead Trailhead and connecting with the closed section of Bankhead Parkway, the greenway will provide pedestrians and cyclists with an accessible route along the western slope of the mountain. It will also expand access to nature for individuals with limited mobility who cannot utilize traditional natural-surface trails.

“We have been working toward this project for several years, and it is incredibly rewarding to finally see it come to life. The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, the leadership of the City of Huntsville, and the partnership with Monte Sano State Park,” Land Trust Executive Director Marie Bostick said. “Beginning construction on the Tollgate Greenway is an exciting milestone that will allow even more people in our community to experience the beauty and benefits of nature.”

The Tollgate Greenway is projected to open next spring.

The Bankhead Trailhead lot at Monte Sano Nature Preserve is closed to the public until construction is finished. Hikers are encouraged to visit another Land Trust preserve or trailhead during this time.