Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Alabama Mountain Lakes, Alabama Mountain Lakes

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is a 700-acre, privately owned, scenic, natural area in the Little Mountain region of southern Colbert County. Open year-round to the public. There are more than 15 miles of maintained hiking trails. Hours: Open year round. Call to ensure gate is unlocked. Maps available on site. Free.

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 always one employee present for safety and security reasons. The Nature Trail is recognized as a Treasure Forest by the Alabama Forestry Commission. It is also considered a Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire Park although owned and operated by the Madison County Commission lies within the city limits of the City of Huntsville. Bobby Cobb / Park Manager

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!

Tigers for Tomorrow is a non-profit 501(c)3 Wild Animal Preserve and Environmental Educational Center, home to over 160 animals including tigers, mountain lions, African lions, bears, wolves, black leopards and so many more wonderful animals. As a last stop preserve, the animals that come to live with us remain here for the rest of their lives. Located on 140 acres, Untamed Mountain, home of Tigers for Tomorrow, is open to the public as a premier wild animal park, preserve, and family recreational destination. We provide environmental education to the community and tourists of North Alabama. Our Mission is to uphold the highest standards of care and respect for native and exotic animals in need of secure, permanent homes. Our goal is to bridge the gap between humans and animals through education, preservation, and conservation. Our residents help us to achieve this goal by acting as ambassadors of their species.

Season March 1st – October 31st - Town Creek Fishing Center is located at Lake Guntersville State Park near the mouth of Town Creek. One of the oldest campgrounds in the area, Town Creek serves bass boat, pontoon, fishing, canoe, and kayak rentals. Also available: fishing license, camping, convenience store, and non-ethanol gas on the water.