Forks in the Road: A Five-Day Getaway of Healthy Outdoor Activities along the North Alabama BBQ Trail

The Trip

It is fabled that three arguments in the South cannot be won: college football, religion, and barbecue. Welcome to Northern Alabama, a land of scenic rivers and southern Appalachian Mountains, and famous for their take on barbecue. This trip takes in the best of the natural beauty of the region as well as some outstanding local food. We will hike in areas protected by the North Alabama Land Trust and Alabama State Parks (including a guided tour of Cathedral Caverns), see awe-inspiring waterfalls, and paddle a river that is part of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the longest and most experience-diverse river trail in America. Our last activity of the trip, touring the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, will be in fitting juxtaposition to the untamed wilds we will have experienced.

Staying in comfortable 1930s classic stone Civilian Conservation Corps housekeeping cabins (with modern amenities) at Monte Sano State Park, we will convoy to various sites and experience the best of the North Alabama/Huntsville area. Moderate and rewarding day hikes, a scenic and relatively easy kayak paddle, a cave tour, and some unique attractions will be underscored by some amazing and varied local barbecue. Please note: if you are not driving, carpooling may be available.

Day 1: You will need to check into your cabin at the park office of Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama. Regular check-in starts at 4 p.m. Our lodging will be in classic stone cabins built by the CCC that have been nicely updated and have air conditioning. The leaders will already be checked in and will host an orientation meeting at their cabin at 5:30 p.m. accompanied by a barbecue buffet, sourced from a famous and award-winning establishment in the area. This memorable dinner is included in the trip cost.

Day 2: Breakfast will be provided by the leaders in their cabin. As a group, we will convoy to a local outfitter and paddle the Flint, a local scenic river. The outfitter will provide both kayaks and shuttle service. The leaders will provide lunch in the field. After our paddling excursion, we will convoy to nearby Bethel Springs Nature Preserve (part of the North Alabama Land Trust), where we will hike to a lovely waterfall atop Keel Mountain, on land generously donated by the family members who originally settled this area. This hike is approximately 2 miles, and, while not difficult terrain, hiking pole(s) and good hiking boots/shoes are necessary due to rocks, roots, and incline/decline. Dinner will follow at a local barbecue (BBQ) establishment on our way back to our cabins (dinner costs are the responsibility of each participant). 

Day 3: Breakfast will be provided by the leaders. As a group, we will convoy to Cathedral Caverns State Park near Scottsboro, AL and take a 90-minute guided tour of the cave (included in the trip cost), which is about 58 degrees year around. You will want a jacket and should be wearing your hiking boots. Average slopes are about like a handicapped ramp. The leaders will provide lunch at the park. Then we will convoy to Pisgah Gorge to see two 100-foot waterfalls (weather, water, and stream flow permitting). Next, we will jog over to visit the Unclaimed Baggage Center (you’ve read about it -- here it is!) for a really unique side trip. For dinner (paid for individually), we will -- and this is the only adequate term -- experience a unique local BBQ establishment right on the shore of Guntersville Lake before we convoy back to our cabins.

Day 4: After breakfast (again, provided by the leaders) we will convoy to a nearby trailhead within the Monte Sano Land Trust to embark on a picturesque hike on the grounds. This hike will be our longest -- roughly 3.75 miles, over moderate terrain -- and will show the varied nature of the area. Hiking pole(s) and good hiking footwear are necessary. We will have lunch in the field (again, provided by the leaders) and we can take our time exiting the area. We expect this hike to take roughly 3.5-4 hours, allowing time for rests and photo opportunities. Participants will then have a few hours on their own to explore little hikes and attractions, such as the Japanese Garden, practically right outside of our cabin doors. We will then convoy to a BBQ restaurant in Huntsville for our last dinner as a group (paid individually) before we return to the cabins for the night. 

Day 5: After breakfast (a quick meal provided by leaders), we will check out of our cabins and convoy to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens (fees paid), where we plan to have a volunteer guide walk us through the grounds. This lush attraction includes a butterfly house, a number of interesting garden structures, seasonal events, and a variety of local and exotic vegetation. Lunch will be provided by the leaders in the field. After lunch, the trip officially ends and we will part. You may wish to stay on the grounds for an extended visit. 

If you are considering extending your visit in the area, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is very close to the Botanical Gardens. Please note that you will be responsible for your own post-trip transportation and accommodations.

Getting There

Huntsville, Alabama is located about 2 hours south of Nashville, Tennessee; about 1.5 hours north of Birmingham; and 3 hours west of Atlanta; all of which have airports. Monte Santo State Park is about 20 minutes east of downtown Huntsville on US 72. The address is 5105 Nolen Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801 (phone: 256-534-3757). When you reach the park gate, tell the ranger that you are staying in a cabin and they will wave you through to the park office, where you can check in. The office will have your name and cabin assignment.

We will provide contact information so that participants can coordinate carpooling. While Sierra Club encourages carpooling, the leaders are not allowed to arrange this. We will convoy to our activities and will provide addresses for your GPS and other instructions as needed. 

The trip will begin at 5:30 p.m. Central Time at the leaders’ cabin. Standard cabin check-in is 4 p.m. but if your cabin is ready, you may be able to check in earlier. The park office will have your cabin assignment.

Accommodations and Food

Monte Sano State Park sits atop a mountain overlooking Huntsville. The views from the patios or screened porches of our cabins are spectacular.

The trip is based on double-occupancy in classic stone CCC housekeeping cabins that have been updated and are air conditioned. Towels and linens are included. There is ample parking right at each cabin.

The trip cost includes all breakfasts and lunches. The leaders will provide breakfasts at their cabin (where you will bring table service from your cabin) and provide lunches in the field, designed to be eaten out of hand. If you like, you can bring your own lunch plate, bowl, and utensil(s). Please do not bring single-service items other than paper napkins.

There will be plenty of food at mealtime, but if you feel that you will need between-meal snacks, you should bring them. Save room for dinner.

With BBQ dinners — and they will be good and portions ample — the leaders will design breakfasts and lunches on the lighter side. The leaders like to eat, so expect tasty and nutritious meals. The leaders cannot accommodate vegans or vegetarians given the nature of the trip.

Dinner the first night is included in the trip cost. The other dinners are not included in the trip cost. The first dinner will be a BBQ buffet sourced from one of Alabama’s legendary eateries.

Trip Difficulty

The hiking on this trip should be considered moderately difficult due to some steep places. Anyone in good physical shape who walks/hikes regularly and is in good condition should have few problems. Hikes are 1 to 3.75 miles in length, and involve some incline/decline but nothing terribly strenuous or technical. Since there are some steep spots, good hiking boots/shoes are necessary given the challenges of the terrain (rocks, roots, possible slippery conditions). It’s easy to turn an ankle, so leaders recommend boots with ankle support.

Given the incline/decline and terrain, leaders STRONGLY RECOMMEND hiking pole(s). 

For the kayak trip, PFDs will be provided, although you can bring your own paddle and PFD. PFDs must be worn properly at all times on the water during the trip. The trip is appropriate for novice paddlers. There will be a review of paddling techniques. This should not be your first kayak, trip, however.

Equipment and Clothing

Detailed clothing, equipment and gear lists will be sent to all participants after they are approved for the trip. The weather in June is expected to be warm (highs in the 80s, lows in the 50s) so it is important to have both wicking and insulating layers. Good rain gear (jacket, pants) is a must – not a poncho – and we ask that this be brought along on all outings. A good daypack and water bladder/bottles for 2 liters of water and your rain gear are required. A cap/hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also necessary. As noted above, good hiking footwear and socks are necessary. For the paddle, closed-toed shoes that fasten (tie, buckle, clasp) are needed.

Keep in mind our activities when selecting clothing. Think: quick drying, insulating, sun protecting.

Conservation

Alabama continues to deal with long-term effects of coal ash spillage, affecting water quality. Also at issue are the ongoing effects of deforestation from both logging operations and turpentine production. Invasive plants continue to threaten native flora and fauna, although the State of Alabama has made strides to reverse these issues over the past decade. Climate change has also begun to affect various facets of the area’s ecosystem. Some of these issues may be evident during our tour of the area. 

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.