Northern Alabama

Trails and waterfalls

After driving 700 miles from Louisiana, we needed a break before getting to South Carolina. We had heard about this area when Dana and Debbie Kirk visited last year and put it on our list. Fort Payne was 200 miles from our last stop and had a state park and  waterfalls to hike in the southernmost section of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Desoto State Park

Desoto State Park is nestled on Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama with many waterfalls.

It rains a lot in Alabama in the winter. We were fortunate to have very little rain as we slogged through the mud.

Desoto Falls in Mentone, Alabama

DeSoto Falls is a 100-foot waterfall on the outskirts of the charming town of Mentone, Alabama. Formed where the West Fork of the Little River plunges off a Lookout Mountain cliff.

 We had hoped to have tomato pie at Wildflower Cafe in the cool town of Mentone. But it was not to be. Our first attempt on the weekend met us with a very long wait . When we tried on Tuesday, we found a note on the door saying they had to close for the day. Our search for tomato pie continues.

 We headed to the Mentone Market and passed on the daily special or grilled pimento cheese sandwich, opting for the stew, salad and cornbread for $11 for both of us. Lee Allison from North Carolina mentioned that he would eat pineapple sandwiches as a kid. I googled it and found that it is pineapple and mayo on white bread. I am not sure how anyone would come up with such a sandwich.

When was your last fried bologna sandwich?

Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet Trails

The 34-mile long Chief Ladiga Trail is Alabama's premier rail-trail. The smooth asphalt surface travels through the Tallegeda National Forest, and connects to Georgia's Silver Comet Trail to the east. The Chief Ladiga and Silver Comet travel over 95 miles when combined,
and form the longest paved trail in America.

Plans are progressing to make the Amtrak station bike friendly, allowing for a return train route to Atlanta, and other cities along the Amtrak line.

I really enjoyed our 30 mile ride but have to say that riding that many flat miles can give a person a tired butt. We are used to pedaling up a hill and enjoying the ride down carrying us part of the way up the next hill. Throw a little wind in and you end up pedaling the entire 30 miles. I wouldn't mind doing another section someday if we ever pass this way again.

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Falls with a rainbow

Seasonal Graces High Falls

We made it through Atlanta before stopping for a deep breath in a KOA on Lake Oconee in Georgia.

Our week in Alabama flew by. We are now in South Carolina with family.