The City of Huntsville and the Land Trust of North Alabama are partnering to enhance Monte Sano’s infrastructure, creating a safer and more accessible path for pedestrians and cyclists.
The City will contribute $500,000 in matching funds after the Land Trust raised an equal amount to pave Toll Gate Trail from Bankhead Trailhead to Fearn Street. The 1.3-mile trail will feature a 10-foot-wide asphalt pathway, with an estimated total cost of $1 million.
Safer alternative for cyclists
“This trail will offer cyclists a safer alternative to Bankhead Parkway,” City Engineer Kathy Martin said. “We hope it improves overall traffic safety in the area while encouraging more riders to use the dedicated path.”
Connecting key outdoor spaces
The new trail will link the Land Trust’s parking lot on Bankhead Parkway to the paved route leading into Monte Sano State Park, expanding connectivity for outdoor enthusiasts.
Community-driven support
“Tollgate Greenway is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community rallies around a shared vision,” said Land Trust Executive Director Marie Bostick. She noted that more than 250 donors contributed to the Land Trust’s fundraising campaign, successfully matching the City’s $500,000 commitment to bring the project to life.
Bostick emphasized that the initiative will make Monte Sano more accessible for those who struggle with natural surface trails while providing a safer, designated route for cyclists. This project further enhances outdoor recreation and connectivity, making the mountain’s natural beauty more accessible to the entire community.
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