Jones Valley Loop

Jones Valley Loop

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.75 miles round trip
Cost: Free

Jones Valley Loop Trail is a quiet, beautiful trail in Jones Valley with a stream that runs after a good rain.

Find hiking locations nearby:
Blevin’s Gap
Aldridge Creek Greeway

Directions to Monte Sano Trailhead

Jones Valley Loop Trail is located in Huntsville, 14 minutes south of downtown.

You can find the trailhead by searching for “Fanning Trail Trailhead” or clicking here.

Parking Lot/Trailhead

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

The parking lot is the church parking lot for Church of the Nazarene in Jones Valley. The trailhead is located in the back corner behind the church. There is a large trail system. To see the waterfall, follow “Jones Valley Loop Trail”.

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

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Bailey Cove Falls

Bailey Cove Falls only runs after a significant rain. The waterfall runs underneath a bridge. The trail follows unt he stream and back down the stream. There is a large trail system here worth exploring.

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Cold Springs Cave

Cold Springs Cave

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Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Distance: 0.25 miles

Monte Sano is located in Huntsville, AL, and is a great place to get out, hike, and bike. The park is very family-friendly and hosts a wide variety of trails.

Entry Fee*:
Adults Age 12+: $5.00
Ages 4-11: $2.00
Seniors 62+: $2.00
Active Military: $2.00
Kids 3 and under are free

Annual Park Pass:
Individual: $100.00
Family: $150.00
Senior: $50.00

*The Broken Road has an “Honor Box” to insert your fees into. The main entrance usually has an attendant manning the entrance to collect fees.

This cave requires a permit from Monte Sano State Park. You can get a free permit at the front office located here.

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Directions to Broken Road Huntsville Alabama

The Broken Road Trail is located here in Huntsville about a 10-minute drive from downtown. To get to the entrance, follow Bankhead Parkway, and at park the first time the road does a switchback.

Click on this link or look at our map above!

Trailhead

This trailhead is marked well. There is plenty of parking along the road. If the main parking has filled up, there is a bit more parking uphill after the switchback. Please be courteous to your fellow hikers and park appropriately.

Trail

The trail is called “The Broken Road” because it is an old road that has begun to erode. Follow the road up 1.25 miles to the overlook. As long as you are following the road you cannot get lost. The road has plenty of places where the ground has fallen out from beneath it, so be sure to watch where you are going!

Cave Entrance

Its a fairly short hike downhill following the stream. The stream itself is beautiful and has a few smaller waterfalls along the way. You’ll come across the cave entrance. It will be hard to miss.

Waterfall in the Cave

I believe this is a very small cave. I don’t know where the water exited or where it came in. It was very slick getting down into the cave so be careful. 

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Roy B Whitaker Preserve

Roy B Whitaker Preserve

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.5 miles of trail avaliable
Cost: Free

Roy B Whitaker Preserve (Or Paint Rock River Preserve) is located just east of Huntsville, AL. It is part of the Alabama Birding Trail and offers low-impact hikes with plenty of vegetation and animals.

Check out nearby hikes:
Keel Mountain – Lost Sinks Falls
Bethel Springs

Like to hike? Check out the best underwear for adventure

Directions to Monte Sano Trailhead

Roy B Whitaker Preserve is located less than 30 minutes east of downtown Huntsville right off of Highway 72.

When I googled it, it took me fairly close, but I believe this link will get you exactly there.

Parking Lot/Trailhead

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

There is enough parking for over a dozen cars and the trailhead is well-marked. This is one of the most picturesque places with a rustic barn, open fields, and old fencing.   

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

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Trails

There’s plenty to discover along the trails. The trails toward the entrance are well-maintained and well-marked. The trails toward the back of the property (specifically Cole Springs) were overgrown and hard to follow.

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Lodge Falls

Lodge Falls

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 0.5 miles round trip

Entry Fee*:
Adults Age 12+: $5.00
Ages 4-11: $2.00
Seniors 62+: $2.00
Active Military: $2.00
Kids 3 and under are free

Annual Park Pass:
Individual: $100.00
Family: $150.00
Senior: $50.00

Monte Sano is located in Huntsville, AL and is a great place to get out, hike and bike. The park is very family friendly and hosts a wide variety of trails.

Check out Nearby Hikes:
Stone Cut Trail
Broken Road
Dallas Branch Falls from Oak Park

Hiking in the Fall? Find out what you need to bring.

Directions to Monte Sano Trailhead

Click here for directions to the Hiker’s Parking lot

Parking Lot/Trailhead

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

This trailhead is marked well. There is plenty of parking in the parking lot and plenty of space to unload if you have a bike. If you explore the top of Monte Sano by car, you can find several places with beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

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Bridge

From the parking lot, you will be heading directly to the trailhead. There is a map located there. You will begin by following North Plateau Loop towards Fire Tower Trail/towards the lodge. Get on North Plateau and follow it until you hit the bridge pictured. It should be a very short walk and you should pass Fire Tower Trail.  Once you get to the bridge pictured, follow the creek downstream. 

Lodge Falls

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

Following the creek downstream is not easy and requires you to walk around ridgelines and down steep hills. This is not on a marked path and can get difficult to navigate especially when there are fallen leaves and/or wet ground. After following the creek, you will come across Lodge Falls. Go back out the way you came in.

Parking lot for hikers and bikers on Monte Sano

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Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls

What you need to know

Parking
Map It
Difficulty

Difficult, Difficult to find

Point of Interest
Map to POI

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 3 miles total
Entry Fee: Free (Donation Box Available)

Grotto Falls is located in Green Mountain Nature Preserve and is located on Green Mountain in Huntsville, AL. The Land Trust of North Alabama owns the land. The trailhead parking lot is right past the Madison County Nature Trail (assuming you are coming from Huntsville and not Owens Cross Roads).

GPS Coordinates: 34.5897720, -86.5172780

Buy Land Trust Maps here

Find nearby hikes:
Alum Hallow
Green Mountain Nature Trail

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More Waterfalls

Grotto Falls 1.5 mile each way (3 mile return) scenic hike to a small waterfall that disappears into a cave.  Part of this trail is well-marked but most of this trail is difficult to follow. 

Google Maps Alum Hollow Trail or look at our map above!

Trail

This is not an easy trail to follow. On the interactive map above, I’ve marked the path to the waterfall in Yellow. The hike starts on Alum Hallow Trail. Early on the trail, there is an option to take a left onto Talus Trail. There are signs warning that the trail is very difficult. You will follow Talus Trail all the way to the end. At the end of Talus Trail, Talus Trail Connector is off to the right and is well marked. THIS IS NOT the trail you are taking. You will look into the woods to the LEFT and there are ribbons on a trial with no signs. I’ve heard this called Talus Trail Extended and it is NOT on the Land Trust Hiking Map. Follow these ribbons through the woods and down the mountain. You’ll continue to follow the trail and will eventually follow a valley back uphill (pictured are the cliff face you’ll be passing). 

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Grotto Falls

The valley will fork into a valley on the left and right. You’ll follow it up to the right to the waterfall.

This waterfall is NOT easy to find. I suggest plugging in the coordinates of the waterfall into your GPS to help assist in finding it.

GPS Coordinates: 34.5897720, -86.5172780

Leave the same way you hiked in.

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Rock House Caves and Bluffs

Rock House Caves and Bluffs

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: <.25 mile
Entrance Fee: Free

Rock House Cave and Bluff is a Cave and Bluffs located in Wheeler Wildlife Refuge along the Tennessee River between Decatur, AL and Huntsville, AL. It is a fantastic short walk with a unique cave. It is a moderate hike with rocky paths and uneven footing.

According to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (Facebook dated Feb 2021), entering the caves in Wheeler is prohibited due to the endangered gray bats. Full post at the end of the guide.

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Rules and Regulations

Find nearby hikes:
Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
Rainbow Mountain

Planning on hiking in the fall? Here’s the essentials

Rock House Cave and Bluffs is located about 25 minutes southwest of Huntsville on the Tennessee River.

There is not a marked trail. When we went there were slight signs of a social trail (meaning that the ground had been made into a trail from several people walking over the same spot). This trail did not take us to the bottom of the cliffs.

Google Maps Rock House Cave and Bluffs or look at our map above!

Parking/Trailhead

Parking is just along the road easement. There is a gate you will be walking past. Do not block the gate.

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Trailhead/Trail

There isn’t a marked trailhead nor really a trail. You’ll be walking through the opening in the fence (pictured). There are signs telling you to stay off of the top of the bluffs. After you walk between the opening in the fence, you will go right, following the cliff until you can scramble down the hill in order to get to the bottom of the bluffs. After you get to the bottom you’ll make your way back to the bottom of the bluffs heading following the cliff back the way you came, except this time at the bottom of the cliff. See the interactive map for more details. There isn’t a trail and the ground is uneven and rocky while changing elevation. 

Cave

There are several caves at the bottom of the bluffs. Please note that entering the caves is not allowed. See the post from Wheeler NWR below! When you are done, head out the same way you came in. Follow the bottom of the bluff line until you can find your way up and then follow the bluff line back until you exit through the fence.

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Indian Creek Greenway

Indian Creek Greenway

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 Miles of trail
Fee: Free

Indian Creek Greenway is a paved road built for walking and bikes in Madison. 

Find nearby hikes:
Rainbow Mountain
Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

This is a great place to wear your outdoor sandals. See why.

Indian Creek Greenway is located in Madison, 20 minutes from downtown Huntsville.

Google Indian Creek Greenway or click here for directions!

Parking

There is plenty of parking at the trailhead. The trail begins on a clearly marked walkway.

Walkway

The path is super easy to follow and is built for everyone of all ages and abilities. The trail is wheelchair accessible. When the greenway ends, you will come out the same way you went in.

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Fall Colors in Huntsville

Fall Colors in Huntsville

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Distance: Depends on hike. Details for each hike below
Fee: Free except for Monte Sano
Leave no trace.

Here is an interactive map to show the BEST times to hike to see fall foliage. 

Huntsville, Alabama is home to one of the prettiest falls in America. Get out and explore local hikes with some fall colors!

This guide is JUST a TASTE of what you can find in the fall in Huntsville. Be sure you check out other Local Hikes in the area!

Everything in this guide is located in or around Huntsville. Parking is tagged for each location below.

Blevin’s Gap

Blevins Gap
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 3 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide: Follow “Certain Trail” and you’ll be fine. You can read this guide, but not necessary.

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Monte Sano Pavilion Overlook

Monte Sano Pavilion Overlook
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: less than 100 yds
Difficulty: (Depends) Easy
Guide: No Guide. Overlook located here.

Monte Sano has entry fees you can see here

Monte Sano North Plateau Overlook

Monte Sano North Plateau Overlook
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: No Hike
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: No Guide Necessary

Monte Sano has entry fees you can see here

Broken Road

Broken Road
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 2.5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

Following the Broken Road you will end up at the Monte Sano North Plateau Overlook above.

Monte Sano has entry fees you can see here

Bethel Springs

Bethel Springs
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: (Depends) 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Guide: Should read

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk

Beaverdam Swamp Boardwalk
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 1 Mile
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

Green Mountain Nature Trail

Green Mountain Nature Trail
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

 

Wildflower Trail

Wildflower Trail
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 1.25 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: No Guide

Three Caves Loop

Three Caves Loop
Parking: Directions
Hike Distance: 0.25 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Guide: Not Necessary

Maple Hill Cemetary

Picture Source: Wikipedia
Picture taken by Scott Allman

Parking: Directions – Parking is along the street
Hike Distance: Stroll through the cemetery as far as you’d like
Difficulty: Easy 
Guide: No Guide

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Like this Tour? Check out our other tours!

Bankhead Waterfall Tour
Alabama Big Waterfall Tour
Fall Colors in Huntsville

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Splash Pads

Splash Pads

Here are a few of the splash pads and waterparks around North Alabama.

Blue – Free
Green – Paid

Throw on those outdoor sandals for the spash pads and waterparks! Here’s the one we recommend

Want more kid-friendly activiteis?

Kid-Friendly

Bridge Street Town Center: Free – Website

Bicentennial Park: Free – Website

Everyone Can Play: Free – Website

Dr. Richard Showers: Free – Website

Hogan Family YMCA: $10 per Person or $30 per Family – Website

Huntsville Botanical Gardens: $14 adults, $9 for ages 3-18, $12 for Military/Students/Seniors, Free for 2 and under – Website

Delano Park (Decatur): Free – Website

SNAP Playground (Hartelle): Free, Donations accepted – Website

Scottsboro Rec Center (Scottsboro): Free – Website

River Heritage Park Splash Pad (Florence): Free – Website

Gattman Park (Muscle Shoals): Free – Website

Sportsman Lake Park (Cullman): Free – Website

Sloss Lake Splash Pad (Russellville): Free – Website

Sand Mountain Outdoor Aquatics Park (Sand Mountain) – $15 for ages 4 and up, Free for children under 4 – Website

Point Mallard (Decatur) – $28 for ages 12 & up, $23 ages 3-11, $23 ages 62+, Free ages 2 & under – Website

Spring Valley Beach (Blountsville) – $30 over 4ft tall, $24 Age 3 to 4ft tall, $24 ages 62+, Free for ages 2 & under ($15 parking charged for parking inside or free parking) – website

Fayette Aquatic Center (Fayette) –  $12 ages 2+, $8 ages 65+, free under 2 – website

Red Bay Water Park (Red Bay) – $8 per person (Mon – Sat), $6 per person (Sun) – $3 for Splash pad is for children under 48″ ONLY – website

Cullman Wellness and Aquatics Center (Cullman) – $30 over 4ft tall, $24 ages 3 to 4ft tall, $24 ages 65+, Free for ages 2 and under – website

Hartselle Aquatic Center (Hartselle) – $10 ages 13+, $8 ages 6-12, $5 ages 3-5, $8 ages 62+, Free ages 2 and under,  – website

 

 

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