Monte Sano Nature Preserve facts for kids

The Monte Sano Nature Preserve is a huge natural area in Huntsville, Alabama. It covers about 1,107 acres (448 ha), making it one of the biggest nature preserves inside a city in the United States. This amazing place is found on Monte Sano Mountain.

The preserve is managed by the Land Trust of North Alabama. Volunteers from the Land Trust have built over 23 miles of trails. These trails are perfect for many fun activities. People love to hike, bike, run, and watch birds here. It's also a great spot for learning about nature and just enjoying the outdoors. In 2011, these trails were named National Recreation Trails. This was a big honor for Madison County!

Discovering Monte Sano Nature Preserve

Monte Sano Nature Preserve is a special place with a lot to explore. It offers unique natural features and interesting history.

Unique Plants and Ecosystems

The mountains around Huntsville are the last part of the huge Appalachian chain. They have some of the most southern forests with broadleaf trees like the Sugar Maple. Monte Sano is home to several rare plant species. Scientists call these plants "relics." They are like living clues that help us understand what the climate was like hundreds of thousands of years ago. Some of these special plants include the American Smoketree, Morefield's Leather Flower, Price's Potato Bean, and Cumberland Rosinweed.

Historical Features to Explore

The Monte Sano Nature Preserve has some cool historical spots.

• Three Caves: This used to be a limestone quarry. Now, it's a unique natural area.
• Trough Springs: This historic spring was once the site of a small battle during the Civil War.
• Old Railroad Bed Trail: You can still see parts of the old Monte Sano Railroad from the late 1800s. This trail was one of the first 500 projects by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. This group turns old railroad lines into trails for people to use.

Finding Your Way: Major Trailheads

If you want to visit the Monte Sano Nature Preserve, here are some main places where you can start your adventure.

Bankhead Parkway Parking Lot

This parking lot is a great starting point for many trails.

• How to get there: From University Drive and Memorial Parkway, follow Pratt Avenue East. Go through the Five Points area. Keep going straight on Pratt Avenue as it changes to Bankhead Parkway. The parking lot is about 1⁄2 mile (0.8 km) past Toll Gate Road, on your right.
• Trails you can access: From here, you can get to the Alms House, Bluff Line, Old Railroad Bed, and Toll Gate Trails.

South Monte Sano Blvd Trailhead

Another good spot to begin your hike or ride.

• How to get there: From Memorial Parkway, take Governors Drive east up Monte Sano Mountain. Turn left onto Monte Sano Blvd. The trailhead is about 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km) on your right.
• Trails you can access: This trailhead leads to Trough Springs, Bluffline, and Natural Well (which is in Monte Sano State Park) Trails.

Three Caves Trailhead

This trailhead takes you right to the famous Three Caves area.

• How to get there: From downtown, follow signs along McClung Ave. from Williams Ave. across California Ave. into the Blossomwood neighborhood. At the end of McClung, turn south on Owens Drive, then east on Hermitage Avenue, and finally north on Kennamer Drive to reach the Three Caves.
• Trails you can access: From here, you can explore the 3 Caves Loop, Alms House, and Waterline Trails.