Directions: In Huntsville, AL, from the intersection of I-565 and US 431/231 (Memorial Parkway), take Hwy 431 south for 4.5 miles. Turn left on Monte Sano Boulevard and travel 2.6 miles to Nolen Avenue. Turn right on Nolen Avenue and stay on Nolen until you enter the park. Follow the state park signs to the Scenic Overlook.

Description: Monte Sano State Park sits atop a remnant ridge of the Cumberland Plateau, giving a fantastic view of the surrounding valleys and plateaus that cover northeastern Alabama. These islands in the sky are covered in thick hardwood forest, which is home to a number of neotropical migrants. As you explore the trails in the park, look and listen for Indigo Buntings, Great-crested Flycatchers, and Red-eyed Vireos. During migration, these can be augmented with species that nest farther north. Raptors can be seen gliding past at eye level, soaring on warm air currents rising from the valley below.