Mountain trails, a Tennessee River marina, a Robert Trent Jones golf complex, and a giant cave: the best outdoor things to do around Huntsville.
Huntsville is much more outdoorsy than the rocket-city reputation suggests. There is a state park on a mountain in the middle of town, a network of nature preserves, and the Tennessee River on the south side. Here are the best places to get outside. Check official sites for hours, fees, and trail conditions.
Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano State Park is the top outdoor pick. It covers about 2,140 acres with more than 20 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails, CCC-built cabins, campsites, and disc golf. The Land Trust of North Alabama's adjoining Monte Sano Nature Preserve adds more trails, and our best hikes guide has specific routes.
Hays Nature Preserve
In Hampton Cove, the Hays Nature Preserve covers 538 acres with more than ten miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, plus the paved Flint River Greenway.
Madison County Nature Trail
The Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain is a short, easy park visit with a lake, a covered bridge, and a picnic pavilion, and it is free.
Ditto Landing
Ditto Landing on the Tennessee River has a marina, a boat launch, a campground, and pavilions, and it offers fishing, walking, and picnicking along the river.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove
Golfers should book a round at Hampton Cove, a 54-hole complex with the Highlands and River championship courses and a par-3 short course.
Big Spring International Park
For a lower-key outing, walk through Big Spring International Park downtown, with its red footbridge, fountains, and museum next door.
Day Trips
Cathedral Caverns State Park offers guided cave tours and the giant Goliath stalagmite. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur hosts more than 14,000 sandhill cranes each winter.
Quick Picks
- Best hiking: Monte Sano
- Best for kids: Madison County Nature Trail
- Best on the water: Ditto Landing
- Best day trip: Cathedral Caverns
