A new scenic pathway on Monte Sano is now open to the public, as the Land Trust of North Alabama marked the completion of the Tollgate Greenway with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday afternoon.

The 1.2-mile paved, multi-use greenway follows a segment of the historic Toll Gate Road and begins at the Bankhead Trailhead, connecting to the closed section Bankhead Parkway along the western slope of Monte Sano.

Local leaders, including Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, joined Land Trust officials and project partners to celebrate the opening, which expands recreational access for pedestrians, cyclists and individuals with limited mobility.

“This project has been years in the making and represents the power of collaboration between our donors, the City of Huntsville, and Monte Sano State Park,” said Marie Bostick, executive director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “The Tollgate Greenway will allow more people than ever to experience the beauty and benefits of the outdoors in a safe way.”

The new greenway provides a rare paved option on Monte Sano, offering a safer, more accessible route compared to traditional natural-surface trails. Officials say the project is designed to broaden access to nature, particularly for those who may not be able to navigate more rugged terrain.

The Land Trust of North Alabama manages more than 100 miles of free public trails across 10 preserves in the region, with the Tollgate Greenway representing one of its latest efforts to connect the community with outdoor spaces while preserving natural resources.