Hueytown nature preserve — West Rock Mountain Preserve in Hueytown, Alabama (City of Hueytown)

Hueytown’s new West Rock Mountain Preserve is one step closer to becoming an outdoor paradise for hikers and cyclists.

Earlier this week, Governor Kay Ivey awarded the West Jefferson County town a $400,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program to begin working on creating a trail system at the 330-acre preserve.

The Hueytown project will help construct approximately 5.3 miles of hiking and biking trails and a gravel parking area at the nature park’s south trailhead.

“By using this grant to develop hiking and biking trails at Hueytown’s West Rock Nature Preserve, we are providing our residents with a variety of outdoor spaces to enjoy nature, stay active, and spend quality time with family and friends. Additionally, these trails will attract visitors, which can boost local businesses and support our economy.”

Steve Ware, Mayor, Hueytown

Four major nature preserves in Jefferson County

In August 2023, Hueytown purchased the land to create the West Rock Mountain Preserve from the University of Alabama. When finished, Jefferson County will be home to four major nature preserves. The other three include:

In total, Governor Ivey gave out $1.4 million to help fund recreation projects in six Alabama communities.

Are you excited about the new Hueytown West Rock Mountain Preserve? Tell us what you think on social media by tagging us in the comment section at @bhamnow!