10 Free Things to do in Alabama Mountain Lakes That You Shouldn't Miss

Thousands of people journey to it every year, taking in an atmosphere of peace and serenity that engulf them as they approach the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery. A long white picket fence leads visitors to the gates of the 380-acre property through which they see the Shrine. Mother Angelica, the Foundress and Abbess of the monastery, built the Shrine in the 13th century style, resembling the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. From the inlaid marble floors to the breathtaking nearly eight-foot monstrance, every detail of the Main Church leads the soul to contemplate the transcendent beauty of God. The Daily Conventual Mass with the Nuns is at 7 a.m., with Priests available to hear Confession after Mass. The Nuns chant the Liturgy of the Hours daily at 6 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 5 p.m. The Shrine includes a permanent display of full-size photographic images of the Shroud of Turin. The images stand eight feet tall in glass cases and are backlit for viewing. They are on display in the entrance of the Shrine’s Lower Crypt Church. Other sites to see on the grounds include: Castle San Miguel, which houses the El Nino Gift Shop, a conference room, dining facility, and hall that displays medieval armor and manuscripts; a year-round indoor nativity scene displaying life-like figures made by Fontanini in Italy; a replica of the Lourdes Grotto that rests alongside the Black Warrior River, which surrounds the Shrine property; and the John Paul II Eucharistic Center that offers tours Monday-Saturday at 10AM and 2PM. If you would like to bring a church, school, or family group on a tour or plan a catholic Pilgrimage, please contact our Pilgrimage Department.

MAKE IT YOUR FIRST STOP! While in the Huntsville/Madison area visit one of area Visitor Centers for information, discount attraction, sports, arts & entertainment coupons.

The deepest canyon east of the Mississippi is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Lookout Mountain.

Engineering marvel built in 1924 spans 4,541 feet in length at a height of 137 feet.

In the rustic tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), mountainous Desoto State Park is accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s and the atmosphere of the CCC enhances many areas, including the Lodge, restaurant, and Cabins. Lodging to choose from: Log Cabins, Rustic CCC cabins, Chalets, Motel Rooms. Camping options: Camping Cabin Improved campground with full hookup campsites (for RVs & tents) Primitive Camping, Backpacking Campsites. Amenities include a restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions, picnic area,playground, swimming pool (seasonal), Benefield Nature Center, a CCC museum, and much more. A large selection of events are available such as campfire talks, classes, demonstrations, etc. DeSoto State Park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls, a 104ft waterfall, is one of DeSoto's biggest attractions, located about 7 miles north near Mentone, AL

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!