Alabama · Hiking

Rocky Nightmare

0.8 mi
round trip
462 ft
climb
1,422 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Rocky Nightmare is a short, steep hike in Monte Sano State Park in Alabama, managed by State Park and Recreation. The route is about 1.7 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 38 feet, and it is rated expert. The trail is an out-and-back, and the steepest part comes early, at about 0.2 miles in, with a grade of 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 trail run cooler. The hike starts close to several other trails. Bucca Trail is about 0.1 mile away, Fire Tower Trail about 0.2 mile, and South Plat to Mountain Mist about 0.3 mile. Mountain Mist Trail is about 0.5 mile away.

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

    Best time to visit Rocky Nightmare

    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, 12.7 mi away at 590 ft. The station sits about 800 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