HUNTSVILLE-The Land Trust of North Alabama, in partnership with local Eagle Scouts, Burritt on the Mountain, and Monte Sano State Park, will host a ceremonial stick cutting on Friday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. at the South Monte Sano Trailhead to celebrate the completion of the Huntsville Spacewalk Trail 3.0.
The event will recognize Lana Lien, whose Eagle Scout project helped revive and expand the historic Huntsville Spacewalk Trail. The project outlined a 16.5-mile loop across Monte Sano, reconnecting sections of the original trail and adding new signed routes to form a scenic and challenging hiking experience.
The Huntsville Spacewalk Trail was first established by local Boy Scouts in the 1960s. Over time, portions of the original route were lost due to development. Later efforts revived parts of the trail as Spacewalk 2.0. Nearly 70 years after the trail’s original creation, Spacewalk Trail 3.0 represents a new chapter in the trail’s history.
“We are thrilled to see the Huntsville Spacewalk Trail revived and reimagined through this incredible project,” said Marie Bostick, Executive Director of the Land Trust of North Alabama. “This trail represents decades of local outdoor history, and Lana’s work demonstrates the power of partnership. We are grateful to collaborate with the Eagle Scouts, Burritt on the Mountain, and Monte Sano State Park to bring new life to this historic route and connect more people with the beauty of Monte Sano.”
“This project reflects what can happen when community, history, and stewardship come together,” said Melanie Thornton, Chief Executive Officer of Burritt on the Mountain. “It is a powerful example of how we care for the land and share it with others.”
Designed as a scenic and challenging route, the 16.5-mile loop is ideal for hikers preparing for long-distance treks or those looking to explore Monte Sano’s diverse landscapes. Some sections of the trail are considered very difficult, and hikers are encouraged to review trail difficulty ratings before setting out.
Each version of the Spacewalk Trail has featured unique blazes inspired by space exploration. Today, hikers can follow a white diamond blaze featuring NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, linking the trail’s history with Huntsville’s deep connection to space exploration.
The April 3 ceremony will include brief remarks recognizing Lana’s accomplishment and the collaborative effort that made the trail revival possible.
Event Details
Ceremonial Stick Cutting for Huntsville Spacewalk Trail 3.0
- Friday, April 3
- 10:00 a.m.
- South Monte Sano Trailhead (1970 SE Monte Sano Blvd, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Media Release/Abigail Harrison, Marketing Director/Land Trust of North Alabama
