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Alabama State Parks

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Alabama
Northeast Region
Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano State Park © dmtilley / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Monte Sano State Park Overlook
Monte Sano State Park © dmtilley / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Another beautiful sunrise from Monte Sano
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MONTE SANO STATE PARK
MONTE SANO STATE PARK
5105 Nolen Ave SE
Huntsville, Alabama   35801-1029
(lat:34.7399 lon:-86.5118) map location

Phone: (256) 534-3757
Toll Free: 800-252-7275
Reservations: 256-534-6589
Email: park email button icon
Monte Sano, Spanish for Mountain of Health, rises more than 1,600 feet above sea level. The mountain has attracted visitors since the mid 1820s with the establishment of the town of Viduta, a derivative of the Spanish word Vida, meaning life. Viduta was home to a sanatorium and a hotel resort, Hotel Monte Sano, which opened its doors on June 1, 1887 and closed in the early 1900s due to a declining economy.

With the developments of the CCC in the 1930s came 11 stone cabins, which are still used today, picnic area and pavilions, an amphitheater and a stone lodge, which was destroyed by fire in 1947. February 2004 marked the completion of the reconstruction of the Monte Sano Lodge. Today all of these features are still in use and include the addition of three new cabins, one new pavilion and a campground with 89 improved camping sites.

The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails so you may get back in the woods to enjoy the serenity of the mountain. An 8 mile mountain bike trail is being constructed and maintained by local riders.

The staff at Monte Sano State Park would like to personally invite you to come and visit the park we take such great pride in promoting.
History of the Area
Located in Huntsville, Alabama, the park was opened to the public in 1938. It spans over 2,140 acres of land.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed it during the Great Depression as part of a nationwide initiative. The CCC built many facilities including cabins and hiking trails which are still used today.

In Spanish "Monte Sano" means "Mountain of Health". In late-1800s this area became popular for its health resorts due to clean mountain air.
Cabins
These quaint, stone cabins cabins 1 - 11, are built in the Arts and Crafts style, popular at the time of construction. Rustic in its appeal, with a hand-crafted stone fireplace and the original wood floor. Step onto the side screen porch to take in the fresh mountain air and breathtaking panoramic view of the natural surroundings.

Cabins rent all year with a two-night minimum on weekends and a three-night minimum on holiday weekends. Of Monte Sanos 14 cabins, cabins 1 - 11 have working stone fireplaces. We do offer a handicapped cabin that is wheelchair accessible. All cabins are one room with central heat and air and a separate shower and bathroom kitchens include stove, microwave, sink, refrigerator, some dishes and utensils. A double bed and a twin bed except Cabin 14 which has one double bed, table, chairs, loveseat and basic cable TV are provided in all of our cabins. Monte Sano staff also provide hair dryer, linens, towels, coffee maker, toaster and Iron and Ironing board for use by our cabin guest. All of our cabins provide an outdoor grill and picnic table. One rack of wood is provided October 1 thur April 1. We suggest bringing a couple of fire starter logs with you.

A minimum one night's deposit is required for cabin reservations. Guest may use a Visa, Master Card or American Express for payments and deposits cash, personal or business checks and money orders are also accepted. A cash deposit must be received within 5 days of the reservation date. All cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to reservation date to avoid being charged the minimum one night's deposit. Three-Night minimum on major holidays andTwo-Night minimum on weekends. No Pets Allowed.
Camping
Improved Camping

All prices are for a maximum occupancy of 4 persons, an additional charge per person is charged for occupants over the age of 6 that exceed the 4 person maximum occupancy. Monte Sano also permits one additional tent per site for children under 16 for an additional charge. We do take reservation, but we do not reserve.

Full hook sites.There are 21 full hook up sites that are first come first serve and 63 water and electric sites.

Primitive Camping

Primitive campground rates are per night per 2 persons. An additional charge per person is charged for every person over the 2-person occupancy limit 6 years older and over. Any extra tents are charged full rate and must be approved by campground staff. No site can be occupied for more than 5 nights. Plus 5% lodging tax.

Lodge
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, The Monte Sano Lodge catered to those who cherished the outdoors setting for family gatherings, business meetings, weddings and receptions until its destruction by fire in 1947.

For over 55 years the once majestic lodge lay in ruins atop Monte Sano Mountain. In 2002 the state of Alabama began a reconstruction of the old lodge; a project that not only restored the beauty of the facility but also modernized it, while keeping the original intent available to the public.

Today the Monte Sano Lodge offers a serene mountain setting not only to the outdoorsman and the family seeking to "get away from it all" but, also to the businessman who can now conference in this modern facility with modern internet connections and state of the art meeting rooms.
Meeting Rooms
Today, the Monte Sano Lodge offers a serene mountain setting not only to the outdoorsman and the family seeking to get away from it all but, also to the businessman who can now conference in this modern facility with modern internet connections and state of the art meeting rooms.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939, The Monte Sano Lodge catered to those who cherished the outdoors setting for family gatherings, business meetings, weddings and receptions until its destruction by fire in 1948.

For over 54 years the once majestic lodge lay in ruins atop Monte Sano Mountain. In 2002 the state of Alabama began a reconstruction of the old lodge a project that not only restored the beauty of the facility but also modernized it, while keeping the original intent available to the public.

Dogwood Room

Holding between 40 and 90 persons the Dogwood Room is located near our conference coffee bar on the Northern side of the lodge. This room is perfect for business meetings, with our podium and screen displays combined with Internet access. Depending on the room setup the room will suit most family reunions.

Dogwood Room Includes

Use of pantry 40 - 90 chairs depending upon set up 8 round folding tables for banquets or 7 rectangle folding tables for conference settings You cannot rent just the Dogwood room on Saturday, or Sunday. The Entire Lodge must be rented on these days of the week. An eight hour minimum is required on holidays.

The Monte Sano Lodge was designed for business meetings, receptions, dinners, weddings,and other party gatherings. Some events, though too large for one room, are not large enough for the entire lodge. For this we offer Fearn Hall. Guests will arrive first through this room. If you choose to leave this area as is there is no additional fee. Should you choose to serve food, set-up tables or chairs, or arrange the furniture in this room there is a set-up fee as stated below.

Fearn Hall must be reserved before any of its furniture may be moved or any decorations or the like may be displayed.

In the event there are two simultaneous functions in the lodge, the bluff side terrace and Fearn Hall are to be commons areas only

The largest of the rooms in the lodge can easily accommodate up to 112 persons in a banquet setting and between 72 and 175 persons in a conference setting. This room is ideal for large wedding receptions or business dinners and with easy access to our catering kitchen this room is a must.

The largest of the rooms in the lodge can easily accommodate up to 112 persons in a banquet setting and between 72 and 175 persons in a conference setting. This room is ideal for large wedding receptions or business dinners and with easy access to our catering kitchen this room is a must.

A eight hour minimum is required on Saturday, Sundays and Holidays.

Full use of the catering kitchen 72-120 chairs depending upon set up 15 round folding tables for banquets and up to 30 rectangle folding tables for conference meetings. Use of dual fireplaces with wood upon request.

You cannot rent just the Oak Hall on Saturday, or Sunday. The Entire Lodge must be rented on these days of the week.


Location
Monte Sano State Park is located near Harvest, Hazel Green and Huntsville

Picnicking
The Monte Sano State Park picnic area is a lush green area on a bluff overlooking a scenic mountin valley. A modern playground is adjacent to the picnic area. Admission to the picnic area and playground is included in you park entrance fee.

Located near the parking area you will find the larger of our two picnic area pavilions. This pavilion is wheel chair accessible and is accompanied by two stone fireplaces. With close access to the playground and the adjoining available restrooms this pavilion is more than suitable for larger family reunions and company picnics. Adjacent to the pavilion you will also discover a serving area, which may be opened for use during your reserved event upon special request. This Pavilion can be reserved please call to make a reservation.

Scenic mountain views and the sound of waterfalls grace the smaller of our two picnic area Pavilions. Restrooms are accessed at the larger of the pavilions, which is only a short stroll from the bluff. Also within walking distance you will find our playground and hiking trails. This pavilion is perfect for the more intimate reunions and gatherings. You may access this pavilion for unloading and loading of equipment for your event upon special request. This pavilion can be reserved please call to make a reservation.

At our office you will find our final pavilion. Built by the Young Adult Conservation Corps (Y.A.C.C.) this facility shares a parking lot with the park office. Also at this pavilion you will find electrical outlets and a fire pit. Both men and women?s restrooms at the office service this pavilion. Its location to the Country Store and Park Office enhance its appeal. This pavilion can also be reserved please call to reserve.
Trails
Currently over 14 miles of hiking/biking trails service our state park and its patrons. The Park's trail systems are maintained by our employees and with the help of local hiking and biking groups.

A short walk from the main trail head our NORTH PLATEAU LOOP and SOUTH PLATEAU LOOP offer stunning vistas of the Tennessee Valley, with mild trail elevation changes.

For our more serious hikers and bikers we invite you to try our Mountain Mist and McKay Hollow trails. Here you may find any number of exotic plants and wildlife ranging from wild roses to ginseng or whitetail deer to some our oldest residents, Feral goats. However, beware that you may come across a rattlesnake, copperhead or king snake. Please respect these animals and remember that our park is a wildlife sanctuary and the killing or harming of these beautiful specimens is prohibited by law. A new addition to Monte Sano is the Outdoor Interpretive Classroom. The Classroom is located From Hikers Parking Lot you go west on South Plateau Loop then South on the Firetower trail to the Bog Trail and the classroom is approx. 1/2 mile. There are 18 stops and two Kiosks. The classroom meets the requirements of the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program for Grades K - 12. The Park Office has pamphlets and books available to teachers and students. For scheduled tours please call 256 534-3757. For additional pictures go to the photo gallery.

Each year several hikers/bikers venture into our 2,400 acre park without having oriented themselves to our trails and their surrounding. This in-turn causes several lost found rescues and injuries each year. For this reason the Monte Sano staff would like to remind our hiking and biking visitors to purchase a map from our park office or country store.
Area Attractions
Mixing the rustic environment created by the CCC with the modern demand for technology, Monte Sano State Park is the perfect place to plan your next retreat or get together. Only a short drive from downtown Huntsville, you leave the serenity of the park to explore the space age lifestyle of The Rocket City.

Take the family to the Space and Rocket Center to see what makes the space race so spectacular. Grab a bite to eat and settle in for a movie at the IMAX. Bring the family back to the park and catch a show at the on-site observatory operated by the Von Braun Astronomical Society.

Did you bring your fishing pole Monte Sano State Park is less than an hour's drive to Wheeler Lake or Lake Guntersville, both of which are home to several annual bass fishing tournaments. If your not in the mood in the for big waters and want to sit in the shade and relax on the banks, try wetting a line at the Madison County Lake or Sharon Johnston Park.If you're still looking for something for else to do get out your golf bag and take the short drive down the mountain and play a few holes on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 2 Liked the walking trails but.. by A tent camper
park review stars; one to five We were shocked to see an area being overtaken by bamboo which is not indigenous to the area. There were also daffodils which would have been imported , too. It did not make sense, especially when we later saw a poster talking about other invasive species introduced in the park.
August 28 A place to escape to by Karen from Birmingham
park review stars; one to five My son and I spent the 4th of July weekend in one of the stone cabins. It was peaceful, comfortable and quiet. We took several walks---in the rain, but never got wet thanks to the thick canopy of trees overhead. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to get away to somewhere beautiful and peaceful.
January 21 when callin dont know what cabin rate is
park review stars; one to five quoted one rate,booked at that rate,they called back and said would be 20.00 per night more????????
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Buster's Bait & Tackle
2902 Governors Dr SW
Huntsville, AL
(256) 536-1564
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From I-65, take exit to I-565 E (ALT US-72 E, AL-20 E). Continue on I-565 E approximately 19 miles. Exit onto off-ramp at exit 19C to Washington St NW. Bear left onto Washington St NW and travel less than a mile. Turn right onto Pratt Av NW and travel less than a mile. Continue onto Pratt Av NE and travel a little over a mile. Bear left onto Bankhead Pkwy NE and travel approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Fearn St SE and travel less than a mile. Turn left onto Nolen Av SE and travel a little over a mile to the park entrance.

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