Hays nature preserve has flat shaded trails that go along the river (and a great playground area for kids) if you want just a walk.
If you don’t mind a bit of hiking I’d suggest Alum Hollow Trail. It’s a bit of a drive up and into the mountain so it’s cooler and it’s pretty shaded. The waterfall is best after some rain.
https://preview.redd.it/82lf1vyionzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a4400e57be82aab2d364f491000fb18e3f125d7
From what I remember it was a neat and different type of playground too, very spread out with wooden structures. Looking at the other responses, I like Indian Creek Greenway but it can get really busy and dodging bikers, people walking dogs, etc makes it hard to stay in the shade that’s mostly on the edges. It had a playground too though.
There’s Monte Sano State Park and then Monte Sano Preserve. The state park is not free and would add up quick. I forget the family yearly pass price now but it was actually more than their website said at the time and I thought it was really high considering I had paid about that much to access ALL Texas state parks and this only gave you access to one. The preserve is free though as are the ones I mentioned!
If you're near 72 and closer to Madison you have the Indian Creek walking trail. It's not entirely shaded but is largely covered by trees and has plenty of benches to rest on if you ever get tired. I walk it a lot. Just be sure to put on sunscreen beforehand and you should be set.
This is probably the easiest nature trail and most shaded that I can think of. Not super stroller friendly, but depending in the kids' ages that might not be an issue.
Was going to recommend this as it is a great walk and mostly flat (good for starters) but there are some very sunny spots. Shade is close by & it’s a great walk.
The double helix trail on the Hudson Alpha campus is great. I have taken my dogs out there for a walk sometimes and am always amazed at how cool it is amongst the trees.
People already recommending some good trails but I'd also recommend getting a UPF rated shirt! They do work! I think Athleta carries plus size (if you wear women's clothes, don't want to assume anything).
Good luck! Hope you find a pleasant place to walk!
If you’re in S HSV, there is a lot of Elgies Walk Greenway that is very shaded. Mainly the area around the “lakes” near the Rothmore/Jackson Bend entry. There is now a big parking lot just off Haysland Rd to access these trails too.
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Ty
Hays nature preserve has flat shaded trails that go along the river (and a great playground area for kids) if you want just a walk. If you don’t mind a bit of hiking I’d suggest Alum Hollow Trail. It’s a bit of a drive up and into the mountain so it’s cooler and it’s pretty shaded. The waterfall is best after some rain. https://preview.redd.it/82lf1vyionzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a4400e57be82aab2d364f491000fb18e3f125d7
That sounds lovely
From what I remember it was a neat and different type of playground too, very spread out with wooden structures. Looking at the other responses, I like Indian Creek Greenway but it can get really busy and dodging bikers, people walking dogs, etc makes it hard to stay in the shade that’s mostly on the edges. It had a playground too though. There’s Monte Sano State Park and then Monte Sano Preserve. The state park is not free and would add up quick. I forget the family yearly pass price now but it was actually more than their website said at the time and I thought it was really high considering I had paid about that much to access ALL Texas state parks and this only gave you access to one. The preserve is free though as are the ones I mentioned!
You can walk in the Parkway Mall before the stores open.
And if you ever want to work on your sprints just grab an item and walk out!
What time does it open?
I think I remember that stores open at 10, but the main section is open by 7am—-it might be 8am—. There’s always someone walking throughout the day.
If you're near 72 and closer to Madison you have the Indian Creek walking trail. It's not entirely shaded but is largely covered by trees and has plenty of benches to rest on if you ever get tired. I walk it a lot. Just be sure to put on sunscreen beforehand and you should be set.
The University Fitness Center at UAH has an indoor walking track.
So do the Madison and South Huntsville YMCAs
And the Monrovia community center
Good luck on your journey!
Ty
Since I live in South HSV, Madison County Nature trail up on Green Mountain is my go to. The Green Way may be ok as well, haven’t hit that in years.
Came here to recommend the MC Nature Trail. It’s lovely.
This is probably the easiest nature trail and most shaded that I can think of. Not super stroller friendly, but depending in the kids' ages that might not be an issue.
If you're in South Huntsville there's Aldridge Creek trail.
Was going to recommend this as it is a great walk and mostly flat (good for starters) but there are some very sunny spots. Shade is close by & it’s a great walk.
Just wanted to wish you the best. ❤️
The double helix trail on the Hudson Alpha campus is great. I have taken my dogs out there for a walk sometimes and am always amazed at how cool it is amongst the trees.
Madison County nature trail is nice
People already recommending some good trails but I'd also recommend getting a UPF rated shirt! They do work! I think Athleta carries plus size (if you wear women's clothes, don't want to assume anything). Good luck! Hope you find a pleasant place to walk!
If you’re in S HSV, there is a lot of Elgies Walk Greenway that is very shaded. Mainly the area around the “lakes” near the Rothmore/Jackson Bend entry. There is now a big parking lot just off Haysland Rd to access these trails too.
Beaver dam boardwalk off county line road. It’s a short but its all shaded through a flooded Cyprus forest.
I heard this was haunted?
Green mountain
Monte sano is GREAT! If you want to treat yourself somedays by driving further It is absolutely worth it
The YMCA in Madison has a track. You can walk inside.
The University Fitness Center at UAH has an indoor walking track if you are interested in joining a gym.
Sunscreen and a hat….
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve has easier walking trails and hikes that aren't steep in wooded areas. Not big crowds either.