Directions & Map of the Parkway
Drive it!
From breathtaking overlooks and cascading waterfalls to charming mountain communities and unforgettable local experiences, it’s easy to see why Reader’s Digest named the Lookout Mountain Parkway one of America’s Scenic Drives. Stretching 93 miles through Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, this scenic route is filled with natural beauty, hidden gems, and exciting things to see and do. With so much to explore, you’ll want to set aside at least three days to experience it all!
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, peaceful mountain views, or a taste of Southern hospitality, the Lookout Mountain Parkway invites you to slow down, explore, and make memories along the way.
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 Cherokee County Road 3 which then becomes Alabama 176. Continue to follow 176 into the small community of Dogtown and to a 4-way stop sign. You will 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 DeKalb 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 approximately 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 approximately 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 await you as you pass through this mountain village along streets named for your favorite childhood stories, such as Red Riding Hood Lane.
From North to South:
If you will be coming from the North, you will follow Hwy 127 through Chattanooga toward I-24 East. Take Broad St. Exit, staying left following signs for Lookout Mountain. Turn right at stop sign, then left at next traffic light onto Broad St. South. Travel approximately 1.5 miles and take a left onto Tennessee Ave. Travel through two traffic lights and at 3rd light turn right onto Ochs Highway up Lookout Mountain. On Lookout Mountain, go through stop sign and at T intersection turn right, then take next left following Highway 157. At next T intersection turn left onto Highway 189 south. Follow 189 to Hwy 136 and turn left. Go to caution light and turn right onto Hwy 157. Take 157 to Cloudland and turn right onto Hwy 48. Hwy 48 will become AL Hwy 117 as you cross into Alabama and travel through Mentone. In Mentone, you will turn left on County Rd. 89 South. Stay on 89 S through DeSoto State Park, Fisher, Fort Payne and Five Points. In Dogtown, you will go straight through the four way stop and the road becomes Hwy 176 and Tabor Road into Gadsden.
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