This year’s Picnic and Rock Swap will be Saturday, June 21st at the “Biker’s Trailhead Pavilion” in Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801. We’ll start gathering at 9:30am, and lunch will be at 11:30am. The meal will be Potluck. Members may bring any type of food they like – casseroles, salads, desserts, or other goodies. HGMS will provide the meat and paperware. Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks.
FREE PARK ADMISSION: Tell the gate attendant you’re with Huntsville Gem & Mineral Society or HGMS, and you won’t be charged park admission fees. (But you’re welcome to make a donation at the gate.)
DIRECTIONS: The Trailhead Pavilion is located at the Mountain Bike Trailhead near Cabins 1-5. Enter the park on Nolen Ave off Monte Sano Blvd. Stay on Nolen Ave, bear to the right, and drive past the Main Trailhead Parking area. Then turn left onto Cabin Drive SE, and you’ll shortly see the pavilion on the right. Bear to the right, and park in the Bike Trail Parking area. GPS 34.7441989,-86.5085011 or 340 44’ 39.05”, 860 30’ 28.92”
SWAP/SALE: Members are invited to bring their own wares for sale to the gathered revelers, no fee to the HGMS. Bring your own tables and chairs for your sales station. Bring cash or check to make purchases.
AMENITIES: There are tables and benches under the Pavilion, and you’re welcome to bring your own chairs. There are restrooms in the back of the pavilion and a kids’ playground under shade trees. Caution: There’s poison ivy at the park, and you’ll likely want to have bug repellent and sunscreen!
We usually wrap up about 2pm, but park hours are 8am – 5pm, so you’re welcome to arrive early and/or stay after to enjoy the park.
Did You Know?
January: Garnet – The garnet group of minerals offers gems of every hue, including deep red almandine, fiery red pyrope, orange-yellow spessartine, and rare intense-green varieties of andradite, grossular, and uvarovite. Source: 
