Devil’s Race Track Sounds Scary, but It’s One of the Best Hikes in Alabama

Sometimes, you find a hiking trail with a name that’s so unique, you just have to check it out. Now, the Devil’s Race Track might sound like a scary hiking trail in Alabama, but it’s far from it! There are no crazy elevation gains that will leave you scrambling from rock to rock. In fact, this is actually a very kid-friendly hiking trail that boasts some beautiful views of Huntsville on a clear day. 

The Wade Mountain Nature Preserve is less than 10 miles from downtown Huntsville and offers more than 13 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails throughout its 955-acre preserve. One of those trails is named the Devil’s Race Track, and it’s a scenic hiking trail you need to add to your bucket list.

Why Is It Called “Devil’s Race Track”?

There’s no definitive answer, though it’s probably a mix of several stories passed down over the years. The trail’s main attraction is the unique limestone formations, and it’s believed that the Cherokee once raced horses atop Wade Mountain. 

Despite the scary hiking trail name, this isn’t a dangerous trail at all. On the contrary, it’s a beautifully scenic hike through some of Alabama’s most unique landscapes. Bring the kids, bring the dog; you can even bring your horse out for some outdoor adventure!

What the Hike Is Actually Like

The Devil’s Race Track is a 3.7-mile out-and-back trail that will typically take about an hour to complete. It is a steady incline to the top, but there’s only 275 feet of elevation gain total, so it’s not too strenuous. The path leads you through a dense forest filled with hardwoods and cedar glades before coming to a clearing with beautiful views of the Tennessee Valley.

The summit offers some exceptional views of North Alabama, and the unique rock formations are a great spot to sit for a spell and take in the views. If you're lucky (and quiet), you might spot some of the local wildlife! Deer and wild turkeys are two of the most common wildlife sightings in the Wade Mountain Nature Preserve, so keep an eye out!

This scenic hiking trail is known for its abundance of wildflowers, and boy oh boy do they add the finishing touch to an already amazing hike. Even better if you catch a glimpse of a deer popping its head up from the field.

What To Know Before You Go

The Devil’s Race Track is just one of many trails within the Wade Mountain Nature Preserve. Some of them will lead you to seasonal waterfalls, cotton fields, natural springs, and more. Visit the Wade Mountain Nature Preserve website before you go so you can plan your visit accordingly. The trails are open daily from dawn until dusk. 

The Devil’s Race Trail might be one of the weirdest hiking trail names in Alabama, but it’s far from the only one. Have you ever hiked the Lost Sink Trail?