Near Rainbow Mountain
The Balance Rock without a tree on top of it.
Near Rainbow Mountain
Creek bed off of Spring Trail
Near Rainbow Mountain
A rock wall near balanced rock.
Near Rainbow Mountain
Rock Table
Near Rainbow Mountain
This and several of these beauties (Red Spotted Purple Admirals) were fluttering about on the trail.

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Hike Route

Rainbow Mountain

4.3 (17 Ratings)
A rocky and hilly loop around Rainbow Mountain.
2.2
mi
Distance
441
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.2mi
Distance
441ft
Elevation Gain
462ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
1,142ft
High Point
741ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the gravel parking lot you take the Rainbow Loop Trail past the balance rock, this part is pretty easy. At a 1/2 mile, things get much rockier and more technical as you start to descend to the lowest part of the trail where it opens up to reveal a creek bed and intersects with Spring Trail. From there you start to good and rocky climb up the hill to Ja Moo Koo Loop Trail which you'll reach just after a mile. This loop is just short of a mile long and has some very large rocks. Some of which can obscure the route so keep your eyes peeled around mile 1.5. At two miles the Ja Moo Koo Loop Trail meets back up with the Rainbow Loop Trail which you take west toward the exit. There is an exit sign that will inform you of the correct direction to travel. The trail here is still very rocky, so be careful.From here you only have 1/3 of a mile to go. In this last section, you'll go past the top of Spring Trail and Jakes Trail. From Spring Trail to where the hike ends at the old playground, the rocks start to clear out and this section of trail is quite easy.I have written an article about Rainbow Mountain if you would like to learn more about this property, please visit my website HuntsvilleOutdoors.com.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Luke Brisk