Are We There Yet? Autumn Adventure in North Alabama

By: Linda Holloway and Ashley Sellers

Photography by: Larry Holloway Photography

Fall Foliage in Mentone, Alabama

The clear, crisp air and the promise of a color explosion is reason enough to want an outdoor adventure with the kids. The best part, you do not have to travel out-of-state to experience fun in the great outdoors. Dekalb County, in North Alabama, is a short distance from Tuscaloosa, and you can choose to make your excursion a day trip, hook up the camper, or rent a house or cabin for Autumn bliss in technicolor. We travel to North Alabama every year when the foliage peaks from the middle of October to early November. 

Fort Payne 

Begin your journey in the town of Fort Payne where people from around the country travel to visit the Alabama Fan Club and Museum. Here, you will find personal items, videos, photos, and awards of the band, ALABAMA. After visiting the beauty along the mountain above the town and beyond, I understand where the infamous group got the creative inspiration for the song, “My Home’s in Alabama.” Other hit songs include “Mountain Man,” “Dixieland Delight” and “Song of the South.”  Some of the most talented musicians in the business for decades called North Alabama their home. Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry are the surviving members of the original band, and both musicians live in the area.  

Little River Canyon National Preserve 

Little River Canyon, one of the National Park Services Preserves in North Alabama, is spectacular. The Little River flows through rugged and beautiful landscapes into the 12-mile long, 600-foot-deep Little River Canyon. Take a drive along the Canyon Rim Drive (Alabama State Road 176) to view the bursts of color. Here, cotton fields dot the landscape; be sure to take a family selfie at the magnificent Little River waterfall.

Little River Falls-Little River Canyon National Preserve.

There are eight overlooks along the way. My favorite is Grace’s High Falls, where water plunges past rocks and fossils that are millions of years old. It never hurts to have tidbits of history for the kids on an excursion. For instance, you could ask about the federally endangered plant located on the Preserve. Answer: (Little River Canyon is home to an unusually diverse set of plant and animal species. Here the green pitcher plant is listed as federally endangered). The preserve offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, climbing, and world-class whitewater paddling in season.  

DeSoto State Park  

Wildflowers and waterfalls lure nature lovers of all ages to DeSoto State Park. Less than ten miles away from Fort Payne, this wonder is situated atop Lookout Mountain and has enough family-friendly adventures to entertain every age group. You can enjoy the idyllic, autumn scenery on your own, or search for DeSoto State Park on alapark.com to register for activities such as scavenger hunts, campfire chats, sunset kayaking, story-time hiking, and watercolor painting. Thrill seekers will enjoy the Screaming Eagle Zip Line Canopy Tours for a chance to soar through nature via six zip lines and six sky bridges. Lodging includes everything from campgrounds to chalets.  If you stay during the weekend, be sure to check out the Mountain Inn Restaurant.  Built in the 1930s, this restaurant sits on the edge of a canyon overlooking Little River, and offers a wide variety of food options including gumbo, burgers, steak, pork chops, shrimp, rainbow trout, along with an array of sandwiches and samplers; make sure to catch the Sunday buffet—a beautiful way to end your stay by savoring your meal as well as the scenery.  

DeSoto Falls 

Seven mills away from the main park, from daylight to dusk, visitors can admire one of Alabama’s tallest waterfalls—DeSoto Falls. Located off Lookout Mountain Parkway, this highly popular waterfall offers stunning, postcard-worthy views. Visitors can admire the Falls from a picnic area equipped with grills and restrooms—parking, which is $4.00 per vehicle, is limited, though, especially on weekends, so make sure to get an early start.  People of all abilities can enjoy the upper level of the Falls, while the lower level requires a 50-step descent down concrete stairs. Since GPS directions for both DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls  can be unreliable, make sure to check out the written directions on alapark.com.  

Mentone 

Although Mentone means “musical mountain spring,” to me the word is synonymous with peace and tranquility. Located on the Western brow of Lookout Mountain, Mentone was once a popular vacation retreat beginning in the late 1800s for wealthy northern travelers who believed the mineral springs had healing powers. Today, a revival of interest is sending visitors to the quaint town for relaxation, unique mountain crafts and a unique restaurant. The fingers from the narrow streets spread out from tiny cottages to large homes resting on the brow of the mountain with sweeping views of the valley.  

Wildflower Cafe and Country Store Mentone, Alabama.

Wildflower Café’ 

It is hard to describe the décor at the Wildflower Café located in Mentone, but the owner nailed it,” hippie-chic.”  Enjoy the local musicians and delicious, locally sourced food. The staff treats you like family. I always order the tomato pie—the best I have eaten. Make sure you come early for lunch…there is always a line. The Wildflower Café was previously voted best café in the state by readers of Alabama magazine and has been featured in numerous publications over the years with accolades and awards to prove it is worth the wait. Weather permitting, you can picnic where the kids enjoy the large space to run and play.   

For Tourist Information, call DeKalb County Tourism at 1-256-845-3957, or visit www.visitlookoutmountain.com