Length: 2.6 mile loop trail
Distance from Mobile: 5.5 hours north in Huntsville, Alabama
As a teenager living in Huntsville, I took for granted the fact that we had a jewel of a state park overlooking us.
A recent hike to Stone Cuts confirmed this for me as I was able to introduce my two boys, born and raised in south Alabama, to Monte Sano.
Rising 1,600 feet and located just a few minutes from downtown Huntsville, Monte Sano boasts 2,400 acres of wooded nature, 22 miles of hiking and biking trails, and beautiful views of the city and surrounding areas.
Its name means "Mountain of Health," either for the fact that visitors in the late 1800s would come here for the fresh air and mineral springs or because there once a sanatorium up here.
As I was able to visit my hometown for only the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began almost a year ago, I preferred the idea of it being named for a sanatorium. Though that facility is long gone, the name rings true today: "Mountain of Health." That's not just for physical health as the Stone Cuts Trail has its hikers traversing up and down rocky switchbacks on their way to and from the Stone Cuts for which the trail is named. But it is also fitting for emotional health as my mom and dad, my family and I were able to reconnect with each other and with this beautiful world we live in.
Stone Cuts is a 2.6-mile loop trail, rated as moderate. We parked near the Monte Sano Mountain Bike Trail lot and started at the trailhead behind the pavilion. (Restrooms are available). You can follow the signs for the Sinks Trail or use your AllTrails app to find it. Another option is to start the trail via the North Plateau Loop. The initial and main descent was smoother the way we went, but the uphill coming back was steeper.
Definitely wear some ankle-supporting hiking boots. My husband and I tested out some new hiking poles, and we enjoyed the stability they provided. Take plenty of water and some snacks. You are going to need energy for the hike back up.
The hike is not a simple down and then up. You go down from 1,600 feet to 1,200 feet, then up to 1,500 feet, then flatten out before going down to 1,300 feet and then up again. There are switchbacks to make it very do-able.
Starting at the pavilion, take the Sinks Trail down and then up a bit until you come to a point where it intersects with itself, Goat Trail, Keith Trail and Stone Cuts Trail. There, take the Stone Cuts Trail. About a mile into your hike, skip the bypass and travel up on the Stone Cuts Trail, otherwise you will miss the very best part.
For the trail's highlight, the actual Stone Cuts, you climb down into a natural stony tunnel with a couple of tight squeezes that were really fun for the kids (and adults). We even saw a tiny bat resting up for his nocturnal adventures. There were lots of great places to take pictures here.
As my boys decided, we earned a hamburger after doing this hike.
We would definitely do it again. And we want to come back sometime to either camp in our tent or in one of the cabins located near this trail.
The park is run by the State of Alabama, and there are more trails nearby that are maintained by Land Trust. There are many hiking options. Use the AllTrails app to pick yours based on distance and/or scenery. We picked this one because the Stone Cuts looked intriguing and very different from what we typically see on our flat hikes in south Alabama. This hike is the No 1 rated hike in Monte Sano, and we can see why. You can make it a 4.6 mile hike by adding in the Mountain Mist option on the AllTrails app.
This is a popular trail. Be prepared to move over for the mountain bikers to pass by. There are several benches along the way.
I was glad to have the app as there are several trails that crossed this one. That is great as it gives you a multitude of options. But if you took the wrong turn, you could add miles to your hike. I had cell phone reception, but my husband did not, so you may want to download the map before you go.
There are many geocaches along the way that we skipped.
Park entrance fees are: $5 for those who are 12 and older; $2 for children; and $2 for senior citizens. The park is very dog friendly. Chase loved this hike.
L says: The trail had cool scenery. It was really cool to climb up and down the rock and to see the bat. It was fun to go up and down the mountain.
G says: My favorite part was the Stone Cuts because it felt like I was in a cave.
My mom says: It's a great place to hike with the grandkids, and to watch them climb all of the rocks.
My dad says: Tough and rocky. Wear good shoes.
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