In DeKalb County, you’re sure to find charming scenery around every turn. Nature lovers will enjoy the fresh crisp air, scenic mountain views, and picturesque waterfalls. You can enjoy nearly 30,000 acres of public lands highlighted by Little River Canyon National Preserve, DeSoto State Park, Buck’s Pocket State Park, and High Falls Park.

Little River Canyon, a 650’ canyon where you can see the sparkling Little River below from a choice of seven scenic overlooks along the Canyon Rim, which is an alternate route of the Lookout Mountain Scenic Parkway. While in the park, you will find Little River Falls, hiking trails, and the Jacksonville State University Canyon Center with a gift store and information station.

Nearby is DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls, with its magnificent 104’ drop, making it one of the tallest in the State. The Park has an impressive hiking/biking trail system, aerial adventures, a restaurant, lodge, rental cabins, chalets, and campgrounds.

In addition, there are rental cabins, campgrounds, and bed-n-breakfasts scattered around these mountain woodlands. If you prefer a hotel, you will find them in Fort Payne, Rainsville, or Collinsville.

Village of Mentone

While on Lookout Mountain you can visit the quaint village of Mentone and shop for arts and crafts at several locations. The Mentone Arts Center in the middle of town is a good place to start.

For an intimate dining experience, try Elevation Bistro or the Wildflower Café, or choose from many other great restaurant locations in Fort Payne and the surrounding areas. You will not want to miss Big Mill Artisans and Antiques and Vintage 1889 Restaurant in Fort Payne. To the west lies Sand Mountain and more great scenic outdoor locations, including High Falls Park, with its natural bridge, and Buck’s Pocket State Park and its newly constructed ORV trail. 

DeKalb County

Throughout DeKalb County you will find a wealth of Antique stores, gift shops and flea markets. Visitors love to mill around in the scenic and homey small towns. This is an area that is easy to drive in with very little traffic, especially in the rural communities. These towns make you feel welcome and comfortable, and their true southern hospitality will be evident right away. You can spend an afternoon or a day on Sand Mountain visiting Rainsville, Henagar, Fyffe, Geraldine, Ider and Sylvania. On the same outing, you can spend some time at DeKalb Fishing Lake, where you can fish, camp or hike around the beautiful 120-acre lake.

Among the largest attractions each year are two yard sales. The U.S. Hwy 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale is the Thursday through Sunday following Mother’s Day each May and runs over 500 miles. Beginning the first Thursday in August, you can explore the World’s Longest Yard Sale, which runs along the Lookout Mountain Scenic Parkway. People travel from all over the United States to this yard sale that spans from Gadsden, Alabama north to Hudson Michigan, a route of almost 650 miles.

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If you are interested in history, you will find plenty here, including downtown Fort Payne, which was developed by New Englander’s who came to “Boom” the town as an industrial community. They built an Opera House, which is still used today, a lot of gorgeous Victorian era homes and most downtown buildings, which are still there for you to enjoy. Also, you will find some great community parks for the whole family to enjoy. One of which is the Alabama Walking Park in honor of the “Boys from Fort Payne”, the legendary country music group, Alabama band. In addition, the group operates a gift store and museum in Fort Payne.