Autumn colors at Desoto Falls
photo by Patty Tucker
Mentone and Lookout Mountain in the far Northeast corner of Alabama dazzles all four seasons but is most radiant during the season of Autumn. Vibrant hues of reds, yellow, orange and regal gold spread slowly across the forested mountain range that includes a small hamlet with unique shops and eateries, a state park and a national preserve and majestic scenes that leave your mouth gaping in awe.
Autumn on Lookout Mountain provides visitors ample ways to enjoy this season of color. Beginning in Mentone, the view from Brow Park, aptly named for its location on the brow of Lookout Mountain poised above a narrow valley with the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains spread beyond the valley, is a feast for the eyes. Travel a few miles south on the Lookout Mountain Parkway from Mentone and the tree lined scenic byway offers many bends in the road full of colorful foliage leading to a breathtaking 104-foot waterfall at DeSoto State Park. DeSoto Falls, part of the Little River that forms and flows its length across the mountain, is a must see attraction on your fall journey to Mentone.
Continue your travels south along the parkway, stopping by the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel to see the church in the rock built in the ’30’s by Colonel Milford Howard, take a hike along the trails in DeSoto State Park to include the fully handicap accessible boardwalk that stretches into the depths of the forests, continuing south to the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Here the Little River plunges once again into a beautiful waterfall not as deep as DeSoto Falls but equally as grand.
Plan extra time on your journey to travel the road that winds its way around the rim of the canyon. Alabama Highway 176 is a roller coaster of a ride brimming with fall color, expansive views into a deep chasm, hiking trails and the occasional wildlife such as turkey vultures flying overhead and wild turkeys scurrying across the road.
Fall on Lookout Mountain is usually a gradual spread of colors by mid October that continues to glow and peak into early and mid November. They are making an early appearance on Lookout Mountain this year and already lending a gentle touch of color here and there with fallen leaves on the walking paths making a hike a most pleasant experience as you listen to the sounds of nature and the crunch of leaves underfoot.
Plan an Autumn visit to Mentone on Alabama’s Lookout Mountain and marvel at the wonders of nature as you explore her terrain from mountain streams and waterfalls to winding roads and hiking trails. Quoting John Muir, conservationist and creator of the bill that established America’s National Parks, “Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” Mentone and Lookout Mountain is that place that will surely wash your spirit clean and renew a steadfast spirit burning deep within your soul. Come to the mountain and be rejuvenated in the majesty that is the season of Autumn.
Places to Stay:
Roosters Rest Cabins
1948 Gray Road
Fort Payne, Al 35967
205-533-6111
www.RoostersRest.com
Mentone Cabins and the Mentone Mountain View Inn Bed & Breakfast
25891 County Rd. 89
Mentone, AL 35984
888-560-0492
www.MentoneCabins.com
Where to Dine (All located in downtown Mentone):
The Wildflower Cafe
The Mentone Hardware Cafe
Kamama’s
Events Include:
Ziplining and Rappelling Among Fall Foliage (Various dates and multiple times during each month)
Blacksmith Forging Demonstration (Oct. 11 - 12)
Music and Dinner at Kamama’s featuring the duo Yancy & Yancy (Oct. 16)
2nd Annual Color Craze 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run (Oct. 18)
30th Annual Mentone Colorfest (Oct. 18-19)
Fall Color Guided Nature Hikes (Weekends in DeSoto State Park)
Find these and all other events taking place in and around Mentone at: http://www.discoverlookoutmountain.com/calendar.shtml