McKay Hollow Trail

The McKay Hollow Trail is one rugged climb. Over the 4-mile loop you will climb down a narrow rock trail that is strewn with boulders and outcroppings. The payoff is some fantastic views of O'Shaughnessy Point and the Huntsville Valley, a bit of CCC history, and the gorgeous 70-foot Blue Spring Falls.

The cool air and clean water found on the mountain made Monte Sano a respite for yellow fever, cholera and malaria patients. A colony was established for them here in the early 1800s that flourished until it was destroyed during the Civil War. The mountain was later reborn with the creation of the state park in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

To begin this trip, head to the south end of the parking lot where you'll come to a gravel road, yellow blazes marking the route. The real trek begins next to the shelter at the edge of the hollow. Follow the blazes next to it and you’re on your way.

Shortly after passing the shelter you will have a great view of the Blue Springs Falls as it tumbles into the hollow. This can be a crowded section of trail as artists and tourists jog down for a quick "look see." From here, the trail is steep and rocky as it heads into the hollow. The views of the surrounding mountains and into the valley are wonderful. While your eyes will be on the view, be sure to keep a lookout for rattlesnakes sunning themselves on the rock ledges.

At the bottom of the hollow the trail meets up with Blue Creek. During the spring the banks are brimming with a wide variety of wildflowers and the fragrance hangs in the air. After following the creek, it's a steep climb up to the top of the neighboring hill and O'Shaughnessy Point. Here the McKay Hollow Trail comes to its end. But there is still more.

From here you will take a left and continue on the white-blazed South Plateau Loop Trail until it meets up with the blue blazes of the North Loop Trail. Turn west here (left). The North Loop takes you to a bit of Monte Sano history. Here you will pass the stone amphitheater and the ruins of an old stone tavern built by the CCC in the 1930s, wonderful examples of the stone craftsmanship of this group of men during the Depression.

The North Loop will also take you past another smaller, seasonal waterfall that merges with Blue Spring down in the hollow.