Escape to the Mountains of Northeast Alabama

“We’re a scenic, leisure travel destination,” comments John Dersham, director, Dekalb County Tourism Association. “The area is perfect for a long weekend getaway.”

No doubt about, the state of Alabama is filled surprises and gems that can even delight the most seasoned traveler. Take Dekalb County, for instance. Did you know that not only is the area home to various waterfalls, such as Little River Falls, High Falls and four within DeSoto Resort State Park; but also the deepest canyon preserve east of the Mississippi, the Little River Canyon National Preserve. 

But that’s not all. There’s exploring the Sequoyah Caverns (map), and skiing at Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort (map) in the winter.

Yes, that’s right, skiing in Alabama

“It’s a neat place to visit,” says Dersham.

While any destination can say that, for Dekalb County, it’s a fact.

Located on the 93-mile stretch of Lookout Mountain, three towns – Fort Payne, Sand Mountain and Mentone- make up the area.

While each are different from the other, they fit together perfectly  for a one-of-a-kind getaway.

Fort Payne, the county seat, is perhaps best known as the hometown to the country music group, Alabama. However, the town also has quite an interesting history being that it was home to Sequoyah, the Indian Chief who created an alphabet for the Cherokee Indians; and the site of the Trail of Tears. Fort Payne also experience a brief “boom” time that can still be seen today with the Victorian-style homes, Fort Payne Depot Museum (map) and the Landmarks Opera House (map).

For a peaceful, easy feeling, Sand Mountain is the place to be. Reconnect with nature at High Falls Park, catch a big one (or big enough to tell your friends) at Dekalb County State Public Fishing Lake, or take in the views from Buck’s Pocket State Park. If you plan your itinerary right, you can do all three.

“Charming” is a phrase commonly used to describe the town of Mentone. Once home to  mineral springs that were thought to have healing powers, today you’ll find a handful of quaint accommodations (like the Mentone Inn -map), shopping experiences (pick a piece for home at Miracle Pottery & Art Gallery ), and outdoor activities (go horseback riding at Shady Grove Dude Ranch – map).

Even if you think you’ve “been there, done that” in Alabama, a visit to Dekalb County is guaranteed to surprise and delight you. For your next weekend getaway, escape to the mountains of northeast Alabama. A lot awaits you there.

Another Must See: Tigers for Tomorrow is an animal sanctuary that currently houses over 40 big cats, wolves and bears. Open to the public, you can tour the grounds to view these creatures, nearly up-close, but safe, in a natural setting.

Did You Know: Dekalb County is one of the sites two very large annual sales. Both the U.S. 11 Antique Alley Yard Sale and the World’s Longest Yard Sale have a strong presence here.

Upcoming events: Ider Mule Days, September 6; Collinsville Annual Quilt Walk, September 24-25; 26th annual Mentone Colorfest, October 16-17.

photo credit: (top left) Little River Canyon, flickr, creative commons by Alabama Tourism; (middle right) Sequoyah Caverns, courtesy of Dekalb County Tourism Association; (bottom left) Fort Payne Opera House, flickr,  creative commons by Alabama Tourism.