Burritt on the mountain offers more than two miles of trails and excellent views.
Burritt on the Mountain offers sweeping views of the Huntsville area.
In 1934, physician William Henry Burritt built an eccentric mansion on Round Top Mountain, a plateau that connects to Monte Sano Mountain in Huntsville. He had become wealthy after years of working in farming, logging, mining and rubber production. Burritt constructed his mansion on 167 acres of land, where he spent his retirement years farming and raising goats. In 1955, when Burritt died, the house and property were donated to the city to be transformed into a museum. Today, Burritt on the Mountain is a unique destination with an outdoor museum, education programs for kids and adults, and hiking trails.
Burritt on the Mountain’s trails measure a little more than two miles and include easy strolls, moderate treks, and short but steep hikes near the summit. On the low flanks of Round Top, the Big Cove Turnpike Trail takes you down a wide, level treadway that follows an old wagon road. Higher up, the rugged Discovery Trail scrambles up and down the forested mountainside. Probably the most popular path is the Rock Bluff Trail, which circles the mountain and includes interpretive signs to teach kids about Round Top’s animals, plants, geology and geography.
Another popular spot is the mountain summit, where an overlook provides a panoramic view of Huntsville that you shouldn’t miss. Also, a path links the summit to a massive, 74-foot-tall cross that sits high on a western slope.
As you plan your outing to hike Burritt’s trails, consider participating in the many educational and recreational programs offered throughout the year. In October, Burritt offers Nature Rangers Camps for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. In the heart of the Burritt complex, kids can visit the McCurdy Barnyard to see authentic farm animals and learn bout their purpose on a farm. As part of the Alabama Birding Trails, Burritt is also a great place to join Audubon-led hikes. Plus, you can visit the Burritt mansion and explore several historic structures where living history interpreters provide insights into 19th-century farming.
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