As fall arrives in Huntsville, pops of color begin to transform the natural landscapes around the city and create stunning views. From mountain overlooks to peaceful parks, there’s no shortage of scenic spots to soak in the season. Whether you're looking to take a hike through wooded trails, enjoy a rooftop sunset, or capture the perfect autumn photo, these locations offer some of the best fall foliage and views in the area.
Be sure to tag @VisitHuntsvilleAL and #iHeartHsv when you share your fall photos so we can see all the beautiful autumn vistas you find!
Monte Sano State Park
One of the best places to hike in Huntsville, Monte Sano State Park also boasts beautiful fall views on the forested trails. On paths like the South Plateau Loop, Mountain Mist Loop, and McKay Hollow Trail, you’ll be treated to overlooks of rolling hills blanketed in trees.
If you aren’t into hiking, you can still enjoy the fall colors while driving through the park and using amenities like the playground, picnic pavilions, North Alabama Japanese Gardens, and disc golf course.
Monte Sano Nature Preserve
Just west of the state park, Monte Sano Nature Preserve is one of the biggest urban land preserves in the country at over 1,100 acres. It’s just a couple of miles from downtown Huntsville and has no admission fee, so it’s really easy to access the 22+ miles of hiking and biking paths.
This is a beautiful spot to go for fall views and colors, with old-growth forests and waterfalls.
Burritt on the Mountain
It’s hard to beat the sweeping views from Burritt on the Mountain, and fall is an extra special time to take in the changing colors of the trees cascading down the hillside. Located on Round Top Mountain, adjacent to Monte Sano, the 167-acre site overlooks downtown Huntsville and beyond.
During the week, you can visit the historic park, barnyard, and mansion and walk the trails. Or, for a stunning sunset, come for the weekly Cocktails at the View on Wednesday evenings through October. Burritt also hosts lots of events throughout Autumn, including art classes, a Haunted Mansion Dinner, and the Round Top Folk Festival.
Baker & Able
If you’re looking for a beautiful fall view in downtown Huntsville, head to the rooftop bar at Baker & Able. Located atop the 106 Jefferson hotel, the indoor/outdoor space has a huge deck with cozy seating, fire pits, and unobstructed views of downtown Huntsville.
In fall, you'll catch glimpses of colorful trees dotting the historic district and the forested, rolling hills beyond that. Come at sunset to see it all painted in golden lighting.
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
The panoramic views from Blevins Gap Nature Preserve are beautiful any time of year. You can catch the sunset from a viewing area right next to the South Trailhead parking off Cecil Ashburn Drive without even having to hike.
If you are up for some exercise, there are a few different trails here that lead through the forest to clearings with views of the city and the Tennessee River in the distance. Just be prepared to climb up some rocky inclines on the way!
Madison County Nature Trail
The Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain has one of the most idyllic autumn views in Huntsville with a wooden, covered bridge on a reflective lake surrounded by fall foliage. There’s an easy, 1.5-mile loop path around the lake, where you can stop to see an old log cabin, an open-air wedding chapel, and a spring house.
The park is free to visit and has picnic tables and restrooms.
Big Spring Park
If you want to take fall photos in downtown Huntsville, Big Spring Park is a great choice. Pops of color from trees around the park add a fall feel to the already picturesque gazebo, water features, and Japanese Friendship Bridge. Plus, you can add on a stroll to Courthouse Square and the Twickenham Historic District to catch the colors painting the downtown streets in autumn hues.
