Cherry Tree

• Wind directionSSW (200°) → WSW (250°)
• Ideal speed7–14 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Cherry Tree appears to be a launch within the Keel Mountain Flight Park complex near Gurley, AL (Madison/Jackson Co.), the only currently active free-flight area in Alabama. The main Keel Mountain launch faces NW; "Cherry Tree" is a separate SW-quadrant launch consistent with the paraglidingEarth orientation hint (S, SW, W). No site-specific published wind numbers were found for Cherry Tree itself, so the arc and speeds below are INFERRED from the orientation hint plus general knowledge of this low-elevation (~1375 ft MSL) inland ridge and the club's P2-level character. IDEAL ARC: centered on SW (~225°), best roughly 200-250° (true SW into the launch). MARGINAL/CROSS edges from ~180° (S) to ~270° (W) per the octant hint; beyond these it goes cross-to-off. Wind FROM the NE/N (off the back) = unflyable rotor. SPEEDS (inferred): ideal ~7-14 mph; base max ~18 mph; gust ceiling ~20 mph. Treat lower for paraglider P2 students (many local guidelines cap P2 light winds ~5-15 mph). ACCESS/RATING: Private, permission-required site — historically "Friend of Robert"/Patterson-owned land near Gurley; not an open public launch. Pilots must coordinate with the local Keel Mountain / North Alabama flying community before flying. P2/H2-friendly terrain but verify current access and conditions on site. HAZARDS: Inland thermic site — best smooth window is typically morning or late-afternoon when thermals settle; midday can be strong/turbulent with overdevelopment. Trees on and below launch (multiple documented tree-landing rescues near Gurley) — committed LZ planning required. Lee-side rotor in N/NE winds. CONFIDENCE LOW: arc derived from orientation hint only; no club/USHPA guide with explicit Cherry Tree numbers located. Verify directly with the Keel Mountain site sponsor / local pilots.