Monte Sano State Park

Monte Sano State Park  (Site #29, Northeast Loop) sits atop a remnant ridge of the Cumberland Plateau, giving a fantastic view of the surrounding valleys and plateaus that cover northeastern Alabama. These islands in the sky are covered in thick hardwood forest, which is home to a number of neotropical migrants. As you explore the trails in the park, look and listen for Indigo Buntings, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Red-eyed Vireos. During migration, these can be augmented with species that nest farther north. The Overlook is an excellent site for the fall flight of southbound raptors and a great sunrise view. Resident Turkey Vultures and other raptors can be seen gliding past at eye level, soaring on warm air currents rising from the valley below.