Huntsville (Alabama) Sights: Parks and Greenspaces

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A map of city parks can be found at the city website www.hsvcity.com/recreation/COH_Parks_Gyms.pdf

• Big Spring International Park Huntsville's signature park, located downtown. This is where Huntsville was founded more than 200 years ago. Features various gifts given to the city by countries like Japan (the Red Bridge) and Norway (the lighthouse). Restaurants, hotels, and the Von Braun Center are nearby. Recently underwent an expansion near the Embassy Suites hotel.

• Huntsville Land Trust Trails, 907 Franklin Street, +1 256-534-5263, www.landtrust-hsv.org. A 3,400 acre network of nature preserves around the city. One of the most popular attractions is the Three Caves quarry on Monte Sano.

• Huntsville Greenways, www.hsvcity.com/gis/greenways/greenways_main.htm. A network of bikeways, trails, and bike-friendly roads across the metro area. Currently only 18 miles have been completed, but will eventually grow to over 200 miles. Aldridge Creek Greenway in Southeast Huntsville is the most popular bikeway, but it becomes impassable after heavy rains.

• Ditto Landing, 1-800-552-8769, nservice.com/ditto_landing. M-F 8AM-10PM, Sa-Su 6AM-10PM. Public park along the Tennessee River, with boathouses, greenways, and a campground.

• Green Mountain Nature Trail, South Shawdee Road, +1 256-883-9501. Open daily. A mile-long nature trail that wraps around a 16-acre lake. Features a covered bridge, picnic area, and a "Braille trail." Located off Green Mountain Road in Southeast Huntsville.

• Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Avenue, +1 256-534-3757, www.alapark.com/parks/park.cfm?parkid=6. Large state park located on Monte Sano. Features 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, a large picnic area, cabins, a Japanese garden, and a campground. Take US 431 to Monte Sano Boulevard and follow the signs.

• Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, +1 256-830-4447, www.hsvbg.org. A 110-acre garden with woodlands, meadows and ponds. Features the nation's largest Butterfly House, which is open from May to September. In 2006, a Nature Center and Children's Garden opened. In November and December, the Botanical Garden is home to the Galaxy of Lights. Open 7 days a week except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children under 18. Hours and admission vary between summer and fall/winter/spring months.

• Hays Nature Preserve and Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary, www.hsvcity.com/recreation/hayesnature/index.php. The largest city-owned park and preserve, with ten miles of trails through swamps and wooded areas. Horses and bikes are allowed on some trails. Located off US 431 south of Hampton Cove.