Last updated: February 14, 2024

What a great Memorial Day hike! Rainbow Mountain is located at 230 Stoneway Trail, Madison, AL 35758. I was happy to learn that leashed dogs are allowed. Interestingly enough, the name of the mountain was supposed to be called Rainbolt Mountain, after the original land owner in the 1800’s, however throughout the years, the name was distorted to Rainbow.

Trailheads

There are two options to access the trails. First, there is the main trailhead off of Stoneway Trail where there are two parking lots. The second trailhead is next to a large water reservoir and includes a gravel parking lot. We used the first trailhead which includes a very old playground.

The Hike

The two main trails are Rainbow Loop (1.5 miles) and Ja-Koo-Moo (0.9 miles). Yes, it’s Ja-Moo-Koo… I double checked! These are marked extremely well. Ja-Koo-Moo is an optional extension of Rainbow Loop by adding an extra loop to the Northeast. Coming from the water reservoir entrance, you’ll reach the Ja-Moo-Koo Trail after just one mile where it bears north and eventually loops back south for a total length of just under one mile at which point it returns to the Rainbow Loop Trail. So, you could do Rainbow Loop for 1.5 miles, OR you could add Ja Koo Moo Trail to Rainbow loop and do a 2.4 mile hike! I love that is an option depending on how spunky you feel that day. This hike was no joke though with very steep climbs that left my thighs burning. Although it was short, its a far cry from easy and includes some slightly aggressive, rocky climbs.

There are two shorter trails, Spring Trail (0.4 miles) and Wild Trail (0.3 miles). These are super short but very difficult! The best way to experience Spring Trail is from the cul de sac at the end of Oakhurst Drive at the base of Rainbow Mountain. From this starting point, you climb to the top of the the mountain. The majority of Spring Trail is spent parallel to a creek with slabs of rock that produce beautiful waterfalls after it rains. Wild Trail is also short but challenging. The easiest way to get there is by starting from the playground entrance of Rainbow Loop and turning right onto Spring Trail and make an another almost immediate right onto Wild Trail. Watch foot placement when hiking this trail as is is mostly rocky terrain.

If you take all trails, this is a 3.1 mile hike. While short, it makes up for the lack of distance with challenging and steep climbs that will leave you huffing and puffing and breaking a sweat. If you are considering adding this to your list of hikes to visit, I say definitely add it! You’ll enjoy it. Plus, you’ll get to use the rainbow emoji when you post it on social media. 🙂

Have you hiked Rainbow Mountain? If so, what did you think? What other hikes do you recommend? I’d love to hear!