Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall
Hueytown breaks ground on new 400-acre nature preserve
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The City of Hueytown broke ground today on the site of the new West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve.
The highly-anticipated, 400+ acre nature preserve will be the first of its kind in West Jefferson County and has been years in the making.
From proposed clearcut to nature preserve
At the ceremony Monday, Feb. 2, Hueytown Mayor Steve Ware recounted the moment he was told by a local resident the land where the new preserve resides was slated to be clear-cut.
Three years later, the city now owns the land and has secured grants from the Alabama Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs (ADECA) to build trails.
“This project has been a priority of mine because it directly invests in our community’s quality of life.
“The West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve will give residents and visitors a place to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors and take pride in land that is truly unique in West Jefferson County.”
Hueytown Mayor Steve Ware
4th largest preserve in Jefferson County
The new nature preserve will become Jefferson County’s fourth-largest greenspace behind:
- Red Mountain Park — 1,500+ acres
- Ruffner Mountain — 1,000+ acres
- Turkey Creek Nature Preserve — nearly 700 acres
There are also plans to build the following recreation amenities:
- 32,468 linear feet of hiking and biking trails
- Mountaintop paths with panoramic views
- Trailhead parking lot
“This preserve is something that will have a lasting effect on the city of Hueytown for generations of families.
“It’s quiet. It’s beautiful. I just love this town.”
Hueytown Mayor Steve Ware
Located near Dee Hendrix Road, the West Rock Mountain Nature Preserve is scheduled to open in Summer 2026.
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