Alabama · Hiking

Natural Well Trail

2.6 mi
round trip
1,551 ft
climb
1,471 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Natural Well Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike in Monte Sano State Park in Alabama, managed by State Park and Recreation. The trail is about 2.6 miles long, and the round trip climbs to a high point of 1,471 feet from a low of 872 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 1,550 feet. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 74°F with lows near 47°F, and April highs around 71°F. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. The hike takes about 2.5 hours. The North Plateau Loop and McKay Hollow Trail both start within a third of a mile, and the Fire Tower Trail and Cold Springs Trail are each about 0.7 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Natural Well Trail

    Best months: February–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      50° / 30°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 32°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      63° / 39°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      71° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      78° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 64°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 68°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      88° / 67°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      84° / 59°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 47°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      62° / 36°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      53° / 32°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Owens Cross Roads 3s, AL, 13.4 mi away at 590 ft. The station sits about 900 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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