Outdoor adventurers will find plenty of exciting activities on Lookout Mountain, Alabama.
Located in the northeastern corner of the state along its border with Georgia and Tennessee, this area has long been known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, golf, rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, and hang gliding in the area.
Here are the specifics to guide visitors to their favorite outdoor pursuits.
DeSoto State Park preserves 3,500 acres of wilderness atop Lookout Mountain.
Visitors can enjoy 20 miles of hiking trails including the scenic Azalea Cascade Trail, the Wildflower Trail, and the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail.
The Little River runs through the park, and anglers can enjoy fly fishing above the dam at DeSoto Falls.
Swimming is allowed in the river, and there is also a pool in the park.
DeSoto State Park is on County Road 89, eight miles northeast of Fort Payne.
Popular outdoor activities at Little River Canyon National Preserve include hiking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Parts of the Little River running through the canyon have Class III to Class IV rapids, so the river is recommended for expert paddlers.
Canyon Rim Drive provides spectacular view of the canyon.
Little River Canyon Center, adjacent to Little River Canyon National Preserve, is operated by Jacksonville State University in partnership with the National Park Service.
The center offers field school activities including hikes and wilderness survival classes.
Pre-registration is required for many of their activities.
True Adventure Sports, located on AL Hwy 176 in Fort Payne, offers guided trips for rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, and kayaking.
Gear is provided.
For an $80 fee, visitors can ride a zipline that goes 250 feet over a ravine.
They also offer a sky swing adventure and wild cave tours in the area.
Golfers can play the Saddle River Golf Course at the Cloudmont Resort Complex near Mentone, Alabama.
The par 63 executive course plays nine holes from 18 tees.
Green fees are very reasonable.
Golfers pay $7 for nine holes and $9 for 18 holes.
Cart fees are $7 for 9 holes and $9 for 18 holes.
Horseback riding is available at the Shady Grove Dude Ranch, adjacent to Cloudmont Resort.
A one hour trail ride is $25, and a two hour ride is $40.
Riders will be rewarded with magnificent views of Veil Falls and DeSoto Falls.
Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding is the world's largest hang gliding training center, offering several different instructional training packages.
The hang gliders launch from a concrete mountaintop ramp, and the landing zone is a 44-acre meadow in the valley.
First timers may enjoy a 20-minute tandem flight with a certified instructor for $149.
No experience is necessary.
Located in the northeastern corner of the state along its border with Georgia and Tennessee, this area has long been known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, golf, rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, and hang gliding in the area.
Here are the specifics to guide visitors to their favorite outdoor pursuits.
DeSoto State Park preserves 3,500 acres of wilderness atop Lookout Mountain.
Visitors can enjoy 20 miles of hiking trails including the scenic Azalea Cascade Trail, the Wildflower Trail, and the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail.
The Little River runs through the park, and anglers can enjoy fly fishing above the dam at DeSoto Falls.
Swimming is allowed in the river, and there is also a pool in the park.
DeSoto State Park is on County Road 89, eight miles northeast of Fort Payne.
Popular outdoor activities at Little River Canyon National Preserve include hiking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Parts of the Little River running through the canyon have Class III to Class IV rapids, so the river is recommended for expert paddlers.
Canyon Rim Drive provides spectacular view of the canyon.
Little River Canyon Center, adjacent to Little River Canyon National Preserve, is operated by Jacksonville State University in partnership with the National Park Service.
The center offers field school activities including hikes and wilderness survival classes.
Pre-registration is required for many of their activities.
True Adventure Sports, located on AL Hwy 176 in Fort Payne, offers guided trips for rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, and kayaking.
Gear is provided.
For an $80 fee, visitors can ride a zipline that goes 250 feet over a ravine.
They also offer a sky swing adventure and wild cave tours in the area.
Golfers can play the Saddle River Golf Course at the Cloudmont Resort Complex near Mentone, Alabama.
The par 63 executive course plays nine holes from 18 tees.
Green fees are very reasonable.
Golfers pay $7 for nine holes and $9 for 18 holes.
Cart fees are $7 for 9 holes and $9 for 18 holes.
Horseback riding is available at the Shady Grove Dude Ranch, adjacent to Cloudmont Resort.
A one hour trail ride is $25, and a two hour ride is $40.
Riders will be rewarded with magnificent views of Veil Falls and DeSoto Falls.
Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding is the world's largest hang gliding training center, offering several different instructional training packages.
The hang gliders launch from a concrete mountaintop ramp, and the landing zone is a 44-acre meadow in the valley.
First timers may enjoy a 20-minute tandem flight with a certified instructor for $149.
No experience is necessary.