Attractions Along the Lookout Mountain Parkway
Alpine Camp – Alpine is a summer camp for boys, a 350+ acre Alabama paradise: deep forests, massive rocks, and rushing waterfalls. It’s a world for exploration, getting dirty, and making hearts beat faster. Climbing, archery, mud wars, forts, fires, football – whatever the adventure, Alpine Camp always pushes boys to grow in independence and community. 256-634-4404
Greater Gadsden Area Tourism – Gadsden is a beautiful city in the foothills of the Appalachians. With mountains, lakes, the Coosa River and Noccalula Falls, Gadsden is the perfect place to live, raise a family and retire, while you enjoy relaxation, historical and scenic sites, cultural events and all sorts of entertainment and activities. 623 Broad St., Gadsden, AL 35901. 888-565-0411
City of Fort Payne – Fort Payne offers the finest in small town lifestyles. Our quality of life is not a secret. We have been voted into “The 100 Best Small Towns in America” twice, “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns,” and designated a “Golden Eagle” by “Boom Town USA – The 7 1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Towns.” Excellent transportation, schools, recreation, healthcare facilities, cultural events, and scenic beauty are readily available. Yet, we still maintain our small town character with good neighbors and a strong work ethic. We are proud to be so honored! Please visit with us and see what the “fuss” is all about. 256-845-1524
DeSoto State Park & DeSoto Falls – Take the opportunity to commune with nature in DeSoto State Park. We offer overnight accommodations such as rustic cabins, modern chalets, campgrounds and motel rooms. Some units are handicap accessible. A No pet policy applies. Hiking and Biking trails, swimming pool, tennis courts, playground and picnic area are just part of what awaits you in this park. Voted as one of America’s top 10 state parks by Camping Life Magazine in their April 2006 issue! View majestic scenery, waterfalls and canyons. Walk the 1,000-ft. Azalea Cascades Boardwalk Trail. Check out our weekend interpretive programs and guided hikes we have planned all throughout the summer and fall seasons. All programs are free to the public and guests of the park. Call 256-845-0051 to inquire about interpretive programs and 800-568-8840 for rooms and cabins.
Little River Canyon Center – This center is a Jacksonville State University facility operated in partnership with the National Park Service. Located on Hwy 35 and adjacent to the Little River Canyon National Preserve, it serves multiple functions as a center for outdoor interpretation, architectural sustainability, cultural demonstration and it serves as an administrative center for its related agencies. Visitors may experience an array of Field School activities including wildlife watching, hikes, and other family oriented programs. The Canyon Center includes public restrooms, walking trails, exhibits, a gift shop, a library, an auditorium and meeting rooms which may be rented by the half or full day. For more information please call 256-845-3548.
Little River Canyon National Preserve – Enjoy scenic vistas and waterfalls along the beautiful Little River Canyon National Preserve. Bring lots of film, you will want to capture the beauty of this area forever. Follow a 23-mile drive along the canyon’s rim for spectacular vistas into the 700-foot deep gorge. Visit Little River Falls off Hwy. 35 in Fort Payne, Alabama. A world of nature all around you and it’s FREE. Little River is perfect for whitewater kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing and rappelling. You can bring your own equipment or contact an outfitter. Horseback riding is allowed in the preserve in designated locations with your own horse. 256-845-9605
The McLemore – McLemore is a master-planned mountaintop community located atop Lookout Mountain in the heart of northwest Georgia. At 2,300 feet above sea level, McLemore rests an easy two-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Huntsville and Knoxville. At McLemore Resort guests can play two world-class golf courses nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of the surrounding landscape. Designed by renowned architects, Bill Bergin and Rees Jones, the courses will challenge your golf game while leaving you captivated by the natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or beginner looking to hone your skills, Cloudland at McLemore resort offers a golf experience that is exceptional and truly unforgettable.
Noccalula Falls Park – This natural wonder features a 90-foot waterfall named for Noccalula, a young Cherokee maiden who plunged to her untimely death rather than forsake her true love. She is memorialized by a statue and the engraved story of her fate. Nestled among the trees in the park is a pioneer village, a War Memorial and Museum, botanical gardens, walking/mountain bike/hiking trails, sightseeing train, playground, mini-golf, picnic pavilions, Wedding Chapel and honeymoon cabins, and meeting facilities. Noccalula Falls is home to an exciting variety of annual events, including “Christmas at the Falls” which features millions of lights set in Christmas-themed settings. Noccalula Falls Park entrance is located at 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL. 256-549-4663
Shady Grove Horse Ranch – Guided mountain (hourly) trail rides, hourly rates or combination packages with a meal cooked out on the trail. Hay rides and more! Bunk in the “Roundup” or one of our rustic cabins. Located in Mentone, Alabama, just off County Road 165. 256-634-4344
True Adventure Sports – Your enthusiastic guides to outdoor activities on Lookout Mountain and Fort Payne. We provide outdoor gear, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, canoes, kayaks, shoes, clothing, snacks, guided trips, lessons & team building. We also now have scooters for rent to travel around the Lookout Mountain attractions. 13102 Alabama Hwy. 176, Fort Payne. 256-997-9577
Town of Mentone – Nestled atop Lookout Mountain, rests a quaint little hamlet that beckons the weary and those seeking solitude from big city life. Mentone, it is called, penned for a French town whose name means ‘musical mountain spring.’ Once a thriving health resort, people came from all over the world to partake of the mineral springs that were believed to have healing powers. The springs are no more but the magic and appeal of Mentone remains. Accommodations in Mentone are as unique as the town itself. Cozy country cottages sit nestled among the pines along the west fork of Little River and the innkeepers of Mentone’s many Bed & Breakfasts Inns await your arrival. Enjoy the mountain’s gentle night sounds as they lull you to sleep. Then awaken to the melody of nature as it lures you to the breakfast table. One visit to Mentone and you too will feel the warmth and charm that has attracted tourists for over a century. Make plans today for an experience of a lifetime. We can’t wait to see you! 256-634-4444
Georgia
Cloudland Canyon State Park – One of the region’s finest preserves, its 2,200 or so acres embrace a cluster of ravines and waterfalls. With elevations that range from 800 to 1,900 feet, this is rugged terrain but well worth exploring. Exhilarating panoramas of the hills and hollows will prepare sightseers for the grandeur that awaits at Cloudland Canyon itself, a deep cleft slashed into shale and sandstone by Sitton Gulch Creek. For a front-row seat, stop at the park’s main picnic area. (800) 864-7275 or (706) 657-4050.
Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding – This is the world’s largest hang gliding resort and training center. Five times more certified mountain hang glider pilots are trained here than the next largest school in the USA. They cater to the flying needs of folks from one flight with an instructor at your side, to multi-day lessons to have you fully trained up to expert skills. Open Thursday thru Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located at 7201 Scenic Hwy. in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Call for reservations at 703-398-3541 or 877-426-4543.
Lookout Mountain Pottery – Mark Issenberg is an award-winning potter. Specializing in bonsai pottery and also a wide range of functional and decorative fine ash-glazed stoneware for us in the home. Rising Fawn, GA 706-398-3232
Rock City – See seven states from atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga! Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking panoramic views. Take an unforgettable journey along the Enchanted Trail where each step reveals natural beauty and rocky wonders along the woodland path. Experience the retro magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of our gift shops where you can purchase a See Rock City bird house, and dine at Café 7 our seasonal restaurant offering modern southern cuisine with craft brews, a full wine list, a kids’ menu! Rock City is alive with seasonal events year-round and leashed pets are welcome. Visit SeeRockCity.com for tickets and annual passes! 800-854-0675
Tennessee
Battles for Chattanooga Digital Civil War Battles Show & Museum – The perfect starting place to learn about the Chattanooga area’s Civil War history. Watch the battles come to life as they are projected onto a spectacular three-dimensional, panoramic battle map. State-of-the-art surround sound details the historical events that gave rise to Sherman’s historic “March to the Sea.” After the show enjoy the Bookstore and Giftshop. Visit: BattlesForChattanooga.com or Call: 423-821-2812
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway – Referred to as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”, the trolley-style railcars climb a breathtaking 72.7% grade fo the track near the tip, giving the Incline Railway the unique distinction of being the steepest passenger railway in the world. Designated as both a National Historic Site and National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. 423-821-4224
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. 423-821-2544