1.
Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Virgil I. Grissom High School
22.9km
01:20
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best cycling routes around Redstone Arsenal
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 30, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Redstone Arsenal, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. It's tough to sift through all the possibilities and figure out which routes are truly worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless routes here, so we've distilled it down to a curated shortlist of the best touring cycling routes that are genuinely worth your legs. Consider this your shortcut to discovering the real highlights, saving you the guesswork.
Redstone Arsenal offers a unique blend of managed forestland, greenway networks, and paved roads, often built on former rail beds. You'll find routes with views of Madkin Mountain and stretches along the Tennessee River, providing a mix of natural beauty and accessible paths. The routes here range from easy, flat greenway rides to more challenging paths with significant elevation gain. While it's primarily a military installation, cycling is generally accessible after 5 p.m. and on weekends when traffic is low, offering a quieter experience.
If you're looking for a smooth, easy ride perfect for a relaxed afternoon or family outing, we'd start with the Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Virgil I. Grissom High School. This 14.3-mile (23.0 km) route follows the well-maintained greenway, offering a traffic-free experience. For those seeking a bit more of a workout and varied scenery, the Big Spring Park – Japanese Tea Garden loop from University of Alabama in Huntsville is a fantastic choice, covering 20.0 miles (32.2 km) with significant elevation gain. With over 75 touring cyclists having used komoot to explore this area, you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Virgil I. Grissom High School | 22.9 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Rocky Top Estates | 30.5 km | 110 m | Easy |
| Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Nichols Academic Building | 35.3 km | 120 m | Moderate |
| Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Texaco | 11.3 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Big Spring Park – Japanese Tea Garden loop from University of Alabama in Huntsville | 32.2 km | 420 m | Hard |
| Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Milton Frank Stadium | 48.8 km | 180 m | Moderate |
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2.
Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Rocky Top Estates
30.5km
01:49
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Nichols Academic Building
35.3km
02:05
120m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Texaco
11.3km
00:39
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
Big Spring Park – Japanese Tea Garden loop from University of Alabama in Huntsville
32.2km
02:11
420m
420m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
View route
6.
Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Milton Frank Stadium
48.8km
02:58
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
Scott
June 19, 2025, View of the Tennessee River from Hobbs Island
Historically, this island was home to the Chickasaw town known as Chickasaw Old Fields. You can still find old mounds and signs of past dwellings there, hinting at a long Native American presence.
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David Howells
January 17, 2024, Big Spring Park
This is a very lovely, well kept, manicured park, and the fulcrum of downtown Huntsville. There is a big lake, water fountains, plenty of benches to sit on, and two viewing points to get a good overlook. Several bike trails converge on the area too, so it is a good place to start and finish your ride.
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Daniel Krueger
December 14, 2023, Viewpoint
Located at one of many parking lots along 'Bankhead Parkway Northeast' and 'North Plateau Loop', you will find this scenic overlook over the nearby mountains and landscape. Take a seat at the small bench and enjoy the view for a moment.
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Daniel Krueger
September 4, 2023, North Alabama Japanese Garden
Probably not the first thing you would expect to find in a State Park in North Alabama. But yes, there actually is a small Japanese Tea Garden in Monte Sano State Park. It includes some nice buildings, bridges and paths leading through the garden.
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Daniel Krueger
September 4, 2023, Viewpoint
Located at one of many parking lots along 'Bankhead Parkway Northeast' and 'North Plateau Loop', you will find this scenic overlook over the nearby mountains and landscape. Take s seat at the small bench and enjoy the view for a moment.
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Daniel Krueger
September 1, 2023, Aldridge Creek Greenway
Aldridge Creek Greenway is a paved multi-use trail in southern Huntsville. The trail follows the creek of the same name and you will see plenty of wildlife like rabbits, turtles and different birds.
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mtm05005
July 11, 2023, Aldridge Creek Greenway
Aldridge Creek Greenway is a walking and biking path that is completely traffic free. It is a great path for a family bike ride.
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Jim Turner
June 21, 2016, View of the Tennessee River from Hobbs Island
Great View of the Tennessee River
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the cycling routes on Redstone Arsenal?
Redstone Arsenal is a secured military installation, so access is restricted. Cyclists typically need an access badge or must be accompanied by someone with a badge. US citizens can obtain a recreation pass valid for a year. Strict identification requirements and security protocols are in place.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy routes. For a smooth ride, consider the Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Virgil I. Grissom High School, which is 14.3 miles (23.0 km) long. Another easy option is the Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Texaco, covering 7.0 miles (11.3 km).
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Redstone Arsenal?
The routes offer a mix of paved roads and designated trails. You'll find paths that follow former rail beds, providing relatively smooth and scenic rides. The area also features forested sections and views of Madkin Mountain, with some routes offering access to the Tennessee River.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for more experienced riders?
For a longer and more challenging ride, the Japanese Tea Garden – Viewpoint loop from University of Alabama in Huntsville is a difficult 24.7 miles (39.7 km) trail with significant elevation gain. A moderate option is the Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Milton Frank Stadium, which spans 31.0 miles (49.9 km).
What are some notable natural features or attractions I might see while cycling?
While cycling, you might encounter views of Madkin Mountain and forested areas. The region also offers access to the Tennessee River. Nearby attractions include Fagan Creek Falls, the Waterline Trail, and Natural Well.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Redstone Arsenal?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 16 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained greenways and the variety of routes available, from easy loops to more challenging paths with elevation.
Are there any specific events for touring cyclists on Redstone Arsenal?
Yes, the Annual Director's Tour d'Arsenal (DTdA) is a significant event held once a year during National Bike Month. This event provides special access to normally closed roads, offering a unique route through parts of the Arsenal not typically open to the public.
Are there any specific rules or safety guidelines for cycling on Redstone Arsenal?
All state traffic laws must be followed, including helmet and reflective gear requirements. Given it's a military installation, security protocols are strict, and cyclists should always be aware of their surroundings and any posted regulations.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many of the routes around Redstone Arsenal are designed as loops. For example, the Aldridge Creek Greenway – Aldridge Creek Greenway loop from Nichols Academic Building is a popular moderate 22.0 miles (35.3 km) circular path that extends along the greenway.
What is the RSA Fitness Trail and is it suitable for touring bikes?
The RSA Fitness Trail is a 6.2-mile paved fitness trail that circles approximately three-quarters of Madkin Mountain. Over half of it is built on a former rail bed, making it a relatively smooth and scenic ride perfectly suitable for touring bikes. It also features shaded sections, water stops, and playgrounds.
How many touring cycling routes are available around Redstone Arsenal?
There are 7 touring cycling routes documented in this guide for the Redstone Arsenal area, offering a range of difficulties from easy to difficult.
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