This past weekend I visited the Blevins Gap Nature Preserve; one of about 8 major preserves of the Land Trust of North Alabama.
Situated in a gap between Green Mountain and Huntsville Mountain, it is now the location of a major east-west thoroughfare between the Hampton Cove / Owens Cross Roads area and the rest of Huntsville. The huge gravel parking lot is incredible for views to the west.
I mostly hiked along the Certain Trail, which may be the most usual route. It climbs ever further from the trailhead up to the narrow plateau along what used to be known as the Spacewalk Trail back several decades ago.
This time of year is great for seeing the spring foliage that has just sprouted.
Of course the high point, literally and figuratively, is to arrive at the overlook on either end of the plateau where a powerline crosses over the mountain. From there on a clear day, you can see the buildings in downtown Decatur!
Spiderwort in BloomCloseup of SpiderwortTypical Mossy Rocks and Wild Grape VinesSquawrootSuch Confidence!A May Apple in Bloom
Firepink and a SpiderwortPerfect SolitudeSphagnum Moss in ‘Bloom’ The View to the East, With Keel Mountain in ViewYou can’t really tell from this photo, but you wouldn’t want to walk forward here!
I'm from Huntsville, Alabama where I work as a Software Engineer and part-time banjo instructor. My wife Miiko and I worship at Rivertree Downtown.
I've been playing various instruments since my teen years. I started mandolin and dulcimer at about age 17 and banjo at 20. I love just about all kinds of music. In terms of banjo styles, I play and teach Scruggs, melodic, clawhammer, and 2-finger styles.
I'm also very keen on theology, being a Trail Care Partner with the Land Trust of North Alabama, photography, urban planning, architecture, astronomy, ATM (amateur telescope making), birding, martial arts, and about 30 other distracting hobbies to a (mercifully) lesser extent.
Phill Gibson 