Madison Greenway and Trails

FAQs

Madison Greenway & Trails, Inc (MG&T)

Volunteer-based, non-profit citizen's group that was incorporated in January 2003 to support the implementation and maintenance of the Madison Greenway and Trails Master Plan. Our mission is to facilitate the implementation of a network of hiking and biking trails, natural areas, wildlife, wetlands, scenic views, and historic areas. We play a critical role in providing technical assistance to the City, scouting proposed routes, talking to adjacent landowners, and assisting with signage, maintenance, monitoring, and future upkeep of the Bradford Creek Greenway.

Maintain close ties with Land Trust of Huntsville & North Alabama, Madison’s Beautification Board, and Boy Scout Troops.

Our public meeting date is the fourth Thursday of each Month at the Dublin Recreation Center, 5:45 pm. Annual membership with reasonable dues.

Bradford Creek Greenway

Phase 1 is about 4 miles; 3 miles (Palmer Park to Heritage Elementary School) will be paved, is funded and designed. Funding is provided through a Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) Grant (about $1 million) with a 20% match from the City, County and local donors. Entry points for the paved section will be across the street from Palmer Park and at Heritage Elementary School.

The project is in the bid process. No word yet about when a contractor will be selected or work can begin.

Phase 2 (Palmer Park south to Westchester Road) is about 1.7 miles and will be constructed by the City of Madison Dept. of Public Works. The route has been determined; the City is waiting on the Consultant’s updated engineering cost before they proceed with the design.

Details:

  • Path will be 12-foot wide paved.
  • Formal trail heads with parking at Palmer Park, next to Heritage Elementary, and on Westchester Road.
  • Most of the path follows an already cleared sewer line path, through mostly wooded areas along Bradford Creek which is on the East side of County Line Road.
  • Some bridges needed to cross the creek.
  • Neighborhood accessibility to the Greenway has not yet been established. These will mostly be the responsibility of the neighborhoods to provide access for their residents.

Mill Creek Greenway

This new greenway connects Mill Road to Browns Ferry Road (by the new Balch Road extension). A parking lot exists along Mill Road and Browns Ferry Road. Final paving is underway and final construction of the path to the parking lot on Browns Ferry Road will be done by Public Works as weather permits. Amenities (benches, trash cans, etc) will be placed soon. The United Way Wonder Walk for pre-schoolers will be installed along the Greenway on October 10th.

Rainbow Mountain Trails

This is the City-owned trail system on Madison’s hidden treasure. Natural, walking trail only, no bikes. The trails are steep in several places. Gravel parking lot is maintained by the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama. MG&T offers periodic hikes and work parties on the trail.

Palmer Park Walking Path

A natural, walking path around the edge of Palmer Park is planned and will be denoted with signage. This project is still in the planning stages.

Sidewalks, neighborhood connectivity, and greenspace

MG&T promotes all of the above. MG&T is working for connectors between schools and neighborhoods and other places.

The Quarry: Trails are planned to go around the quarry and through the wooded areas. No timeline yet.

Betts Springs land: No word yet on how the property will be used. (Between Balch Rd & Wall-Triana)

What can citizens do to help?

Attend MG&T meetings to find out the latest activities and participate as desired.

Do you have a suggestion for a related project in Madison – please let us know!