Alabama · Hiking

North Plateau Loop

1.6 mi
round trip
466 ft
climb
1,628 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

North Plateau Loop is an easy out-and-back hike in Monte Sano State Park in Alabama, managed by State Park and Recreation. The route is about 3.2 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 85 feet, and it starts and ends at the high point of 1,628 feet. The climb is gentle, with the steepest stretch at about 0.12 miles from the start, where the grade reaches 6 percent. 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 park, so temperatures on the plateau run cooler. The loop sits close to several other trails. McKay Hollow Trail is about 0.1 mile away, Natural Well Trail about 0.3 mile, and Cold Springs Trail about 0.4 mile. Arrowhead Trail, a climbing area, is about 1.7 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit North Plateau Loop

    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, 13.7 mi away at 590 ft. The station sits about 1,000 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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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors