New 400-acre Hueytown nature preserve sets 2026 opening date

The highly-anticipated nature preserve that’s been years in the making in Hueytown finally has an opening date, putting it one step closer to being a destination for outdoor adventure, wellness and community gatherings.

Located in the heart of West Jefferson County, the nature preserve will have: 

• 400 acres publicly accessible land
• 32,468 linear feet of hiking and biking trails
• A mountaintop path with panoramic views

When is the West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve opening?

The City of Hueytown has announced that the West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve is on track to open in the first quarter of 2026. 

How the project got started

The project began in 2023 after Hueytown residents told Mayor Steve Ware that the land was on its way to be clear-cut for timber, according to a city release. That led to months of negotiation between the city and the University of Alabama, and Hueytown was eventually able to purchase the land.

What came afterward were town hall meetings for the community to give input on what they wanted to see in a park. 

The city received a $400,000 Recreational Trails Grant in 2024, allowing it to develop the project into “one of the most ambitious outdoor initiatives in the city’s history.”

“We’re building more than trails, we’re creating a space for health, joy, and community. West Rock will connect families, hike enthusiasts, and mountain bikers to the natural beauty of our city, and we can’t wait to welcome them.”

Mayor Steve Ware

The land was part of a 840-acre property acquired from the University of Alabama. The remaining 440 acres, give or take, have been reserved for “conservation and public access, with the remaining land designated for future city development,” the city said.

City of Hueytown now accepting bids

In the meantime, the City of Hueytown will accept bids for the West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve Phase One Project until 4PM on Oct. 17 at the Hueytown City Hall.

The project includes: 

• Building 6 miles of walking and biking trails
• Trail signage
• A trailhead parking area
• Related improvements

Contact the city engineer, Chris D. Pappas at chris@pappasengineering.com for more details on the process.

Keep up to date with the West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve by following the City of Hueytown on Instagram and Facebook.

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