A Premier Hiking Destination with Stunning Views in Huntsville
Monte Sano Nature Preserve (Oak Park Trailhead) is a top choice for hikers and mountain bikers seeking a well-maintained and scenic trail system in Huntsville. The trailhead, located near Oak Park, offers a smooth path that ascends the mountain, revealing breathtaking foliage and rock formations along the way. This hiking area is cherished for its mostly shaded routes and the opportunity to explore multiple connected trails for a rewarding 3-mile loop.
Outdoor adventurers value the versatility of this preserve, whether for a brisk run, a leisurely hike, or an exciting mountain bike ride. The trail’s unique transition from limestone to sandstone landscapes adds geological interest, while the peaceful surroundings provide a rejuvenating outdoor experience.
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Craig Priestley
6 years agoVery well maintained trail which wraps its way from the bottom of the mountain (walk through the park in Oak Park; the trailhead is just beyond the public restrooms and outer fence of the park) all the way to the top for some excellent foliage and rock views. It's about 95% shaded. It's an out and back, but if you connect to Buzzard's Roost and then Dallas Branch and Bankhead Trails, it becomes a nice 3 mile loop. Several waterfalls along the way, but all were dry today (June 2). Oak Park Trail itself appears to be a mountain biking destination. Many signs of upkeep for that purpose, though I didn't run into anyone on the trail when I hiked it 7:30-9am.
Andrew Bustos
4 years agoOak Park trailhead is a great place to hike, run or ride your mountain bike. Very smooth trails, the only difficult part is most of it is uphill. But once you turn around, you'll get a nice downhill back to the parking lot.
S. Hamilton
5 years agoThis is a beautiful trail with quick and easy access. Good trail for kids. The downside, at least the Saturday we were there, was the noise. Heavy equipment destroying the mountain land nearby to build houses bordering the land trust and State Park, near Panther Knob. It was loud enough to be all you really heard, even on a weekend.
Jacob Leff
1 year agoThis is secretly the best trail to enter Monte Santo from. You get to start low and see the full transition from Limestone to Sandstone.
MonaMonet Allen
10 months agoWell marked trails and always a great day to be in nature on Monte Sano