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2.0 miles
Distance
701 ft
Climb
-159 ft
Descent
00:28:25
Avg time
542 ft
Altitude change
752 ft
Altitude min
1,362 ft
Altitude max
752 ft
Altitude start
1,296 ft
Altitude end
5%
Grade
-18.4%
Grade max
52.3%
Grade min
1 mile
Distance climb
2,818 ft
Distance down
1,847 ft
Distance flat
00:28:25
Avg time
Fanning Trail Details
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Activities
- Hike
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaBlevins Gap Preserve
Huntsville, Alabama -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyGreen (1 vote)
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Local Popularity30 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
- 45 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT1 Hiking
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Trail TypeWilderness Trail
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionBoth Directions[+]
- Both Directions for E-Biking
- Both Directions for Hiking
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Trail VisibilitySometimes hard to follow
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 1
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TTFs on TrailRock Garden
Fanning Trail: A Hiker's Rock Garden
Fanning Trail offers a challenging and highly technical hiking experience within the northern section of Blevins Gap Preserve. Named for one of the Land Trust's original donors, the trail begins with a steep, aggressive climb up the mountainside, often utilizing switchbacks to navigate the elevation gain.
Key Trail Characteristics
Primary Focus: Hiking, the rugged and constantly varied terrain of Fanning Trail is best suited for foot travel. It requires sure footing and good technical hiking skills, especially on the initial ascent.
Significant Rock Gardens: The path is defined by extensive, challenging rock gardens throughout its length. Hikers will encounter large rock formations, embedded stones, and natural steps, particularly on the aggressive, steep sections. This area can be reminiscent of a miniature "Rock City."
Loop Opportunity at the Top: After completing the steep climb, Fanning Trail levels out on the mountain ridge and is configured to create a loop at the top before descending back down. This allows hikers to enjoy the scenic upper ridge before making the return trip, providing a satisfying, varied circuit.
Biking Not Recommended: While mountain biking is technically permissible in the preserve, the majority of Fanning Trail is not conducive to riding due to the sheer number of rocky obstacles, steep grades, and technical difficulty. Most cyclists will find themselves pushing or carrying their bikes through lengthy sections.
Natural Features: The trail features beautiful forest, and after significant rainfall, you may be treated to wet-weather waterfalls and flowing natural springs near the trailhead.
If you are looking for a vigorous workout and a classic North Alabama rocky mountain ascent, the Fanning Trail, with its rewarding ridge loop, is an excellent choice for hikers.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 0 rides
All
- 0 rides
- Last: Nov 7, 2025
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Fanning Trail Trail Reports
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Directions to fanning-trail trailhead
(34.673440, -86.530520)
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Nearby Trails
- Jones Valley Trail 144 ft
- Stevenson Trail 292 ft
- Chittamwood 2,644 ft
- Bailey Cove 2,644 ft
- Walsingham 2,723 ft
Blevins Gap Preserve
- By softbatch
& contributors - #53342 - 2,133 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fanning Trail
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Where is Fanning Trail located?
Fanning Trail is located in Blevins Gap Preserve, Huntsville, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Blevins Gap Preserve trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 34.67344, -86.53052.
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How hard is Fanning Trail?
Fanning Trail is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The average grade is 5%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
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What is the elevation gain for Fanning Trail?
Fanning Trail has 701 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 159 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 752 ft to 1,362 ft.
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Is Fanning Trail a point to point trail?
Fanning Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is wilderness trail.
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