Monte Sano State Park is an absolute gem! The park offers stunning overlooks that provide breathtaking views, especially at sunset. There are endless hiking trails for all skill levels, each one more scenic than the last. Climbing the fire tower is a must--it gives you a whole new perspective of the area. To top it off, the disc golf course is one of the best I've played, with challenging holes surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you're here for hiking, disc golf, or just to take in the views, Monte Sano has something special for everyone. We managed to make it right before a huge storm opened up and enjoyed the overlook and a few hiking trails. The drive up is nice and scenic filled with windy roads. As we were leaving definitely be alert as the hill down is extremely windy and dangerous with a drop off. There is a fee you pay per person to enter which was not expected but it came to $5 per adult and the money goes back into the park. read more

Monte Sano State Park - Overlook - Parks Near Me - Huntsville, Alabama

See all

Took my family on a nice little hike today. Took us about 2 hours and it was incredibly challenging! Such a beautiful part and I love the stone cut trail! read more

See all

This is a fun state park. The fees are low and the views are nice. There is a ton of hiking and biking trails throughout the park, an outdoor amphitheater, and playgrounds. As a hiker I wanted to check out one of the higher rank trails from AllTrails app. I did McKay Hollow Trail (rated hard) which was reasonably well marked. It was rated as hard for having to deep inclines with switchbacks where you were climbing over rocks. The views were great and it wasn't crowded for a Sunday at all read more

See all

A breathtakingly beautiful park!!!! Hard to describe the beauty of this state park. A variety of hiking and biking trails. Camp sites, cabins. and a lodge. read more

See all

I came here with my significant other for a hike and had a great time. The trails are marked and are easy to follow. Make sure to bring enough water! I'll definitely come back next time I'm in town. Well worth the entry fee. read more

Monte Sano State Park - Parks Near Me - Huntsville, Alabama

Nice park to explore and kill some time over the weekend. There is a $10 fee to get in. You can bike or hike. You can also visit the Japanese Garden which is next to a convenient store/rest area. read more

See all

I like Monte Sano park! The rustic outdoor amphitheater and the Japanese gardens were always fun destinations, and the trail offerings have something for all levels from easy to challenging. We've rented pavilions for class reunions at MSSP and I've stayed in the rustic cabins several times. The stone cabins were always, nice especially if you select one with a view nearby. Most have wood burning fireplaces indoors that add to the ambiance. The kitchens are stocked with utensils, pots and pans, etc., for 4 people and linens are provided. Don't get all rowdy when staying in the cabins, the park ranger seems to have a lot of time on his hands to patrol and enforce the curfews [10:00 PM back in the day, was the start of "quiet time" if I recall correctly]. Why no 5th star? I think the park should be free of charge. I think their may be a parking fee, but I'm not 100% sure of that. Monte Sano [Spanish for "mountain of health"] proper has an interesting history. I thought it was a place of retreat from the horrible pollen "the valley" of Huntsville has. It was actually a health resort location: "In 1886, the Hotel Monte Sano was built to serve as a health resort for hundreds of people. The hotel was a three-story 223 room wooden structure of Queen Anne architecture, with rooms costing $11.00 per week, including meals." One of my favorite streets in Huntsville is Old Chimney Road SE, atop Monte Sano where the Hotel Monte Sano chimney [or likely one of many] still stands. Other points of interest in the area are the Von Braun planetarium, and Burritt on the Mountain which has a ton of learning/entertainment offerings, as well as hiking trails [my favorite is the short hike/walk to the 70+ foot tall Cross.] Our family growing up enjoyed many visits to the historic park, which now includes a barnyard. Do visit Monte Sano State Park, and venture beyond to explore all the Mountain of Health offers! read more

We have been coming here for over five years now and like to stay in the dog-friendly cabins (7 & 8). This year we were surprised to walk in and find the cabin renovated - the new cabinets, chairs, bar counter with chairs, bunk bed, and new full-size bed frame were welcome improvements. We enjoyed a great weekend with some hiking and a roaring fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, the cabin was really quite dirty when we arrived - it felt like the construction guys had finished and no one bothered to do anything other than make the beds. We swept up a significant pile of dirt and splinters and found a pile of rusty nails and a razor on the floor. They no longer have a grill at cabin 8, which we had planned on using. When I brought this to the attention of the new young staff at the front office, the young woman was extremely rude and condescending and didn't seem to have any customer service training. She just glared, blinked, and snapped "okay." When I asked for a breakfast recommendation, she rolled her eyes, sighed and and snarling said "there's a hardees at the bottom of the hill," then signed and slammed the window shut. This kind of behavior is surprising because the staff in years past has always been extremely nice and more helpful than Google maps. We will return, but I hope the staff is better trained and that the cabins are cleaner. read more

I always enjoy visits to Monte Sano. It is always well maintained and literally a breath of fresh air. Picnic, camp, playground, hiking, and more. Bring comfortable shoes with grip to take a hike, a picnic blanket to enjoy the scenery, or a hammock to just relax for the afternoon. I do not camp frequently--I had my fill of it earlier in life--but camping options are versatile here. You can go primitive, pitch your tent, bring your RV hand hook it up, or rent yourself a cabin built by FDR's Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). read more

Monte Sano State Park - Hiking - Parks Near Me - Huntsville, Alabama

See all

I was really impressed with the views from this park, especially for being so close to town. The North Pleateau Loop offers views that make you seem like you're miles from civilization, even though you're a short walk to the parking lot and a short drive back into Huntsville. They have lots of trails for all skill levels and the $5 entry fee is definitely worth it. This place is a must see if you're in town and want to do a quick hike or take more time and explore more of the park. read more

See all

Great hiking trails, right in the heart of Huntsville definitely worth hitting the trails.

Came here on a weekend morning around 9AM, not many cars parked in the parking lot although there were quite a few when leaving around noon. Well-marked trail, pretty flat for the most part, stone cuts were pretty cool although quite small. Slightly muddy in some parts, dead trees and lots of leaves on the ground. read more

Great place to hike! Pretty well marked, except for one part of the McKay trail coming from the South where if you keep going, you end up trying to cross a steep run off ditch and scramble up a slippery slope. You are not supposed to go that way! Stretch your calves, bring bug bands or spray, and lots of water too. Enjoy! read more

I LOVE this park. The views are outstanding, the trails are wonderful and varied (in elevation and length), and the facilities are great. There are some very difficult trails and some very muddy, rocky trails, so one must be prepared. We love staying in the cabins, which have enough amenities to be comfortable but are rugged enough to let you know you are in a park! read more

Monte Sano has a beautiful trail system ranging from easy trails to run to some pretty strenuous hikes/climbing. The park does cost money to enter, but there is a free entrance lower on the mountain at a small parking area. This area has a sectioned off Highway you can run down then it branches off with a trail you can use to access the park. I recommend going in the mornings when it's misty, very beautiful. read more

See all

Too hard to use this park as the beueracracy keeps roads closed and facilities closed etc. Like all the parks in Alabama, they need to look at states like Alaska and Tennessee to learn how awesome parks are run, maintained, and services. read more

A great place to go hiking either by yourself or with a group of people. $5 per person to enter. They have trails with varying degrees of difficulty. I saw many people walking and hiking but I also saw a good number of people mountain biking. I went in the fall before the leaves fell and it was difficult to see out on the horizon but the view under the tree canopy was still worth it. There are rock shelves and look out points. read more

Monte Sano State Park - Parks Near Me - Huntsville, Alabama

Beautiful view with easy access without a hike and then hiking opportunities, too! Be sure to be aware of posted speed limits.

Thousands of acres of Alabama outdoors just opposite thousands of acres of residential property. Options for RVs, tents and cabins for the outing club-type. Miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Friendly and knowledgable folks in the park office, if you are new to the area. Summer is right around the corner. read more

Best place in the city. I love it here. So quiet, very little sound from city around it. Beautiful.

This was a nice little get away for Thanksgiving. Plenty of trails to hike and ride. The cottage was small and rustic. We were in cottage 8 which is pet friendly. We had two issue but they were resolved quickly. There is a small store on site but no restaurant. Grocery store and restaurants are within 5 miles. Cell service is choppy. I would recommend a stay a Monte Sano. read more

See all

It's a beautiful park with over 2300 acres and trails. With the vegetation the campsites don't seem as close together. We were in campsite number 44 and I consider it one of the best. The bathrooms certainly need a re-model. There's only one wash machine and dryer. Being on top of green mountain brings a cool breeze that is delightful read more

See all

We love hiking here and enjoy the lookout views. So much land to explore. A great place to connect with nature and find peace in your day.

Great Campground with lots of trees in peace and quiet! Fire rings and picnic tables plus level gravel lot. In addition to RV lots with a mix of full and partial services, they rent little one bedroom stone cabins on the hill... Adorable! read more

Awesome trails, awesome vistas. Looks like it would be good for group outings and picnics. There's a lodge for rent for larger events, and larger the picnic area also has playground equipment. There are lots of trails, that are bike and dog friendly, that go through many parts of the park and make it easy to experience different views. There's also a Frisbee Golf course, but we did not take the challenge. A friend has their rehearsal dinner here a few years ago (I didn't realize until we were leaving this time that I'd been here previously, to a different part) and we had stayed in the cabins that are for rent. A solid nature experience, away from the city, for those who don't want to brave the elements and the full outdoor experience. read more

Monte Sano State Park - Parks Near Me - Huntsville, Alabama

See all

Logged about 3 miles hiking the trails in this park. Beautiful landscape. Saw streams, mini caves and a variety of weird plants. If you love nature, this is heaven. read more

See all

Beautiful park with a ton of trails. We did the South loop and North loop. The trails are well marked and overlap so easy to cross onto another one (we crossed off of the south loop which didn't have a lot to see). We saw a lodge and several cabins. The cabins seemed pretty close together and didn't have a lot of privacy but would have spectacular views. There is a parking lot but when we left around noon on a beautiful Saturday, the lot was full and many folks were parking on the side of the road so, would probably be worth getting there early on nice weekends. We did not see any restrooms. read more

See all

So many memories on this mountain. If those trees could talk, they could tell some great stories of bravery and plight. There's a trail for everyone and every thing up there. I often find myself biking, hiking, and more on that beautiful, bucolic mountain. Lots of small wildlife and fun things to do for all members of the family. Young or old, monte sano state park is the best part of the Huntsville area. read more

Monte Sano State Park - Beautiful mountain and nice dog good time - Parks Near Me - Huntsville, Alabama

They could have a better access road for the outer and inner banks to fish from. They could also make at kiddy area for the little children 10 and under to fish our practice from. read more

A beautiful state park with tons of trails! I was a little sad that we only planned one night here. There is so much to do!!! Stone Cuts trail is well worth the hike. There are also lots of unique things to do at this State Park - like the Japanese Garden and Planetarium. Campsites are nice and there was ample space. Read my full review: http://www.pocketfuloftreasures.net/2017/11/exploring-monte-sano-state-park.html?m=1 read more

See all

This is a great State Park. I really like the views and the paths. It was worth the trip and I will definitely go again.

I've never seen so many trails in one park before! At least none that were close enough together that you could feasibly start on one and end on something completely different. Mountain views, claiming water falls, even a rock quarry (no, you can't go inside, though) are part of the many components of this fabulous park. With so many trails to walk, it's easy to lose track of time and your place in the world - my group certainly did... My only qualm is that the signs aren't always clearly marked, but every trail makes a loop (or meets up with a trail that does) and so eventually you'll wind up back at the parking lot. But isn't getting a little lost part of the adventure anyway? There were a number of cabins here, so if a weekend away in the woods is your thing, it looked easy enough to do here. I didn't stay in a cabin, though, so I can't say if they're decent or not. Overall, a fabulous hiking park in the land of a thousand caves. Take a hike. No, really! read more

I love the walking/hiking trails. The one to the firewatch is overrated at the end though because you can't actually climb up the firestand to the see the view, which is kind of the point to hiking to a firewatch. The trails aren't clearly marked either, so sometimes you come to an intersection and choose the wrong trail. They all kind of go in circles though, so you'll probably not get lost in the woods. There are these "outdoor classrooms" though that give you a history of a certain spot and/or info on the natural environment in the area, which I really liked. Oh, and the observatory is closed but still listed on the map. Not sure what was up with that.... I'll be back. read more

Love the views, and the pavilion which can be really great for groups. I admit I have spent some times swinging on the kiddie swings. . .so much fun!!! The honor box system for admission--does any one actually pay? read more

Family friendly. Hikes are great for all ages. Dog friendly. Overall a great way to spend a beautiful day.

The past couple of times that I have been here, I have enjoyed this place. The trails are not too hard to hike, they are bike and dog friendly. I haven't camped here before, but it looks pretty standard as far as any national park goes. Definitely want to return in the summer for more greenery, but I love making this stop. Worth a gander for the beginning adventure seekers out there. read more

Monte Sano State Park - What a view! - Parks Near Me - Huntsville, Alabama

Was going to take a short visit but was surprised at the entry fee of $5 per person! I guess we will come back when we can spend enough time to justify the cost. read more

I absolutely love Monte Sano. I always stay in the cabins when I go there. The only negative thing I might say is that the person cleaning them should clean the floors with some kind of product. They are a bit filthy. And the windows and curtains should be cleaned more often. Very stale smelling and dusty. The views are incredible from most of them though and it's so peaceful. read more

Gorgeous, magical, and breath taking views of the city and state. It's a beautiful drive up the winding road along the lush green trees and vegetation. Don't miss out on the magic of the mountain. Lake entry and ease making sure to read how the park was named. read more

This is a gem of a place in the city limits of Huntsville AL. If I lived here I would be a regular. The view is spectacular. The campsite is beautiful. Just be warned primitive means primitive. No water on the site and the bathroom is far away. But it was well worth it. read more