HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Work is officially set to begin this month on the Tollgate Greenway Project at Monte Sano, a long-anticipated effort led by the Land Trust of North Alabama to expand outdoor access on the mountain’s western slope.
The $1 million project will create a 1.2-mile paved multi-use trail that follows a historic stretch of Toll Gate Road, offering pedestrians and cyclists a safer and more scenic connection between the Bankhead Trailhead and a closed section of Bankhead Parkway.
Project Goals and Features
According to the Land Trust, the Tollgate Greenway has been designed with multiple priorities in mind:
- Expanding access for walkers, hikers, cyclists, and those with mobility limitations.
- Giving cyclists a safe route up Monte Sano, away from busy roadways.
- Improving off-road parking to reduce congestion and enhance traffic safety.
- Highlighting the history and ecology of the mountain through educational opportunities.
- Establishing a continuous paved connection from the Bankhead Trailhead into Monte Sano State Park.
The project reflects a public-private partnership, with the City of Huntsville pledging $500,000 and private donors contributing the remaining funds.
Temporary Trailhead Closure
During construction, the Bankhead Trailhead at Monte Sano Nature Preserve will be closed to the public for safety. The Land Trust is encouraging trail users to explore alternative trails and preserves within its system until the greenway reopens.
The Tollgate Greenway is expected to open to the public by spring 2026.
Broader Impact on Outdoor Access
Local leaders emphasize that the greenway will serve not just as a recreational path but as an important community connector.
By combining accessibility improvements with historical preservation, the Tollgate Greenway aims to make Monte Sano’s trails more inclusive while showcasing the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
Once completed, the paved trail will provide a safe, year-round option for families, cyclists, and mobility-limited visitors, while also alleviating traffic and parking strain around one of Huntsville’s most popular natural destinations.
Originally reported by Michael Seale in Hville Blast.
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