WHAT TO DO AT HIGH HORSE LODGE
We have produced a website that is a guide to the area
NEAR High Horse Lodge. Go to www.guidetomentone for
detailed information on nearby restaurants, shopping,
activities.
We have produced a website that is a guide to the area
NEAR High Horse Lodge. Go to www.guidetomentone for
detailed information on nearby restaurants, shopping,
activities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
What to Do Onsite at High Horse Lodge
Take a Road Trip of Less Than an Hour from High Horse Lodge
What to Do Near High Horse Lodge
Shopping
Beer/Wine/Liquor
Clothing
Flea Markets
Groceries, Fruit Stands and Farm to Market Sales
Hand crafts
Hardware
Restaurants near High Horse Lodge
Activities near High Horse Lodge
Caving
Fishing
Golfing
Hang Gliding
Hiking and Biking
Horseback Riding
Kayaking
Rock Climbing, Rappeling
Sightseeing by car
Skiing
Swimming
Tennis
Wading
Parks near High Horse Lodge
Attractions near High Horse Lodge
What to Do On Site
WALK OR RIDE A TRAIL BIKE AT HIGH HORSE LODGE
High Horse Lodge is surrounded by several hundred acres with wide, well-maintained trails throughout. They wind from the farm land with the herd of 40 goats, through the forests, across the headwaters of the pristine Little River creeks with rhododendron and mountain laurel, up the hills and across the valleys. Most trails area easy enough for even young children, but wear long pants and good hiking boots and plan to cross the creeks on a log or get your boots wet.
The trail network, more than 5 1/2 miles, can be accessed from the trail right in front of the lodge, or you can drive over to the farm (next drive west on Moon Lake) to start from the pond by the house. Park your car near the house and head down the trail toward the lake. Markers give directions and distance.
From the picnic area below the pond, you can hike about a mile to the Indian shelter rocks (2000 BC to 1920) which still have smoke blackened overhangs and arrowhead chips, or see and walk through the gigantic cliffs above the shelters. A 1915 coal mine is still visible as you walk along the rock edged trail which was trod by donkeys pulling coal carts at the turn of the last century.
Another option is the trail which crosses the creek and winds along the ridges for several miles.
A short walking trail, The Azalea Trail, which begins right beside the parking area, follows along the creek where you can see the best of our rock formations, creekside ferns and shrubs and shade loving wildflowers. As good as it gets for wildflower enthusiasts.
The trail network, more than 5 1/2 miles, can be accessed from the trail right in front of the lodge, or you can drive over to the farm (next drive west on Moon Lake) to start from the pond by the house. Park your car near the house and head down the trail toward the lake. Markers give directions and distance.
From the picnic area below the pond, you can hike about a mile to the Indian shelter rocks (2000 BC to 1920) which still have smoke blackened overhangs and arrowhead chips, or see and walk through the gigantic cliffs above the shelters. A 1915 coal mine is still visible as you walk along the rock edged trail which was trod by donkeys pulling coal carts at the turn of the last century.
Another option is the trail which crosses the creek and winds along the ridges for several miles.
A short walking trail, The Azalea Trail, which begins right beside the parking area, follows along the creek where you can see the best of our rock formations, creekside ferns and shrubs and shade loving wildflowers. As good as it gets for wildflower enthusiasts.
BRING YOUR OWN HORSES TO RIDE AT HIGH HORSE LODGE
High Horse lodge has both pasture and paddock space available at the adjacent farm where you can board your horses during your vacation.
There is no charge for the boarding of horses of guests at High Horse Lodge.
There is no charge for the boarding of horses of guests at High Horse Lodge.
Have Riding Vacation with Horses Provided
If you want horses provided while you stay at High Horse Lodge, contact Horseback Horizons and Susan Vam Appeldorn for a Horseback Horizon vacation at High Horse Lodge. She outfits goups of about six for half or whole day riding adventures on the property
and on nearby trails. 707 218 6070. www.horsebackhorizons.com.
If you want horses provided while you stay at High Horse Lodge, contact Horseback Horizons and Susan Vam Appeldorn for a Horseback Horizon vacation at High Horse Lodge. She outfits goups of about six for half or whole day riding adventures on the property
and on nearby trails. 707 218 6070. www.horsebackhorizons.com.
CELEBRATE THE INCREDIBLE BIODIVERSITY OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN WHILE YOU ARE GUESTS AT HIGH HORSE LODGE.
Doe and fawn of High Horse Lodge
Lookout Mountain is mecca for plant and animal enthusiasts. Those who are fascinated by native plants can begin right at the door with farkleberries and thier exfoliating bark. fringe trees, American holly, hawthorne, Lookout Mountain viburnum, sweet shrub, hemlock, mountain laurel, rhododendron as well as yellow root, cardinal flowers, bee balm, solomon seals and ground cedar. In spring, the creeksides are covered with deciduous native pink azaleas, and High Horse environs sport the rare white Alabama azalea when the pink ones have lost their flowers. Guide books to flowers and trees are in the library.
You can expect to see white tail deer as well as cotton tails on a daily baisis,. Listen for turkey, or take a flashlight to see possums and coons. At night the coyotes yip and yap, while the green herons and owls screech.
High Horse Lodge is on the North Alabama Birding trail as well as the north/south migration flyway. Several quail coveys make this area home. Great blue herons and an occasional osprey fish the pond, while wild ducks set down on the wetlands and ponds. At night you can hear the whipporwills (car alarm birds) and owls.
Shown below: herd of does above the pond, possum baby eating dogfood, tom turkey in spring, flock of wild turkeys in a winter field, doe in front of the house, and a doe with the sun coming through her ears.
You can expect to see white tail deer as well as cotton tails on a daily baisis,. Listen for turkey, or take a flashlight to see possums and coons. At night the coyotes yip and yap, while the green herons and owls screech.
High Horse Lodge is on the North Alabama Birding trail as well as the north/south migration flyway. Several quail coveys make this area home. Great blue herons and an occasional osprey fish the pond, while wild ducks set down on the wetlands and ponds. At night you can hear the whipporwills (car alarm birds) and owls.
Shown below: herd of does above the pond, possum baby eating dogfood, tom turkey in spring, flock of wild turkeys in a winter field, doe in front of the house, and a doe with the sun coming through her ears.
Wade in the creeks of High Horse Lodge
Guests with children can enjoy the pools in the creeks along the trails of High Horse Lodge. With clear, clean water and a depth of usually less than 18", the pools are perfect for young ones who can hold onto the rocks as they wade around the edges. The log with a rope hand rail is a big hit. Azaleas, rhododendrons and mountain laurel line the banks.
Fly A Kite at High Horse Lodge
Thirteen acres of hay field are perfect for flying a kite, and there is nearly always a breeze on Lookout Mountain.
Make friends with the animals on the farm near High Horse Lodge
High Horse Lodge is located on the far corner of Lookout Mountain Growers Farm. Guests are invited to take part in putting the goats to bed in the barn at sunset, helping feed bottle baby kids, gathering the eggs from the designer chickens in the evening, patting the four Arabian horses, and visiting with the livestock guard dogs (which are people friendly, but don't dress up in a robber outfit).
Fish at the pond of High Horse Lodge
We provide four rigged cane poles at the pond where you can fish for bass, coppernose, and bream. In fact, with a little notice, we'll provide garden worms or you can bring your own articicial bait. Pan fry the keepers or catch and release.
Take a Road trip of an Hour or less from High Horse Lodge
Pictured below:
Overlook view; Zahnd tract rock formations; Howard's Chapel or Church in tte Rock, Wading in Taylor's Ford, McLemore's Cove, Azalea Trail in DeSoto St. Park
See the view from the brow (edge) of Lookout Mountain:
Take a right out of the drive. Go through the 4 way stop.
Turn left at the dead end onto Hwy. 157, Lookout Mountain
Parkway, and go about three miles to a pull off on the right
where you can see a highway department steel retaining
fence and space for your vehicle. There is a nice sitting rock
for a picnic. Consider soft drinks in lieu of wine after you look
below the rock.
Wade the Little River at Taylor's Ford: (great for children 2 - 14)
Take a left out of the drive. Bear left at intersection of Moon
Lake and Flarity, going toward Mentone. Go about 3 miles to
Cty. Rd. 517 on the right. Turn and park your car off the road
if you value your oil pan and walk a hundred yards to the river.
In summer, pools form on the rock formations and are perfect
wading areas. Older children like skipping rocks.
This ford has been used since before 1880 when tourists would
come by train to the mountain and then travel by carriage to the
hotels in Mentone. The carriages would cross the river at this
point. Locals still ford the river in dryer times; they know to
miss the underwater holes on the left side. Newcomers call
wreckers.
Drive through McLemore's Cove:
Take a right out of the drive. Go through the 4 way to the dead
end. Take a left on LM Parkway, Hwy. 117, for .9 miles. Take a
left onto Daugherty Gap Road which is lined with large
maples. The sign says "Mountain Cove Farms".
In about a mile, veer right to go down the mountain to McLemore
Cove. Hair pin curves and spectacuar greenery, including a grove
of great silver bell trees on the right as you start down, line the
road. You won't see a better native plant display anywhere.
At the bottom are the remains of a multi thousand acre farm and
ranch begun in the early 1800's. The rock house was built by
slaves who also cleared the land for crops and pastures. The barns
are classic and the old country store was in operation until a few
years ago and has now reopened. In the last couple of decades,
part of the farm was transformed into high end mini ranches.
Just recently, Walker County bought several hundred acres
including the land on the left with the store and rock house,
while the state of Georgia purchased the majority of the remaining
acreage. You can walk the state and county property.
Turn right on Hog Jowl Road to see some incredible barns and
fences and houses on trout streams. This was once the center of
the dairy industry in the area, with rich land and big milking
barns. We think there is one left in operation at this point.
If you want to learn more of the history of the Cove from the `
1700's, go to
http://trailofthetrail.blogspot.com/2010/01/mclemores-cove-in-
walker-county-goergia.html.
Walk through, over, about the Zahnd Tract:
Take a right out of the drive and go through the 4 way to Hwy.
157. Turn left and go 5.3 miles to the Zahnd Tract sign on the
left (which is not very impressive). Park off the road. Although
there are no designated trails, you can follow a path to the
masses of massive boulders where you can walk on top, or
weave around the rocks. As of Jan. 1, 1012, entry requires a
WMA stamp or a three day $3 pass, or a Ga. hunting license with
WMA stamp. We'll check on how this works.
The Zahnd Natural Area in Walker County has grown to cover
some 1380 acres with purchase of land through the Ga.
Nongame Wildlife Conservation Funds.The spectacular sand
stone formations near you are similar to those at Rock Town
on Pigeon Mountain, but are a lot easier to get to.
If you go from October - January, know that this tract is open
to hunting. Follow the rules posted.
Picnic at City Park in Mentone, or Brow Park in Cloudland.
For Mentone, take a right (north) at the caution light in Mentone
onto Hwy. 89. The park is on the left in about a mile and has
picnic tables and a pavilion. You can see for miles. The park is
lined with blooming fringe trees in late April.
The Cloudland park, about a mile a half mile from the blinking
light at Hwy. 157 and 136, has tables and tennis courts, but is
not on the brow.
Visit the Church in the Rock (Howard Memorial Chapel) in Mentone.
From the caution light in Mentone, go east past Little River. Turn
right at Moon Lake Baptist Church. Jog left and right at dead
ends to stay on 631. In about a mile, turn right on Cty. Rd. 106.
Follow that to the chapel on the left, about 2 miles.
Milford Howard, a lawyer at 19 years, was a turn of the century
entrepreneur who invested time and money in Alaska and
California, but returned to Mentone after his wife Sally died and
was buried in California. In his last year, nearly penniless, he built
a memorial to her with the help of the Civilian Conservation
Corp workers and neighbors, the church in the rock. After his
death in 1935, his ashes were entombed in the rock. The church
became a part of the Baptist association in 1970's and is a favorite
of weekenders. It is non denominaitonal at this point. See
"Attractions" section for more detailed information.
Walk the Azalea Trail in DeSoto State Park (might take a little
longer than an hour, including driving time).Follow the signs to
the park from the caution light in Mentone.
Walk the Azalea Trail, an elevated boardwalk, near the entrance of
DeSoto State Park. Get a pocket size view of the park wonders
in a short introduction of what to what to find in the other
20 miles of trails in the park. This 10 minute walk is suitable
for the young and the not-so-athletic hikers. A second elevated
trail, The Talmadge Butler Trail, is 1000 feet long and on the
other end of the park.
Go Shopping Near High Horse
Antiques
Big Mill Antiques
151 8th Street, NE, Ft. Payne; 256 845 3380
Big is an understatement. The W.B Davis Hosiery Mill, which houses the booths, is at least as interesting as the contents. With 21,000 square feet of space, it was made with HUGE timbers, windows, doors and space in a time when Ft. Payne was a boom town AND the sock capitol of the world. That title is now held by China. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sock machinery work space is now divided into booths filled with rows and rows of antiques and collectables. Lots of fun for treasure seekers.
Big is an understatement. The W.B Davis Hosiery Mill, which houses the booths, is at least as interesting as the contents. With 21,000 square feet of space, it was made with HUGE timbers, windows, doors and space in a time when Ft. Payne was a boom town AND the sock capitol of the world. That title is now held by China. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sock machinery work space is now divided into booths filled with rows and rows of antiques and collectables. Lots of fun for treasure seekers.
Crow's Nest
Downtown Mentone, at the caution light. Friday - Tuesday, and maybe 7 days in summer.
Second generation owner Doreen Waters has great old framed prints, books, furniture, and a lot of glass and china on hand in this venerable old building dating to the turn of the last century.The shop extends from the rock faced lower floor up to the loft where, in former years, dances were held every Saturday night in summer. Word is that a lot of white liquor was consumed by visitors who delighted the local moonshiners and infuriated the local abstainers.
Second generation owner Doreen Waters has great old framed prints, books, furniture, and a lot of glass and china on hand in this venerable old building dating to the turn of the last century.The shop extends from the rock faced lower floor up to the loft where, in former years, dances were held every Saturday night in summer. Word is that a lot of white liquor was consumed by visitors who delighted the local moonshiners and infuriated the local abstainers.
Country Crossroads Antiques -2480 Mahan Road, Summerville, Ga.,
between Menlo and Summerville a couple of miles off Hwy. 48. There's
a sign at the intersection. 706 857 7342 - Wed. thru Sat.
Kaye Hamby presents just what you need for your country house
with her primitives and antique furniture and fixings. Bakers racks,
pottery, tin and copper ware, crocks, milk cartons and on and on. This is a don't miss shop if you are decorating or furnishing a cabin.
between Menlo and Summerville a couple of miles off Hwy. 48. There's
a sign at the intersection. 706 857 7342 - Wed. thru Sat.
Kaye Hamby presents just what you need for your country house
with her primitives and antique furniture and fixings. Bakers racks,
pottery, tin and copper ware, crocks, milk cartons and on and on. This is a don't miss shop if you are decorating or furnishing a cabin.
Myrtle Jane's Antiques and Gifts
1030 Grand Avenue (behind McDonald's), Ft. Payne;356 845 4830
Mon.- Fri 9 to 5 and Sat. 10 - 4.
You won't get out of here without a package under your arm. Looks small from the front, but the store has an acre of booths to the rear. Shabby chic to real chic furniture and furnishings, as well as a stellar baby department complete with registry for new ones. Myrtle Jane has a good eye for what will sell.
Mon.- Fri 9 to 5 and Sat. 10 - 4.
You won't get out of here without a package under your arm. Looks small from the front, but the store has an acre of booths to the rear. Shabby chic to real chic furniture and furnishings, as well as a stellar baby department complete with registry for new ones. Myrtle Jane has a good eye for what will sell.
Travis Money's Auction House
Commerce Street in Summerville, Ga. west of the courthouse;. (706)857-3979 Thursday nights about 7pm EST. Goes late until all is gone. Best bargains at the end.
GREAT weekly auction of stuff brought in from Maine and New England. Bid on old crocks and pine cupboards, windsor rockers and oak tables, as well as local additions such as tool chests and fishing lures. You'll be sittting with dealers who flock here to fill up the shops. You can preview during the day Thursday.
GREAT weekly auction of stuff brought in from Maine and New England. Bid on old crocks and pine cupboards, windsor rockers and oak tables, as well as local additions such as tool chests and fishing lures. You'll be sittting with dealers who flock here to fill up the shops. You can preview during the day Thursday.
White Elephant Gallery
6512 Highway 117 South, behind the Mentone Springs Hotel in Mentone; Closed Tuesdays.
The White Elephant's huge two story historical building was built as the annex for the Mentone Springs Hotel in the early 20th century. The 25 hotel rooms, each with a bath, now house many antique booths. You can shop the hotel rooms, or find treasures next to the footed tubs. The W E is a treat for its architecture, history, and contents.
The White Elephant's huge two story historical building was built as the annex for the Mentone Springs Hotel in the early 20th century. The 25 hotel rooms, each with a bath, now house many antique booths. You can shop the hotel rooms, or find treasures next to the footed tubs. The W E is a treat for its architecture, history, and contents.
BEER and WINE and SPIRITS
Clothing
Gourdie Shop - By the blinking light in the Hitching Post building on
Hwy. 117 in Mentone (256) 634-4776. Friday afternoon through Sunday
afternoon. This is a grotto-like rock-enclosed showcase that was, before 1986, the site of the Mentone Post Office. Although small, it is still bigger than it looks from the outside. Sharon Barron has been selling gourd creations, up to date hippy clothing, and gifts on weekends for several
decades. She has a wondrous eye and flair.
Hwy. 117 in Mentone (256) 634-4776. Friday afternoon through Sunday
afternoon. This is a grotto-like rock-enclosed showcase that was, before 1986, the site of the Mentone Post Office. Although small, it is still bigger than it looks from the outside. Sharon Barron has been selling gourd creations, up to date hippy clothing, and gifts on weekends for several
decades. She has a wondrous eye and flair.
Second Chances Resale Shop
Next to Upscale Resale Shop on Winston St. in Valley Head (right down the mountain from Mentone).
Children’s version high end resale shop has newborn to XL outfitsfor little ones, as well as maternity wear, beds, strollers, car seats, etc. Again, really attractive place to save money on high end gear for little ones..
Snappy Tee's
A little board buildingette just east of the Crow's Nest and Forge Gallery, on Hwy. 117, Snappy Tee's is the place to have your silk screen tee shirts and gifts made. I am a VERY satisfied customer who found Beverly's work excellent and the prices right. Her equipment is up to the job, and she can translate your design or photo onto the wearables. If you like biker goods, she has them, plus a line of unadorned shirts that can be your cup of tee, in a snappy.
Upscale Resale Shop
62 Winston Street,Valley Head, Al. (just down the mountain fromMentone) 256 635 0805 Wed – Sat.
The Neiman Marcus of resalers offers Talbot, Chicos, Jones of New York, gently worn high end clothing, plus shoes, handbags and jewelry. Clothes are arranged so that it is easy to find what you want and what fits. The owner makes this a classy shop.
Site is the old Valley Head sock mill building that has been painted and fixed up by owner Diane Cardin to make a classy venue.
The Neiman Marcus of resalers offers Talbot, Chicos, Jones of New York, gently worn high end clothing, plus shoes, handbags and jewelry. Clothes are arranged so that it is easy to find what you want and what fits. The owner makes this a classy shop.
Site is the old Valley Head sock mill building that has been painted and fixed up by owner Diane Cardin to make a classy venue.
Flea Markets
Collinsville Trade Days – Highway 11 south, Collinsville, Alabama, off
Hwy. 59 south of Ft. Payne, next to the school Saturday morning,
early, to about noon.
After you exit the freeway at Collinsville, just follow the trucks
with the cages on top to the trade day grounds. Expect a traffic jam
from freeway to site by 7:30 am, Central time.
HUGE, old-timey trade days filling several acres with hundreds of
booths. At least an acre of chickens, hunting dogs, baby pigs, goats,
and sheep on the back end of the property, plus many more acres of
trees and shrubs, iron frying pans, old clothes, lanterns broken
shovels, tools of questionable origin, t shirts, junk unending. Used to
be able to buy SKS’s out of the backs of trucks, but the law has put a
stop to most of that. Good place to buy produce at extremely
reasonable prices, especially Mexican specialties such as peppers,
avocados, limes, pineapples, nopale, etc.
Takes several hours to cover. Not for the faint of heart or those who
don’t appreciate the smell of boiled peanuts, burning trash, other
shoppers and chickens. Starts before dawn and pretty well kaput by
noon, Alabama time.
Trade Days - Summerville, Ga. Tuesday and Saturday, but Tuesday is
the big day. Ye Old Trading Grounds, Highway 27, a couple of miles
north of town in the Pennville area. On the left at the top of a hill. If
you see WalMart, you've gone too far.
About 300 dealers on Tuesday, and 100 on Saturday. Cleaner and more
orderly than Collinsville, Trade Days has an incredible aray of junk to
treasure. Not many critters, but lots of vegetables, many locally grown,
sold from the back of pick up trucks, as well as oak swings, flowers.
rugs, tools, several trucks of unclaimed rental unit wares, books (one
dealer has them in alphabetical order by author), and junk galore. Show
up early for the best buys.
the big day. Ye Old Trading Grounds, Highway 27, a couple of miles
north of town in the Pennville area. On the left at the top of a hill. If
you see WalMart, you've gone too far.
About 300 dealers on Tuesday, and 100 on Saturday. Cleaner and more
orderly than Collinsville, Trade Days has an incredible aray of junk to
treasure. Not many critters, but lots of vegetables, many locally grown,
sold from the back of pick up trucks, as well as oak swings, flowers.
rugs, tools, several trucks of unclaimed rental unit wares, books (one
dealer has them in alphabetical order by author), and junk galore. Show
up early for the best buys.
I 59 Flea Market Mall - 11925 Hwy 117 @ Valley Head exit.
Weekends 8 to 5.
Several covered buildings of flea market wares. Good deal in the rain.
Weekends 8 to 5.
Several covered buildings of flea market wares. Good deal in the rain.
Groceries- Convenience store, real stores, and fruit stands
Grocery stores:
Bruce's Foodland - 202 Green hill Blvd. at the North Y on the north
end of Ft. Payne.
The Krogers of Ft. Payne and the closest regular store to HHL.
Little River Hardware - downtown Mentone.
A corner of the store has a surprise selection of mostly organic
groceries such as organic free trade coffee, staples like cereal and pasta,
refrigerated goods such as farm eggs in season, frozen soy products
and homemade bread and organic chicken. In addition, the hardware
section has cleaning supplies and paper goods. A good first stop on
your short list.
Lucky's - Menlo, near the 4 way stop.
We are lucky to have Lucky's, which is known for the best meat in
north Georgia. This is the place for ribs, steaks, burger meat. They
also have a reasonable selection of regular grocery items.
Mentone Market - downtown Mentone
You can get most of the supplies and staples you need here: canned
goods, cleaning items, charcoal, butter, milk, onions and occasional
meat here at the Mentone convenience store.
Save A Lot - This end of Gault Ave. in Ft. Payne
You don't save as much as you used to, but this full spectrum
grocery store has first quality, little known brands of canned goods,
and staples, meats and vegetables at lower prices than a regular grocery
store.
United Grocery Outlet - south end of Gault Ave. at the South Y
shopping center in Ft. Payne.
Bargains, for sure, if you can stand the disarray. Good deal on
Angus meat and milk, in particular.
Aldi's in Ft. Oglethorpe is the best store within 60 miles, but is a long
way.
Bruce's Foodland - 202 Green hill Blvd. at the North Y on the north
end of Ft. Payne.
The Krogers of Ft. Payne and the closest regular store to HHL.
Little River Hardware - downtown Mentone.
A corner of the store has a surprise selection of mostly organic
groceries such as organic free trade coffee, staples like cereal and pasta,
refrigerated goods such as farm eggs in season, frozen soy products
and homemade bread and organic chicken. In addition, the hardware
section has cleaning supplies and paper goods. A good first stop on
your short list.
Lucky's - Menlo, near the 4 way stop.
We are lucky to have Lucky's, which is known for the best meat in
north Georgia. This is the place for ribs, steaks, burger meat. They
also have a reasonable selection of regular grocery items.
Mentone Market - downtown Mentone
You can get most of the supplies and staples you need here: canned
goods, cleaning items, charcoal, butter, milk, onions and occasional
meat here at the Mentone convenience store.
Save A Lot - This end of Gault Ave. in Ft. Payne
You don't save as much as you used to, but this full spectrum
grocery store has first quality, little known brands of canned goods,
and staples, meats and vegetables at lower prices than a regular grocery
store.
United Grocery Outlet - south end of Gault Ave. at the South Y
shopping center in Ft. Payne.
Bargains, for sure, if you can stand the disarray. Good deal on
Angus meat and milk, in particular.
Aldi's in Ft. Oglethorpe is the best store within 60 miles, but is a long
way.
Fruit Stands and Farm to Market Vendors
DeKalb County Farmers' Market - DeKalb Cty. Fairgrounds, Ft. Payne
( on the south end of town off the east side of Gault Ave.) Tue. and
Friday during the growing season. Early. Opens at 6am and the best
produce is literally gobbled up by 8am. Five Star Produce grown in
DeKalb County by DeKalb County farms only. Trucks back up to a
covered area to sell corn, watermelons, okra, peas, tomatoes and
whatever can be locally harvested. Good prices on the freshest of the
fresh. We try to hit this market about 7am.
Little River Hardware - Mentone.
Seasonal blueberries, tomatoes, peppers, etc. from locals.
North Sand Mountain Farmers' Market - Mentone, in the parking lot of
the Mentone Inn. Wed. from noon to four and Saturday from nine to
noon.
A hardy group of local farmers, mostly organic or sustainable growers,
offer an incredible variety of beans, peppers, eggplants and squash,
many varieties of which you won't have seen before. Great Lookout
Mountain honey, hummus jams and homemade breads. They stand at
tables in 102 degree heat and during ice storms, so you won't be
disappointed. Pricey, but worth it.
Trade Days, Summerville, and Collinsville Flea Market, Collinsville
Your best bet by far for local produce in quantity. See "Flea Markets"
in "Shopping" above.
HANDCRAFTS AND FINE ART
Lookout Mountain, and Mentone and Cloudland in particular, are
magnets for a vast network of artists and craftsmen. Many of these
artisans are members of Mentone Area Arts Council, MAAC. The group
has a wide variety of shows, lectures, exhibitions and seminars,
and about 180 members at this point. MAAC is a doing and growing
organization and adds zip and energy to the community.
Sign up for seminars in chain saw carving or using a digital camera;
attend a night of fiddle music starring Critter, a graduate of Juliard;
learn to blow glass; listen to story telling. The possibilities are endless.
Attend or enter several art shows sponsored by MAAC, a spring and
July 4th arts and crafts show on the square, as well as the
phenomenally successful Home and Gallery Tour and Silent Auction in
the fall.
MAAC, sends out an invaluable weekly email touting the goings on in
Mentone. To be added to the emailing, contact nealwhitt@aol.com
Galleries:
The Forge Gallery, in the little house directly behind the Mentone
Springs Hotel, downtown
Mentone 706 618 9426
Open Fri.- Sun. and maybe seven days in summer.
The Forge is a a tiny but wondrous showcase for local artisans.
Owned by Walter and Rhonda Howell, it features Walter's forged iron
ware such as fire place tools, hooks, hinges, tables, and sculpture. He is
a legend around here. In addition you will find the traditionally
crafted Windsor chairs of Will Cobble, iron silhouette lighting
and furnishings created by your hosts, Harriet and Steve O'Rear of Iron
Age Crafters, Inc., pottery of Katy Coble, wooden utensils, handmade
brooms of Lenton Williams, and more and more. This gallery is a
showcase for first class local crafts. Five Star.
Studio 117 on the second floor of Mentone Realty's log cabin
office near The Wildflower Resaturant.
This loft studio spotlights individual members of MAAC with one
woman/man shows. It illustrates the incredible talent of our local artists
and craftsmen.
Art Gallery @ Mentone, next to the Mentone Market and open
seasonally, is a new venue featuring pastels by owner Joyce
Hoffman, mosaics by Linda Munoz, beautiful silver sculpural jewelry by
Charlie Munoz and more.
The Inca Connection, about 4 miles toward Menlo, Ga. on Hwy.
117 and with an annex in a tiny old Mentone store across from the
Mentone Market in downtown Mentone. 256 634 3076 - open weekends
Not exactly what you would expect to find in Mentone, this gallery of
Incan incluenced art, gathered by Catherina Collings, includes carvings,
jewelry, weavings, brightly painted children's toys and clothing, jewelry
and shell art created by south of the border artisans.
Good place for birthday and Christmas presents.
magnets for a vast network of artists and craftsmen. Many of these
artisans are members of Mentone Area Arts Council, MAAC. The group
has a wide variety of shows, lectures, exhibitions and seminars,
and about 180 members at this point. MAAC is a doing and growing
organization and adds zip and energy to the community.
Sign up for seminars in chain saw carving or using a digital camera;
attend a night of fiddle music starring Critter, a graduate of Juliard;
learn to blow glass; listen to story telling. The possibilities are endless.
Attend or enter several art shows sponsored by MAAC, a spring and
July 4th arts and crafts show on the square, as well as the
phenomenally successful Home and Gallery Tour and Silent Auction in
the fall.
MAAC, sends out an invaluable weekly email touting the goings on in
Mentone. To be added to the emailing, contact nealwhitt@aol.com
Galleries:
The Forge Gallery, in the little house directly behind the Mentone
Springs Hotel, downtown
Mentone 706 618 9426
Open Fri.- Sun. and maybe seven days in summer.
The Forge is a a tiny but wondrous showcase for local artisans.
Owned by Walter and Rhonda Howell, it features Walter's forged iron
ware such as fire place tools, hooks, hinges, tables, and sculpture. He is
a legend around here. In addition you will find the traditionally
crafted Windsor chairs of Will Cobble, iron silhouette lighting
and furnishings created by your hosts, Harriet and Steve O'Rear of Iron
Age Crafters, Inc., pottery of Katy Coble, wooden utensils, handmade
brooms of Lenton Williams, and more and more. This gallery is a
showcase for first class local crafts. Five Star.
Studio 117 on the second floor of Mentone Realty's log cabin
office near The Wildflower Resaturant.
This loft studio spotlights individual members of MAAC with one
woman/man shows. It illustrates the incredible talent of our local artists
and craftsmen.
Art Gallery @ Mentone, next to the Mentone Market and open
seasonally, is a new venue featuring pastels by owner Joyce
Hoffman, mosaics by Linda Munoz, beautiful silver sculpural jewelry by
Charlie Munoz and more.
The Inca Connection, about 4 miles toward Menlo, Ga. on Hwy.
117 and with an annex in a tiny old Mentone store across from the
Mentone Market in downtown Mentone. 256 634 3076 - open weekends
Not exactly what you would expect to find in Mentone, this gallery of
Incan incluenced art, gathered by Catherina Collings, includes carvings,
jewelry, weavings, brightly painted children's toys and clothing, jewelry
and shell art created by south of the border artisans.
Good place for birthday and Christmas presents.
Hardware
Little River Hardware - Mentone near the Little River bridge. Open
Sunday through Friday; closed Sat.
We call Little River Hardware "the full service hardware". Owner Stan Lawton has helped arrange a wedding, call locksmiths for those who left the keys in the cars, given directions, cooked for senior lunches and been a good
samaritan for years. He can tell you how you fix anything, and sell you the parts you need to do the job.
While he carries the usual hardware items, he also can provide almost anything in existence at the store on Tuesday if you order by Friday. For instance, get your bath tub, fence posts, air conditioner, in line hot water heater, gerbil food, lawn mower parts, etc. without driving a mile further than LRH. Most of us couldn't get along without Stan.
Stan invites visitors to use LRH Wi Fi. The porch is often filled with camp counselors and sightseers with laptops.
AAA Hardware - on Hwy. 117 at the Ga./Al. line. Open Mon.- Sat.
Since Daryl is not only a plumber and electrician, but also a heating
and air specialist, you can count on good advice and supplies in
those areas. Their hardware supplies are reasonably priced, particularly fasteners such as deck screws.
The Adams carry some popular locally made rocking chairs and swings.
If you have heating or cooling problems, Daryl is a man to call.
Since Daryl is not only a plumber and electrician, but also a heating
and air specialist, you can count on good advice and supplies in
those areas. Their hardware supplies are reasonably priced, particularly fasteners such as deck screws.
The Adams carry some popular locally made rocking chairs and swings.
If you have heating or cooling problems, Daryl is a man to call.
Restaurants
Pictured below, from left to right:
Canyon Grill, DeSoto State Park Restaurant, Wildflower Restaurant,
Mentone Springs Restaurant
Canyon Grill, DeSoto State Park Restaurant, Wildflower Restaurant,
Mentone Springs Restaurant
The Canyon Grill - located in the Lookout Mountain boonies.
Go north on Hwy. 157, Lookout Mountain Parkway, for ten miles to the blinking light. Turn left and go about 5 miles to the next blinking light in New Salem. Turn right to see the Canyon Grill on your right. You'll know it by the parking lot full of cars and the people waiting on the porch.
Reservations: If you make a reservation, you go to the top of the list when you sign in at arrival. Otherwise, plan to bring a trivia game, or an ipod movie.
If you came from Birmingham, or Atlanta, or New York, you will be surprised to find a mecca of good food that would get five stars in a big city,
and you can don vacation wear.
The menu offers dishes with superb sauces and flavors, from lamb, to scallops, to trout and the daily special such as seafood. You can bring your own wine. Also bring a credit card with a lot of space on it.
Reservations: If you make a reservation, you go to the top of the list when you sign in at arrival. Otherwise, plan to bring a trivia game, or an ipod movie.
If you came from Birmingham, or Atlanta, or New York, you will be surprised to find a mecca of good food that would get five stars in a big city,
and you can don vacation wear.
The menu offers dishes with superb sauces and flavors, from lamb, to scallops, to trout and the daily special such as seafood. You can bring your own wine. Also bring a credit card with a lot of space on it.
Country Boys Restaurant - Valley Head (at the bottom of the mountain from Mentone in the old gas station. Buffet in the tire changing area.
Country Boy has three things going for them: quantity, price, and tastiness. Breakfast and lunch buffets are not for those on weight watchers, or those with high cholesterol, but teens, workmen, hikers, and those who don't care can gorge on the likes of country fried steak, fried chicken and fish, pork chops, taters, biscuits, sausage, all served buffet style in unending quanties.
Country Boy has three things going for them: quantity, price, and tastiness. Breakfast and lunch buffets are not for those on weight watchers, or those with high cholesterol, but teens, workmen, hikers, and those who don't care can gorge on the likes of country fried steak, fried chicken and fish, pork chops, taters, biscuits, sausage, all served buffet style in unending quanties.
Mentone Springs Hotel - Caldwell's Restaurant - closed for now
DeSoto State Park Restaurant - The Mountain Inn Restaurant
Located within DeSoto State Park
This treasure from the 1930's is the handwork of CCC workers who raised the beams and laid the stones of the structure. Five star building.
The place to take families for meals when you visit the park, especially the huge breakfast at the serving bar. Reasonably priced and well done.
Located within DeSoto State Park
This treasure from the 1930's is the handwork of CCC workers who raised the beams and laid the stones of the structure. Five star building.
The place to take families for meals when you visit the park, especially the huge breakfast at the serving bar. Reasonably priced and well done.
The Moonlight Bistro - on the hill by the caution light, Mentone.
The Moonlight Bistro is the newcomer on the block. Moving into a spot that was The Log Cabin Deli for years, the restaurant is getting raves for good food and a fresh new look in an old historical building. The center portion was built in 1832 when Mentone was on, or atop, the frontier.
The owners apparently had experience catering for the likes of Georgia governors Jimmy Carter and Sonny Perdue, and for Berry College before returning to home turf to open the Bistro.
The weekend breakfast is 5 star, with lots of options including grits and shrimp, country ham, and wondrous biscuits.
A long lunch menu features salads, sandwiches and house specialties such as portobello mushroom burgers. Steaks and seafood are served at night.
The owners apparently had experience catering for the likes of Georgia governors Jimmy Carter and Sonny Perdue, and for Berry College before returning to home turf to open the Bistro.
The weekend breakfast is 5 star, with lots of options including grits and shrimp, country ham, and wondrous biscuits.
A long lunch menu features salads, sandwiches and house specialties such as portobello mushroom burgers. Steaks and seafood are served at night.
Sunshine Pizza - Hammondville, down the mountain from Mentone at the intersection of Hwy 117 and Hwy 11.
On site of the 1950's Sunshine Cafe, this pizza place is new and we haven't been there yet. Will update.
On site of the 1950's Sunshine Cafe, this pizza place is new and we haven't been there yet. Will update.
The Wildflower Restaurant - downtown Mentone
7 days a week.
Joining hands and talents, LC Moon and Chef Ben have built a reputation over the years for consistency and variety in The Wildflower. The restaurant is fitted into a remodeled period Mentone vacation house in the center of all the Mentone activity. Filled with local art, herbs, beads, coffees, earrings, clothing and stuff, The Wildflower turns out an incredible number of meals for an incredible number of patrons in a late day hippy atmosphere. They begin with brunch, and go into the night, sometimes with music. If you go on a weekend, plan to wait. The parking lot is full from 11 to 11. A reservation means that you go to the front of the line.
Food is tasty and interesting with daily specials served to both out of towners and locals. Chef Ben has wild caught salmon flown in on Tuesday, and buys the best of meat and produce, some supplied locally. At lunch, try a good burger (thick, grilled and restaurant priced), or salmon salad. Tomatoe pie is a winner at brunch.
Food is tasty and interesting with daily specials served to both out of towners and locals. Chef Ben has wild caught salmon flown in on Tuesday, and buys the best of meat and produce, some supplied locally. At lunch, try a good burger (thick, grilled and restaurant priced), or salmon salad. Tomatoe pie is a winner at brunch.
Activities
Biking
On weekends,the roads of Lookout Mountain are crawling with mountain bikers who like the elevations, curves and scenery of the trips. Lookout Mountain Parkway, although it has no dedicated bikeways, is a favorite, as is McLlemore Cove, on of the most beautiful valleys in the south. A 32 mile loop from Ft. Payne, up the mountain, through DeSoto State Park, on to Mentone is for the hearty, but the safest dirt trails are in the parks: 11 miles in DeSoto State Park and miles and miles on Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management area.
Two sources of information are:
http://www.alabama.travel/alabama-attractions/the_desoto-mentone_ridge_run-bikingtrail.html
http://www.goby.com/bike-paths-and-trails--near--mentone-al
Two sources of information are:
http://www.alabama.travel/alabama-attractions/the_desoto-mentone_ridge_run-bikingtrail.html
http://www.goby.com/bike-paths-and-trails--near--mentone-al
Caving on Lookout Mountain
Pictured: Sequoyah Caverns
The mountain is riddled with caves which cut through the sandstone and limestone. The cave with the longest vertical drop in the nation is on Pigeon Mountain near High Horse Lodge. Some caves are tourist attractions, like Ruby Falls near Chattanooga with 400,000 visitors a year. Sequoyah Caverns, in DeKalb County northwest of High Horse Lodge, is a family owned and run venture which hosts visitors for tours through a fantastic geological wonderland with reflection ponds and trails through the stalagmites and stalagtites.
Your best bet for a planned tour of one of the hundreds of lesser known caves on the mountain is True Adventure Sports, which offers morning or afternoon (does in matter in a cave?). DeSoto State Park has programs which highlight the caves in that park. www.trueadventuresports.com
If you want to try it for yourself, try http://www.goby.com/caving--near--lookout-mountain-ga for a good list of nearby caves.
National Spelunking Society, with home base in Huntsville, Alabama, has a website with info for trips and clubs called "grottos". The Pigeon Mtn. Grotto has a newsletter called Pigeon Mountain Droppings. .
www.trueadventuresports.com
Pictured below:
Cave, without theatrical lighting, In DeSoto State Park
Ellison's Cave in Pigeon Mtn
Pettijohn's Cave in Pigeon Mtn..
Driving your Car to See things
Wade Gap Road
Depending on your point of view, this drive will be an adrenalin
rush, brake test, or tour of the scenery. Wade Gap is between Mentone
and Ft. Payne on the west side. It begins nearly at the railroad crossing
and continues up the mountain with a newly paved surface. Zig zags
and switchbacks are de riguer. Pretty scenery, especially when the red
buds bloom in March.
Daughtery Gap Road
Off Hwy 157 1 1/2 miles from High Horse Lodge at the entrance to
Mountain Cove Farms. See the first secion, Road Trips of Less than an
Hour from High Horse Lodge
Canyon Rim Drive atop the Little River Canyon
You can drive around the rim, stopping at overlooks for views of the
canyon and the Little River below. See Parks below.
Cloudland Canyon Rim Drive
If you just had a knee replacement, you can see the canyon from the
top overlooks. See Parks below.
Wade Gap Road
Depending on your point of view, this drive will be an adrenalin
rush, brake test, or tour of the scenery. Wade Gap is between Mentone
and Ft. Payne on the west side. It begins nearly at the railroad crossing
and continues up the mountain with a newly paved surface. Zig zags
and switchbacks are de riguer. Pretty scenery, especially when the red
buds bloom in March.
Daughtery Gap Road
Off Hwy 157 1 1/2 miles from High Horse Lodge at the entrance to
Mountain Cove Farms. See the first secion, Road Trips of Less than an
Hour from High Horse Lodge
Canyon Rim Drive atop the Little River Canyon
You can drive around the rim, stopping at overlooks for views of the
canyon and the Little River below. See Parks below.
Cloudland Canyon Rim Drive
If you just had a knee replacement, you can see the canyon from the
top overlooks. See Parks below.
Golf
Canyon Ridge Golf Course
Go north on Hwy. 157, Lookout Mountain Parkway, for about 10 miles from High Horse Lodge. On the right. Fees: $45 -$65 with cart.
This cadillac of a golf course at the Canyon Ridge development features 6908 yards of golf on the top of the mountain with incredible overlooks, rocks, lakes and ridges. Designed by Richard G.Robins, ASGCA, the course opened in 2005 for a round of high end golf.
This cadillac of a golf course at the Canyon Ridge development features 6908 yards of golf on the top of the mountain with incredible overlooks, rocks, lakes and ridges. Designed by Richard G.Robins, ASGCA, the course opened in 2005 for a round of high end golf.
Lil' Mole /run Golf Course - l741 Cty. Road 637, Mentone
256 634 4159
Great little 18 hole course, according to players. $25.50 week
days with a cart. Walk ins only (no tee times).
256 634 4159
Great little 18 hole course, according to players. $25.50 week
days with a cart. Walk ins only (no tee times).
Saddle Rock Golf Course at Cloudmont, Mentone 256 634 4344
Par 3, Nine Hole Course at the base of the Cloudmont Ski Slope..Golf clubs and carts available. Tee off from the rock and a good time can be had by all.
Par 3, Nine Hole Course at the base of the Cloudmont Ski Slope..Golf clubs and carts available. Tee off from the rock and a good time can be had by all.
Hang Gliding
Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding: Mountain Flight Park
7201 Scenic Hghway, Rising Fawn, Ga. 30739 1800 688 5637. fly@hanglinde.com
Since 1978, gliders have een jumping into space from the rocks on the brow of Lookout Mountain to soar like birds over the valleys below and most of them are still here to enjoy the sport. You can watch, fly tandem, or take lessons at this world renown port.
The best time to watch might be near dusk, when the air is still and the flyers skim the air in flocks like birds. We saw 17 in the air at one time recently.
The best time to watch might be near dusk, when the air is still and the flyers skim the air in flocks like birds. We saw 17 in the air at one time recently.
Title Text.
Hiking
High Horse Lodge
On site hiking of over five miles of trails through woods, across headwater of the Little River creeks, across ridges, along ponds. The trail starting below the lodge is now (November 4, 2010) connected to the network of existing farm trails on 542 acres. One trail winds below the bluff line, with views of overhangs that native Indians used as shelters for hundreds, if not thousands of years. We found a spear point in one overhand that was made in 1500 BC. In the 1830's, a large group of Cherokees escaped prior to the Trail of Tears march and lived a semi nomadic life on Lookout Mountain In the 1920's, they walked out of the woods on a farm just east of High Horse Lodge---women, dogs, bedding and all- to walk to the Cherokee, NC reservation. They told farmer Hale that the game was gone and that there were not enough Indians for their children to find mates.
Outside of High Horse Lodge site, the best hiking is in the parks: DeSoto State Park, Cloudland Canyon, Little River Canyon, Pigeon Mountain, the Zahnd Tract. See Parks section below.
Horseback Riding
There are three choices if you want to ride:
1. Bring your own horse to ride on High Horse Lodge trails.
We have boarding pastures.
2. Go on a guided trail ride.
Nancy Smith, who has rented horses to Lookout Mountain area
camps for half a century, has a barn full of nice horses that will
take you through the forested area near Mentone for an hour or
two guided ride. $25 an hour at this point. 256 634 4132 for
reservations.
Shady Grove Dude Ranch has guided trail rides, hay rides and
breakfast and dinner rides at the Dude Ranch near Mentone.
1 256 634 4344
3. Contact Horseback Horizons in Mentone. Susan Appeldorn will
set up half and full day trail rides for groups and will supply the
horses, food, and guides. This ride is more than most beginners
will appreciate, but is terrific for those who are used to the saddle.
HORSEBACK HORIZONS. P.O. Box 91. Mentone, Alabama 35984.
404-218-6070. 509-696-9020 fax. Susan@HorsebackHorizons.com.
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Kayaking and Canoeing
Bring your own kayaks or canoes, or rent them from True Adventure Sports in Ft. Payne for a ride down the Little River in Little River Canyon State Park. You can go it alone, or have a guided trip, or lessons from True Adventure.
For a short and gentle trip, put in at the river bridge in Mentone, or at
Lake Lahousage at DeSoto State Park.
For a short and gentle trip, put in at the river bridge in Mentone, or at
Lake Lahousage at DeSoto State Park.
Rock Climbing
Lookout Mountain has rocks, world class rocks. If you don't have your own gear or experience, call True Adventure Sports in Ft. Payne for lessons, rentals, and guided trips. 256 997 9577.
If you want to do it on you own, head for the Zahnd Tract, Pigeon Mountain and Rock Town or DeSoto State Park.
The Zahnd tract is listed in Parks section. It is an outcropping of mammoth
bolders the size of houses. You can walk over them, around them, or climb them.
Rock Town on Pigeon Mtn. is a short trip from High Horse Lodge. Enter off
Hwy. 157 south of the lodge where Mountain Cove Farms has an entrance. Go to the right on Rocky Road fpr about 7 miles to the parking area and then walk another mile of easy paths to the beginning of a WOW trip through the most magnificent bolders on the mountain. Five Stars *****. Walk or climb.
If you want to do it on you own, head for the Zahnd Tract, Pigeon Mountain and Rock Town or DeSoto State Park.
The Zahnd tract is listed in Parks section. It is an outcropping of mammoth
bolders the size of houses. You can walk over them, around them, or climb them.
Rock Town on Pigeon Mtn. is a short trip from High Horse Lodge. Enter off
Hwy. 157 south of the lodge where Mountain Cove Farms has an entrance. Go to the right on Rocky Road fpr about 7 miles to the parking area and then walk another mile of easy paths to the beginning of a WOW trip through the most magnificent bolders on the mountain. Five Stars *****. Walk or climb.
Skiing, yes, Skiing
Cloudmont Ski Resort, Mentone:The southernmost Ski Slope in the US
When the thermometer drops to 28 degrees, Cloudmont revs up the two snow machines to cover the two thousand foot slopes, beginner and intermediate, with layers of white stuff. Two pony pulls--rope lifts--drag you 1800 feet up the mountain which has a vertical rise of 150 feet. Spend time in the beginner section if you haven't frequented Vale and Breckenridge.
Rental skis and boots are available at moderate fees. A great time is to had for all, especially children who haven't passed the Mason/Dixon line. 256 634 4344
When the thermometer drops to 28 degrees, Cloudmont revs up the two snow machines to cover the two thousand foot slopes, beginner and intermediate, with layers of white stuff. Two pony pulls--rope lifts--drag you 1800 feet up the mountain which has a vertical rise of 150 feet. Spend time in the beginner section if you haven't frequented Vale and Breckenridge.
Rental skis and boots are available at moderate fees. A great time is to had for all, especially children who haven't passed the Mason/Dixon line. 256 634 4344
Swimming
DeSoto State Park has a big fine pool where you can cool off after
the activities (less skiing) above.
DeSoto State Park has a big fine pool where you can cool off after
the activities (less skiing) above.
Tennis
Tennis doesn't seem to be the forte on Lookouit Mountain, but there is a
public court at Cloudland park in Cloudland, Ga.
Tennis doesn't seem to be the forte on Lookouit Mountain, but there is a
public court at Cloudland park in Cloudland, Ga.
PARKS
Cloudland Canyon
Located about 15 miles north of High Horse Lodge on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton's Gulch Creek, and elevation differential from 800 to 1,980 feet.
The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. The good news is that you can drive around the rim to see most of the views if you are not up to the walking.
Located about 15 miles north of High Horse Lodge on the western edge of Lookout Mountain, this is one of the most scenic parks in the state, offering rugged geology and beautiful vistas. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton's Gulch Creek, and elevation differential from 800 to 1,980 feet.
The most spectacular view into the canyon is found near the picnic area parking lot; however, additional views can be found along the rim trail. Hardy visitors who hike to the bottom of the gorge (including a 600-step staircase) find two waterfalls cascading over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below. The good news is that you can drive around the rim to see most of the views if you are not up to the walking.
Mentone Brow Park
About a mile north of the caution light in Mentone, this pretty little park is on the brown and overlooks the valley below. Picnic tables and a covered pavilion are for picnics.
About a mile north of the caution light in Mentone, this pretty little park is on the brown and overlooks the valley below. Picnic tables and a covered pavilion are for picnics.
The Pocket , Shirley Miller Wildlife Trail, State of Ga.
Pigeon Mountain, in the valley on the east side of McLemore Cove.
Go south on Hwy 157 to the entrance of Mountain Cove Farms. Left on Daugherty Gap Road. Bear right to go down the mountain and through Mountain Cove Farms to Hog Jowl Road. Take right on Hog Jowl. Go
to the stop sign and turn right at stop and within 2 miles a right on Pocket Road. Go to end of road(which includes a ford and a lot of rough terrain) to the parking lot.
The Shirley Miller (wife of former Ga. Governor Zell Miller) Wildlife Trail is a MUST for any wildflower lover. You will see an array of plants here in this protected pocket of Pigeon Mountain that is mind boggling: hepatica, trilium, celadin poppy, Virginia bluebell, rue, galax, foam flower, and more and more. Walk the 800 foot boardwalk for an easy walk to the falls. Be sure to take your wildflower guide as you will see many plants that you won’t have encountered elsewhere. End of March and first of April are the most spectacular times, but the pocket is beautiful at any time. Five Stars.
Pigeon Mountain, in the valley on the east side of McLemore Cove.
Go south on Hwy 157 to the entrance of Mountain Cove Farms. Left on Daugherty Gap Road. Bear right to go down the mountain and through Mountain Cove Farms to Hog Jowl Road. Take right on Hog Jowl. Go
to the stop sign and turn right at stop and within 2 miles a right on Pocket Road. Go to end of road(which includes a ford and a lot of rough terrain) to the parking lot.
The Shirley Miller (wife of former Ga. Governor Zell Miller) Wildlife Trail is a MUST for any wildflower lover. You will see an array of plants here in this protected pocket of Pigeon Mountain that is mind boggling: hepatica, trilium, celadin poppy, Virginia bluebell, rue, galax, foam flower, and more and more. Walk the 800 foot boardwalk for an easy walk to the falls. Be sure to take your wildflower guide as you will see many plants that you won’t have encountered elsewhere. End of March and first of April are the most spectacular times, but the pocket is beautiful at any time. Five Stars.
DeSoto Falls and DeSoto State Park
Only five miles from Mentone, DeSoto Falls has an incredible 104 foot falls. Walk down the rock path to have the mist in your face as you look into the deep pool and rushing torrent. The Falls is a part of DeSoto State Park and is on the Mentone side of the park.
Only five miles from Mentone, DeSoto Falls has an incredible 104 foot falls. Walk down the rock path to have the mist in your face as you look into the deep pool and rushing torrent. The Falls is a part of DeSoto State Park and is on the Mentone side of the park.
Not far from Mentone, DeSoto State Park has it all for visitors on a 5000 acre site: a fine swimming pool, a restaurant built of rock by the CCC in the 30's (don't miss breakfast here), fishing, camping, 20 miles of trails, and a visitor center. On weekends thoughout the year, you can attend and be part of ranger led seminars about the park and its inhabitants. Find out about snakes, owls, prehistory, night sounds, etc. from the experts.
Twenty miles of trails, with incredible sand stone rock formations, water falls, caves and a magical array of plants, include the board walk Azalea Trail near the entrance. This is a pocket size view of the park wonders in a 10 minute walk suitable for the young and the not-so-athletic hikers.
Twenty miles of trails, with incredible sand stone rock formations, water falls, caves and a magical array of plants, include the board walk Azalea Trail near the entrance. This is a pocket size view of the park wonders in a 10 minute walk suitable for the young and the not-so-athletic hikers.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
The Little River Canyon National Preserve has the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi. It is composed of over 14,000 acres, with DeSoto State Park as a part. You can drive along the rim, stopping at 8 overlooks on the 23 mile road to see views of the canyon. Kayakers make the Little River, which flows through the park, a star attracion. In addition, many miles of multi use trails are open to ATVs and horse back riders. The new Jackson State University Field School, an architectural winner, has classrooms, library, and exhibits pertaining to the ecology of the Canyon. The Canyon has an incredible number of plants and animals as it goes from valley to summit. It was deemed a Federal Preserve to protect the Little River and the canyon as a national treasure.
The Little River Canyon National Preserve has the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi. It is composed of over 14,000 acres, with DeSoto State Park as a part. You can drive along the rim, stopping at 8 overlooks on the 23 mile road to see views of the canyon. Kayakers make the Little River, which flows through the park, a star attracion. In addition, many miles of multi use trails are open to ATVs and horse back riders. The new Jackson State University Field School, an architectural winner, has classrooms, library, and exhibits pertaining to the ecology of the Canyon. The Canyon has an incredible number of plants and animals as it goes from valley to summit. It was deemed a Federal Preserve to protect the Little River and the canyon as a national treasure.
