Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano State Park is a popular recreational destination near Huntsville, Alabama. The park encompasses more than 2,100 acres on top of Monte Sano mountain, just east of the city. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, as well as a visit to the planetarium and observatory located within the park.
The 1,600-foot-tall Monte Sano mountain has been popular with visitors since the 1820s. Monte Sano, which means “mountain of health” in Spanish, was once home to a spa hotel and sanatorium. A railway running from downtown Huntsville to the Hotel Monte Sano made it easy for visitors to access. Today, a Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Project trail preserves what remains of the old railroad bed. The park’s original facilities were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), including stone cabins with fireplaces that can be rented today. The original park lodge built by the CCC was destroyed by fire in 1947, but was rebuilt in 2002. The lodge is available for event rentals.
Monte Sano State Park offers more than 14 miles of trails to explore. The North and South Plateau Trails are easier trails that allow for spectacular views of the Tennessee River Valley. The McKay Hollow and Mountain Mist trails cover more challenging terrain and offer glimpses of some of the wildlife that live on the mountain, including deer and feral goats.
There are two campsites in the park. Campers at the upgraded campground can take advantage of water, electricity, and sewer hookups. There is also a primitive campsite for those who prefer a more rustic environment. Other park amenities include a picnic area, a playground, and a camp store.
Perhaps the most unusual feature of Monte Sano State Park is the Von Braun Astronomical Society (VBAS) Planetarium, located near the park entrance. The VBAS is a non-profit, voluntary organization made up of amateur and professional astronomers. The planetarium is open to the public every Saturday night at 7:30 pm for a program. The current program is “Exploring Saturn”. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Children under 6 years enter free. After the program, visitors can view the night sky through one of the society’s telescopes, weather permitting.
Monte Sano State Park is a great place to visit any time of year. Native azaleas provide color in the spring, the leaves are spectacular in the fall, and the views are picturesque year-round. The park is located at 5105 Nolen Avenue in Huntsville. Day use hours are from 7 am to sunset. Admission to the park is $2 on weekdays and $3 on weekends. There is no charge for children 5 years and under. Visitors to North Alabama are sure to enjoy what this popular park has to offer.