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Monte Sano State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,510 Google reviews · Running trail in Huntsville, Alabama · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Monte Sano State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Expansive mountaintop green space featuring trails, rustic stone cabins & scenic views.
What runners say about Monte Sano State Park
“The trails are well-maintained and cater to various skill levels, making it a great spot for both casual hikers and avid trekkers.”
“Be warned that you have to go up to the mountain and there is fog that comes and goes, just drive slow in the fog, playing peek a boo with gorgeous sunshine.”
“The paths are not clearly marked and I had a little trouble navigating trails.”
“Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a serene and scenic camping experience in northern Alabama.”
Monte Sano State Park is a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts. The park has an entry fee, but it’s worth every penny for the experience. The trails are well-maintained and cater to various skill levels, making it a great spot for both casual hikers and avid trekkers.
My wife and I spent two nights here on 01-02 August 2024. We were very impressed with what a beautiful and well-maintained State Park it was, to include the very picturesque drive up to and down the 1500 foot tall plateau (mountain) it sits on.
Had most of my wedding party stay at the cabins over the weekend. Stayed four nights and rented 8 cabins and one of the glamping tents over the weekend. Love this park and forest. Playground and trails for the kids. Fire pits for nightly hangouts and the renovations to the cabins are really nice.
Autumn is a beautiful time to stay at the campground at Monte Sano State Park. The sites are level, excellent for RV camping and tents as well. Lots of hiking nearby, and a beautiful look out point for sunrise and moonrise over the Appalachian foothills only 1/4 mile from the camp store.
Trail conditions & character
“Be warned that you have to go up to the mountain and there is fog that comes and goes, just drive slow in the fog, playing peek a boo with gorgeous sunshine.”
“Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a serene and scenic camping experience in northern Alabama.”
“The Burritt mansion down the hill has spectacular views of sunset!”
“There are rest areas located throughout containing restrooms as well as trashcans & also benches or picnic tables for needed breaks along the trails.”
“A parking lot is there and restrooms along with the Japanese Tea Garden.”
“Great hiking trail on South Plateau Loop for a newcomer to hiking.”
“The sites are level, excellent for RV camping and tents as well.”
“Very accessible to Huntsville sights, such as the US Space and Rocket Center (which has GREAT activities for kids and adults alike.”
“Also, some lovely vistas and the trails are well marked.”
Plan your run at Monte Sano State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitealapark.com
- Phone(256) 534-3757
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Huntsville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Monte Sano Nature Preserve (Bankhead Trailhead)
4.8 ★★★★★ 721 reviews
Expansive preserve featuring 25+ miles of trails, scenic waterfalls, bluff vistas, springs & caves.
Chapman Mountain Trail Entrance
4.7 ★★★★★ 25 reviews