I think I'm ready!!!!

[Rob]

    Ok, so now I think I'm ready to get out on the trail again, well kinda'. I would really like to get out and enjoy some of what Alabama has to offer but I need to start out slow. The Doc says I can start using my leg now, and I have, at work for about six to eight hours a day for the past two months. Abilities are still quite limited because my ankle swells to the size of a very large navel orange by the end of the day and quite frankly it hurts like h***! No pain no gain. That having been said, I need some advice on some short day hikes. I would like to find some with easy trail access and not alot of elevation gain, but still want something to see. I know there are trails out there like that but not sure where. I am willing to travel almost anywhere. I've already been to Desoto, Cloudland Canyon, and Oak Mountain. I am limiting may day pack to water and snacks. I know this is probably not the best idea I have had but a bad day on the trail is still better than a good day at work! Thanks in advance for your input.    Happy Trails!   HopAlong.

[Magic City Matt]

Keep it up man. I had an old kiteboarding accident that kept me down and out for about a year. I couldn't even sit on the ground for fear I could not get back up. Keep up the PT and it will all come back to you.

Matt

[Joshua Szulecki]

I can think of a few nice easy hikes in Alabama. The Chinnabee Silent Trail (surprised you didn't list it) is fairly easy, and the hardest parts have steps. Nearby Cheaha State Park now has a boardwalk trail to one overlook (maybe too easy) that I was actually impressed to find, considering Alabama State Parks are mostly golf courses right now...

Take it SLOW, and be careful. Don't hike alone if you can avoid it.

[Rob]

Thanks for the replies and encouragement! Let's see now......which one do I wanna do first....... Happy Trails! Karma to both of you.

[Suz]

Hayes Nature Preserve and the trails atop Monte Sano are real easy, as is the wildflower trail at Sportsmans Lake in Cullman.  These are all loops that have additional loops to make it short or long as your stamina allows.  The trail at Sportsman's lake can be combined with the bike trail, but you do have to watch out for bikes.   From those you listed, that you have completed, these may be too easy.  More like strolls than hikes.

[Rob]

    Thanks Suz, I'm not at all familiar with these trails, but they sound like something of interest to me. At this point there is no such thing as too easy, just more trail to cover with less pain. LOL Happy Trails and Karma to you!  Rob