North Alabama: Lookout Mountain Parkway
 

The Lookout Mountain Parkway spans three states as it stretches across Lookout Mountain from Gadsden, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Within it's 93-miles, one will find waterfalls, canyons, scenic brow vistas, unique towns and villages, state and national parks and preserves and many more natural wonders.

Lookout Mountain is beautiful year-round. The four seasons bring flowering Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel, children enjoying summer camp, majestic fall foliage and light snows that gently cover the landscape. It is also home to the extravaganza, The World's Longest Yard Sale that takes place in the month of August where over 4,000 yard sale vendors line the Lookout Mountain Parkway and the US 127 Corridor for some 450-miles of bargains.

Plan a day, plan a week. There is so much to see and do along the Lookout Mountain Parkway and you won't want to miss a thing.
Come See...Just for the Fun of It!

Suggested Travel Plans

Directions from South to North:
The Lookout Mountain Parkway begins at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama, on top of Lookout Mountain. It is easily accessible via exit # 188 off Interstate 59 and following Highway 211 to Noccalula Falls Park. Turn to the left on Tabor Road in front of the Park to begin your journey across the scenic Lookout Mountain. Tabor Road will become Alabama 176. Continue to follow it into the small community of Dogtown and to a 4-way stop sign. Here you will find the family owned Akins Furniture Store with over 100,000 square feet of furniture space. You will also find that the Alabama 176 breaks away and carries you into the Little River Canyon National Preserve. This is an optional detour that will take you away from some pretty scenic vistas and stretches of country road. BUT you will not want to miss seeing the canyon during your time in the area so be sure to work it into your plans before leaving the Fort Payne community.

As you reach Dogtown on AL 176 at the 4-way stop, stay straight through the stop sign where the road now becomes County Rd. 89. Follow this into the mountain top city limits of Fort Payne, staying straight on County 89 as you pass through the 5-points community. The road leads to an intersection with Alabama Highway 35. It may be at this point where you decide to visit the Little River Canyon. If so, turn to the right on Alabama Hwy. 35 and travel appx. 8 miles to the canyon. Turn right on Alabama Hwy. 176 for a scenic drive along the rim of the canyon.

To continue on the Lookout Mountain Parkway from the intersection of County 89 and AL Hwy. 35, stay straight across Hwy. 35 towards DeSoto State Park. Travel appx. 6 miles from Hwy. 35 to the entrance of the park and easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, cabin rentals, a restaurant, boardwalk trail and more. Stay on County 89 through DeSoto State Park towards Mentone. You will want to spend some time in this quaint historic community with several charming restaurants, B&Bs, cabin rentals, unique shopping and so much more.

From Mentone, turn right off County 89 onto Alabama Highway 117 towards Georgia. Once you cross the state line the highway becomes Georgia 48. Travel a short distance to a caution light where you will make a left turn on Georgia 157. This stretch of road runs about 20 miles to Rising Fawn before making several turns that crisscross Walker and Dade Counties in Georgia. Turn left off of 157 onto GA 136 and then right on GA 189 towards Tennessee. Don't pass through this winding and rolling hills portion of the Parkway without stopping in on the Cloudland Canyon State Park.

Georgia's 189 leads you to yet another beautiful spot on Lookout Mountain and straight onto Tennessee 27. Sights such as Ruby Falls and Rock City await you as you pass through this mountain village along streets named for your favorite childhood stories, such as Red Riding Hood Lane.

From one end of it to the other, it is easy to understand how Reader's Digest could name The Lookout Mountain Parkway as one of America's Scenic Drives. The short 93-mile drive holds so much beauty, so many natural scenic treasures, and so many wonderful things to see and do that you will find it takes at least 3 days to see and do it all.

Plan your journey to the many interesting features of the Lookout Mountain Parkway. Call us today and let us assist you in making travel plans. Come drive the scenic Lookout Mountain Parkway in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.....Just for the Fun of It! For more information contact the DeKalb County Tourist Association at 888-805-4740 or (256)845-3957.

Parks, Preserves & Recreational Activities along the Parkway

Noccalula Falls Park - A 90-foot waterfall cascading into a beautiful ravine is just the start of what there is to see at this park. Below the ravine many scenic and historic sites exist that reveal evidence of Indian inhabitants and other life centuries ago. Take a walk through the botanical gardens or a train ride to view these sites which include a Pioneer Village. (256)549-4663

Little River Canyon National Preserve - Little River flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The river and canyon systems are spectacular Appalachian Plateau landscapes any season of the year. Forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, stream riffles and pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Natural resources and cultural heritage come together to tell the story of the Preserve, a special place in the Southern Appalachians. (256)-845-9605

DeSoto State Park - In the pioneer spirit of the explorer Hernando DeSoto, DeSoto State Park encompasses some 5,000 acres along Little River. Accented by waterfalls, scenic vistas and sheer rock cliffs, fragrant wildflowers and hiking trails, the pioneer spirit is enhanced with a unique restaurant, resort, camping and cabin rentals. Among the many waterfalls found throughout the park is the DeSoto Falls, a 104-ft drop into the rugged canyon carved by the Little River. DeSoto State Park is located at 13903 County Road 89, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967. Park Headquarters (256)845-0051 Lodge 1-800-568-8840.

Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort - America's southernmost ski resort. Two 1,000-foot slopes provide fun for the beginner and intermediate skiers. Free lessons. Saddle Rock Golf Course is a beautiful Par 3, 9-Hole course. (256)634-4344.

Shady Grove Dude Ranch - Guided mountain (hourly) trail rides, hourly rates or combination packages. A great place for groups and family reunions. Enjoy storytelling around a big campfire, hayrides that venture out into the cow pasture where you can feed the cattle and great food in the  "Roundup".  Located in Mentone, Alabama, just off County Road 165. (256)634-4344

The Town of Mentone -  People have been flocking to this popular health resort since the late 1800's where mineral springs were believed to have healing powers. The mineral springs are no more but the town still has the same charm and healing powers as it restores peace and tranquility. Bed & Breakfast Inns, Cabins and restaurants add to the rustic atmosphere. This is the perfect place to rest for the night before completing your journey across the Lookout Mountain Parkway. 888-805-4740

Cloudland Canyon State Park - One of the most scenic state parks in Georgia, Cloudland Canyon offers rugged geology and beautiful vistas along the western edge of Lookout Mountain. Elevation ranges from 800 to 1,980 feet within a gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek. Spectacular views and waterfalls make the park a must-see for everyone who loves the great outdoors.

Rock City - Take an unforgettable journey high atop Lookout Mountain. Enjoy the quiet woodland paths and gardens. Discover ancient rock formations. Settle back with ice-cold lemonade on the Cliff Terrace. Experience fairytale magic year round.

Ruby Falls - Discover a world of wonder at Ruby Falls! Guided tour to sparkling 145' natural underground waterfall. Fascinating cavern with unique formations and paved level walk way. Panoramic view from Lookout Mountain Tower. Friendly guides make the tour fun for your group.

Alabama Scenic Byways | info@alabamabyways.org
c/o Alabama Association of Regional Councils
5900 Carmichael Road| Montgomery, AL 36117| 334.277.2221