Time With An Old Friend

The last time I hiked Huntsville State Park was in 2008 when my dad was still alive.  He came along with me and sat in the car while I hiked.  It's been over 5 years since I've hiked Huntsville, so coming back was like spending time with an old friend.  It also brought back many fond memories of my father.

Huntsville is a good place to get some distance hiking in.  The views are not spectacular, but it's still nice to be in these woods.  Nice trees.  There are some scenic parts down near Lake Raven and this park is also inhabited by the endangered and elusive pileated woodpecker.

The trails are color-coded and well-marked.  The trail map they provide you at the park HQ is very good.  One problem with the way this park is laid out, though, is that there aren't many cut-off trails.  So, once you get on a trail, you're committed to it.  This comment is especially pertinent to new hikers or hikers that are accustomed to shorter hikes.  If you hike 3.5 miles down one of these trails and get tired, it's another 3.5 miles back.

This park has some small hills so you periodically get some elevation training, but it is nothing major.  If you decide to stay for a few days, this park has some great camping spots, too.

I do not have any photos to upload this time since I forgot to take my camera.