Crisp air, colorful leaves and comfortable temperatures make fall in Madison County perfect for outdoor adventures. And the good news is, the weather often stays great for exploring nature well into January. Whether you’re hiking forested trails, chasing waterfalls, or enjoying a stroll through one of the county’s many parks, there’s no shortage of ways to take in the season.
In addition to the popular state park, the Huntsville area offers several public preserves under the umbrella of the Land Trust of North Alabama, which protects more than 100 miles of free hiking and biking trails in 10 nature preserves. The nine locations in Madison County hold some of the best of Alabama’s natural beauty with caves, wetlands, historic sites, forests and creeks.
Ready to get outdoors? Here are some of the best fall parks in Madison County to visit.
Monte Sano State Park
Monte Sano State Park, Spanish for “mountain of health,” soars more than 1,600 feet above sea level with 2,140 acres of picnic areas, a Japanese garden, hiking trails and campgrounds. Set up camp with stunning fall foliage and spectacular vistas around every corner, as well as some of Alabama’s most beautiful sunsets. If you’re staying overnight, you’ll want to book quickly as fall weekends fill up fast.
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve wraps in 1,127 acres in South Huntsville and offers views of tall canopies that turn into a kaleidoscope of fall colors. The preserve is split into two sections of trails to the south and north of Cecil Ashburn Drive. Eight miles of forested hiking trails are in the south section and a rocky incline with 4.5 miles of trails and scenic waterfalls in the north.
Monte Sano Nature Preserve
As part of the Land Trust of North Alabama, Monte Sano Nature Preserve is situated just two miles from downtown Huntsville. More than 1,100 acres are home to 24-plus miles of recreation trails for hiking and biking. Trails range from beginner-friendly to challenging and connect to nearby trails at Monte Sano State Park and Burritt on the Mountain.
Green Mountain Nature Preserve
Green Mountain Nature Preserve features over 800 acres of streams and waterfalls. Five miles of trails that suit a variety of skill levels uncover the region’s rich history, including a prehistoric Native American camp and a rock shelter called Alum Cave that dates to the Middle Woodland period. You can also enjoy stunning fall colors without the crowds of more popular trails.
Hays Nature Preserve & Big Cove Creek Greenway
As one of city of Huntsville’s largest parklands, Hays Nature Preserve offers more than 10 miles of trails that wind through bottomlands, swamps and sloughs. Hike, mountain bike, bird watch and go horseback riding as you explore the hardwood forest, fields and wetlands. Crossing through the park, the Big Cove Creek Greenway adds nearly 3 miles of easy hiking trails.
Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
Rainbow Mountain Preserve is one of the most beautiful parks in Madison County for fall hikes. Just over three miles of paths make up the compact preserve, which features moderate elevation change with stunning views of the City of Madison below and the Balance Rock formation.
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve features some 13 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. The preserve has trailheads at Spragins Hollow Road and Pulaski Pike, which can be reached via a short hike down the paved Wade Mountain Greenway.
Urban Parks for Fall Activities
Sometimes the simplest activities like cozy fall picnics are the best way to soak up fall vibes in Madison County. In downtown Huntsville, Big Spring International Park features plenty of green space, fountains, and beautiful areas to stroll including its famous red bridge and lines of cherry trees (a gift from Japan).
Dublin Memorial Park in Madison fills 60 acres with sports courts and a paved walking trail to enjoy crisp fall weather, while Brahan Spring Park in Huntsville has the perfect grounds for a round of disc golf and a fun playground for kids.
Discover Your Perfect Fall Park in Madison County
With stunning parks and greenways and miles of diverse hiking and biking trails, there’s no better time to get outside and soak up the magic of fall. And with mild weather that often lasts long beyond the season, Madison County invites you to keep exploring a little longer — your perfect trail is waiting.