Favorite Huntsville, Alabama Fall Photo Session Locations
I'm sure I'm not alone with this opinion, but autumn is my FAVORITE season for photography sessions! The excitement of finally escaping that Alabama summer heat; the colors are stunning hues of browns, yellows, and reds; neutral wardrobes are all the rave with cute sweaters, jeans, boots, you name it! Fall is by far my busiest season of the year. I've documented sessions all throughout Huntsville during this time of the year, and these are my current top 5 (in no particular order) locations!
Huntsville, Alabama fall Photo Session lOcation No. 1: Hays Nature Preserve
Hays Nature Preserve is the perfect autumn wonderland! As soon as you drive into the preserve, you're welcomed by a pond surrounded by wooden fences, tall trees, nature trails, and a pier! If you continue further back on the property, you'll find open fields of tall grass and the Flint River. The greenway that heads past the bridge at the cul-de-sac parking is about 2 miles out. Along that greenway, you'll discover a patch of open land with a small mountain view in the background!
Hays is seriously the one-stop photo location for all fall photos! Heck, if you're even looking for a scenic greenway to take your morning strolls, this is the place!
Address: 7161 US-431, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
No. 2: Green Mountain/Madison Nature Trail
The two staple photo locations at the Madison Nature Trail is the pier and the covered bridge. Now add in the golden light, the warm tones, and cool breeze. This spot is not typically super crowded compared to Hays Nature Preserve or Downtown Huntsville. The only gist is that the park closes right before sunset most days. Regardless, it's one of my favorite fall session locations!
Address: 5000 Nature Trail Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803
No. 3: Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt on the Mountain has a photography fee ($125 for up to 6 people). But hear me out, it's entirely worth it! Before heading to Burritt, you must call and receive scheduling approval prior to your session. Burritt on the Mountain is a wedding venue, so approval for sessions on Friday- Sunday might be hard to come by.
Burritt has famous views over Huntsville at their overlook, but my favorite part of the property is the historic mansion. There isn't anything quite like the historic mansion in Huntsville or the surrounding area. The stone paired with the autumn foliage is chef's kiss!
Address: 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
No. 4: Monte Sano
This one feels like a duh. The Mountain of Health (aka Monte Sano) is the only state park here in Huntsville. There's trails upon trails that are colored with autumn hues during the months of October and November. My specific go-to spot within the park is the lookout near the planetarium. That lookout has parking conveniently right next to the lookout, which makes 30-min sessions a breeze!
That lookout is also the top of the original Bankhead Parkway. That old road is now a walking trail which is also a stunning location for photos as well!
Address: 5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL 35801
No. 5: South Huntsville Mountains
When you take Govenors over the mountain into South Huntsville, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. The mountains on the south side of town will make any photograph beautiful! There's a few locations to park along 431, but one of the easiest spots is the back of the Bojangles parking lot in Brownsboro (super yee haw Alabama, I know).
Honorable Mentions
North Huntsville is the place to be during the months of October and November. The autumn season is such a breath of fresh air and really gets my creative energy flowing. If you're looking for a unique location for your fall session, inquire and send me your inspo! I'm sure I can find a few gems within an hour of Huntsville to match what you have in mind.
Otherwise, here's a few other locations that I highly recommend for your autumn photo session that are near the Huntsville, Athens, Decatur area!
Downtown Huntsville
Providence (the neighborhood and greenway too)
Downtown Athens
Blevins Gap
Athens State College
Delano Park
Sharron Johnston Park
If you're looking for a family or couple photographer in the Huntsville, Alabama area, I'm your girl!
I've photographed hundred of sessions for dozens of clients over the last 5 years. A large portion of my client base are returning clients. So if you're in need of a photographer that is ready to grow with you, let's chat!
