My husband and I visited here with my brother, his wife and our 2 little nieces and we all had a great time. We ended up renting one of their SUVs for $15 so we could all drive together, plus it saved our rental car from getting any potential damage from animal horns. There were so many different types of animals here and they all seemed to be well-cared for. We enjoyed having them come up to us in the car, then we had fun seeing all the different reptiles in the reptile house afterward. Our nieces loved it. They also provided free food cups to feed the piglets as well, which was super cute. Definitely a fun afternoon.See more..
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 a...See more..
Enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding on 40 miles of trails offered by Alabama’s first land trust: the Land Trust of North Alabama. Three Nature Preserves - each larger than Central Park and all within Huntsville city limits – are open dawn to dusk. Focusing on land preservation and conservation, fresh water resource protection, environmental education, and guided hike series outreach. Don’t miss the Moon Dance and Concerts at Three Caves!See more..
4.5Hays Nature Preserve(35 reviews) - Beautiful well kept park Nature & Wildlife Areas
Kids love the playground area up front, and the paved path that crosses the river is nice. Haven't been in a while, but you need to plan accordingly if there has been a lot of rain as the path across the river floods over. If the river is really high, I'd keep to the main park side of the river.See more..
We have explored several of the trails in recent weeks. Most of them accessible from trailheads that have free parking. (For a while that was our hesitation for going to Monte Sano. We thought you would have to pay. Which, if you'd like to park in the state park, you do. But, there are plenty of Land Trust parking areas to explore the trails for free.) The trails were well marked, and most were well traversed. We always enjoy exploring and catching some beautiful views, or waterfalls, creeks, animals, etc. We have been able to do all of the trails we have done with our four kids easily. Ages 13, 12, 8, 6.See more..
