Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain
Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain
Madison County Nature Trail-Green Mountain
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Madison County Nature Trail The Madison County Nature Trail was constructed beginning in 1974 with completion in 1975. The construction was financed jointly by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Madison County Commission. It has been noted that the Chairman, James Record, had a special love for nature and the environment and was instrumental in the building of the Nature Trail. The Nature Trail is a Park for all seasons containing 72 acres which rests above the surrounding communities atop Green Mountain in southeast Huntsville. The Park is open free to the public each day from 7 a.m. until 30 minutes prior to sunset, closing only on Christmas Day and New Years Day, or during inclement weather. Sky Lake which consists of 17 acres of mountain water is encompassed by a 1 ½ mile trail. Other facilities include an open air pavilion, a-frame chapel, outdoor classroom, covered bridge, picnic area and accessible restrooms. Use of the Pavilion and Chapel are provided by reservation with all other areas of the Park used on a first come first served basis. Fishing is provided for children less than 16 years of age or seniors over 60. A fishing fee is charged and fishing is allowed Monday through Friday only. Since the construction of the Nature Trail, renovations consisting of trail improvements and restroom improvements were completed in 1998. Funding was provided by a National Recreational Trails Grant provided through the Alabama Department of Economic and community Affairs. In 2012 a grant was also obtained providing for a new waterfall pump and accessories. There have also been several projects improving the facilities, many of which have been accomplished through volunteers such as Boy Scouts earning various merits up to and including Eagle Scout. The Nature Trail is funded by the Madison County Commission. It is operated by a Park Manager (Bobby Cobb), Park Maintenance Worker, and two Part Time Park Attendants. During open hours there is always one employee present for safety and security reasons. The Nature Trail is recognized as a Treasure Forest by the Alabama Forestry Commission. It is also considered a Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire Park although owned and operated by the Madison County Commission lies within the city limits of the City of Huntsville. Bobby Cobb / Park Manager
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
245 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
48
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
1
EricNY152
Sacramento, CA141 contributions
Sept 2022
A peaceful place for a walk, with many opportunities to look at critters. Great to visit with kids and have them explore and see fish, turtles, spiders, and collect leaves.
The covered bridge reminded me of "the Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
I liked the circuitous hike around the area, including different building/structures.
The local staff assisted quickly with a minor first aid need.
The covered bridge reminded me of "the Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
I liked the circuitous hike around the area, including different building/structures.
The local staff assisted quickly with a minor first aid need.
Written 14 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ktbeenthere2015
New York City, NY270 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
We needed to get out of the car so we opted to take a short walk in this well-tended park. The trail is easy to follow, the staff were very helpful, and there is variety in what can be seen. The covered bridge was a favorite spot for photos. Picnic tables encourage you to linger.
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
23imrea
20 contributions
Mar 2021
close to town; restrooms clean; nature but not out in the deep wood. lots of families; some people fishing on the lake. 2 miles easy walk. places to eat- they have picnic tables chairs to relax; dogs welcome. and just a short drive. took us 15 min to find it - on google and simple.
Written 30 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wayside824
Lyerly, GA99 contributions
Oct 2020
This park was a big surprise! So happy that we visited here. Easy to walk trails with interesting things to see, including a covered bridge. Picnic area is great. Chairs for just enjoying the view or for rocking. Large Lake with trails all around. Plan to spend the day. They have nice restrooms, concessions. We loved it!
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April R
Ann Arbor19 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
I visited this trail early in the morning and had the place mainly to myself. The trails are well-maintained and the scenery gorgeous. Plus it's free!
Written 15 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skoolboymusic
1 contribution
I have lived in Huntsville going on 7 years and never knew of this place. It was a hidden jewel! The is a lake, a great pinic area. I saw some hikers but have yet to hike the trails. Great outdoors, great picture opportunity. And simple time with a friends or family. Thumbs up!
Written 9 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
comedy24seven
Huntsville, AL1 contribution
Nov 2010
If you love nature definitely make a stop at this place. It's even a good place for a picnic. I've taken loads of pictures at this location too. Great place for some photo ops! Enjoy!
Written 23 January 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discovering Dixie
Huntsville, AL23 contributions
Jul 2019
The trails have been expanded lately, adding miles of extra exploration. The lake is beautiful with rocking chairs and picnic tables around. The covered bridge is fun to walk through and beautiful to look at from one of the docks on the lake. There is also a tiny chapel (yes you can get married there), an 1800s cabin, and an outdoor classroom along the trails. There aren't any really challenging parts of the trails and it's well maintained. Dogs are allowed on leash. Cats too! Yes, I brought my adventure cat up there to the delight of the overseer.
Written 20 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kkibby43
Madison, AL676 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We enjoy visiting as many tripadvisor attractions in an area as possible. The Madison County Nature Trail is tucked away atop Green Mountain in Huntsville and was a 30 minute drive from our home in Madison CIty so we decided to run the trail. We expected it to be nice and were surprised to find so many breathtaking scenes. My run was halted on a dozen occasions because I just had to stop and photograph one thing or another that was postcard scenic. Even the parking lot is landscaped and well maintained. You get the impression of reporting for summer camp when you drive through the curved arch. A giant map greets you depicting the major trails and points of interest as you walk in. There are over 2 miles of major trails that are novice friendly and even more for those who like to go off script like I did. Fall is particularly nice and seeing the foliage reflected off the small lake from a pier mounted bench will relax you into serenity. Senior citizens and children are allowed to fish here for a small fee and should have pretty good luck as I saw quite a few during my hour visit. The trail varies from a short gravel stretch to wooden bridges but is predominantly earth. There are some steep inclines and descents but not so much that a beginner couldn't accomplish it. Throughout the trail you will come across a wooden covered bridge, cabin, chapel and streams. My fear of snakes kept me alert but I saw none while I was there. If nature calls during your visit, fear not, there are clean restrooms available at the main pavilion just inside the park. I will certainly return and recommend that all nature loving locals and visitors take an hour or two to visit.
Written 12 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
autigerrealtor
Montevallo, AL302 contributions
Mar 2013 • Solo
The nature trail area is just a few miles from downtown Huntsville. I really just went for the covered bridge, but the area is really nice. There are trails and an area set up for having a picnic. There are also restrooms. The walk to the covered bridge is less than half a mile and it is nice. Admission is free, so check it out.
Written 17 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the fee for fishing? What are the hours for fishing. I have a 12 year that I would like to take fishing
Written 22 May 2019
Are leashed dogs allowed on the grounds?
Written 4 April 2019
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Written 5 April 2019
Hi, what's the closest place to stay (hotel) near this area?
Written 26 September 2016
Tracy has made some great suggestions. My only word of advice is that there is some major construction going on right by both of these hotels.
There is a Hampton Inn in Hampton Cove which is over Hwy 431 mountain. While there aren't as many conveniences in that area, you are just a short drive over the other mountain which is south. If you are looking for hiking / biking trails this hotel may offer easier access to more - Monte Sano and the Blevins Gap Preserve.
We really don't have a lot of good hotels in that area which I do find odd now that I'm thinking about it. I guess it is because the area is more residential than used for business travel.
Written 27 September 2016
I agree, it actually depends where in Madison youre headed, since Madison is quite spread out. It can be anywhere from a 20 to 30 minute trip to 45 minutes, just depends on traffic and where your headed. The Madison Hospital is probably a 40 minute ride give or take and it sits on the far westerly side of Madison.
Written 26 September 2016
Yes people do have weddings there, there is the small chapel although I would definitely recommend asking the staff if they check for wasp nests. since every time I have been up lately I have encountered them. (wouldn't be a great honeymoon if it involved a trip to the hospital with wasp stings and also concern for guests that might be allegic!). There is a wedding chapel on Monte Sano Mountain, also in Huntsville that does a beautiful job with indoor and outdoor weddings which also has a beautiful panoramic view from the mountain! (if you're looking for something like that).
Written 26 September 2016
Are you allowed to paddle on the lake? I'll be moving to north Alabama soon and I've visited Green Mountain and have never seen anyone out on the water, so just wondering since I have a SUP.
Written 16 October 2015
Bobby C
Huntsville, Alabama
Melanie,
We do not allow any boats or swimming in Sky Lake. Thank you for asking.
Written 19 October 2015
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