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6 | r e d f c u.o r g Are the walls closing in on you during these "safer at home" times? Are you ready to replace your Zoom meeting with an encounter with nature, fresh air and blue skies? Just lace up your hiking boots and explore some of the best nature trails that North Alabama and Middle Tennessee have to offer. From wildflowers to forest settings and waterfalls, beautiful scenery is a short hike away. "Fun, family activities that include nature scavenger hunts, a Big Tree Tour and self-guided history hikes are available," said Melanie Manson of the Land Trust of North Alabama. e Land Trust has eight public nature preserves with more than 70 miles of trails for hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation. ey're ready and waiting, as long as people adhere to current social distancing guidelines. e newest public preserve, which opened in early 2020, is the Bethel Spring Nature Preserve. It is a 360-acre property on Keel Mountain with 200 acres open for outdoor recreation. e trailhead is at 2641 Cherry Tree Road in Gurley. Here's a list of other places to consider for outdoor adventures: Monte Sano Nature Preserve e 1,100-plus-acre natural escape features more than 22 miles of free public trails for hiking, biking and outdoor recreation. Blevins Gap Nature Preserve Here you'll find 12 miles of hiking trails, a wet-weather waterfall, rocky terrain, and Huntsville's best spot to enjoy views of Jones Valley. Harvest Square Nature Preserve Find more than two miles of trails, including an accessible, crushed gravel trail, with two naturally stocked ponds for fishing. But make sure you have an Alabama fishing license. H I K E S E E AND Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is northwest Huntsville site features three trailheads and is great for beginner hikers. Bareld Wilderness Trail Loop A 4.4-mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Murfreesboro features wildflowers and is rated as moderate. Stones River Battleeld Loop Trail A 3.3-mile trail located near Murfreesboro features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. Wells Hill Park A 3.2-mile, lightly trafficked, out-and-back trail located near Fayetteville features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Activities, trail maps and directions for all Land Trust of North Alabama nature preserves can be found at www.landtrustnal.org/explore. For Tennessee trails and other potential trail information and maps, take a look at the AllTrails website at www.alltrails.com. It helps people explore the outdoors with a large collection of detailed, hand-curated trail maps. Top Hiking Trails in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee