Huntsville

Huntsville Alabama became a national center for Aerospace research in the 1950’s when German scientists were relocated there to aid the United States Army with its rocket research. Huntsville celebrates this identity with the Von Braun Civic Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a combination science museum and theme park. But there’s more to Huntsville than out-of-this-world adventure; there’s plenty of out-of-the-doors adventure here as well.
Monte Sano State Park is just south of downtown Huntsville, and has great hiking trails that lead to excellent mountain views. Monte Sano is also ideal for campers with 14 cabins for rent and 89 campsites, but reservations are required ((256) 534-3757). Madison County Lake, 15 miles northeast of Huntsville, is a 105-acre recreational spot with facilities for picnicking and public fishing (license required). Call (256) 379-2868 to make a reservation. Cathedral Caverns State Park is 40 miles east of Huntsville and features breath-taking stalagmite “forests” studded with 220 million year-old fossils of ancient sea-life. Canoeing enthusiasts may enjoy a relaxing trip down the Flint River.