Northeast Alabama: See the Vibrant Colors of Fall

November 2021

Escape this fall and enjoy the splendor of the season by taking a road trip to Alabama’s hidden gem in the mountains. Mentone is a small mountain town located in the northeastern corridor of the state, in DeKalb County. Around this time of year, the fall colors are at their peak, and the crisp air has taken over the warmer days. The scenic drives are a must-do especially for motorcycle enthusiasts. Your days can be filled with canoeing, horseback riding, snow skiing, shopping, fishing or golfing. DeKalb County also is one of the most spectacular areas for viewing vibrant colors because of its number of state parks and scenic drives. Here are our recommendations for a fabulous fall getaway.

Where to Stay

MountainWood Cottages

Nestled in the woods, this secluded getaway offers a serene setting to escape everyday life. It has two bedrooms and one bath. It also has a screened porch, hot tub and fire pit for cooking s’mores. 

Mentone Inn

This vintage Bed & Breakfast was built in 1926. It is pet and kid friendly. This inn’s view, wrap-around porch and stone fireplace make it a favorite among guests. 

Mentone Cabins and Chalets

There are a number of cabins and chalets for rent for the whole family:  many are kid and pet friendly. 

What to Do

Little River Canyon National Preserve and Little River Falls

Located in the Southern Appalachians, visitors will be able to take in all this vast preserve has to offer, such as hiking in the woods, listening to the peaceful sounds of the falls or viewing breathtaking peaks of fall colors. The preserve also has activities for kids: a natural history library, exhibits and a gift shop.

DeSoto Falls

This Alabama State Park offers  cabins, a motel, dense woodlands and views of plunging falls of 104 feet. There’s also a restaurant, hiking trails, nature center, pool and boardwalk trail.

Russell Cave National Monument

Located in Bridgeport, This 12-mile hiking trail and 310 acres of woodlands are home to one of three national monuments located in Alabama. This outdoor attraction is 52 minutes north of Mentone. Archeologists and scientists from National Geographic and Smithsonian have determined that human beings first inhabited the area long before the building of the Great Pyramids in Egypt (over 10,000 years ago).

Unclaimed Baggage

Just a short 45 minutes away, is America’s only lost luggage store. It’s a shopper’s haven.  They buy truckloads of lost and unclaimed airline baggage, refurbish the contents and sell them to the public. They also offer Unclaimed Cargo items.  The store is open six days a week. 

Alabama Fan Club and Museum

Ft. Payne, Alabama is home to the iconic country music band Alabama. The band’s fan club and museum features 50 years of memorabilia from tours and gifts given to them by other artists. There also is a gift shop where fans can purchase seasonal items and the music that made them famous.

Where to Eat

Vintage 1889

The Big Mills 125 year history and old brick charm provide the perfect atmosphere for great food, drinks, and shopping. Vintage 1889 also gives restaurant guests the option to dine in the open air Courtyard.  They are well known for their Cuban sandwich. 

Wildflower Cafe

This eclectic cafe offers a variety of hearty homestyle and vegan options. They are known for their tomato pie (one of Alabama’s 100 dishes that is a must try). The cafe also has live music on the weekends, a country store with gourmet food items and gifts, and art for sale by local artists.