Monte Sano State Park

Monte Sano State Park sits atop a mountain near Huntsville and covers woodland terrain with numerous trails for exploration. The park includes rustic cabins, camping facilities, and several scenic viewpoints throughout its grounds.

The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the area in the 1930s, building stone cottages, an amphitheater, and other structures in the Arts and Crafts style. These buildings continue to define the park's character today.

The Von Braun Astronomical Society maintains a planetarium and observatory in the park, enabling visitors to study celestial objects and astronomical phenomena.

The park offers different lodging options, including modern campsites with hookups, simpler tent spots, and equipped cabins for various preferences. Visitors should be comfortable walking trails and expect hilly, wooded terrain throughout.

A historic mountain railway operated from 1888 to 1896, carrying visitors up to a large hotel that no longer stands. Hikers today can still spot traces of this old rail line in the adjacent nature preserve.

Location: Alabama

Inception: 1938

Operator: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Parks Division

Opening Hours: 08:00-sunset

Website: https://alapark.com/parks/monte-sano-state-park

GPS coordinates: 34.74000,-86.51000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00