Best Parks In Northeast Alabama and Lookout Mountain Area-Hiking, Camping, Picnic Areas

Lookout Mountain is located in Northeast Alabama and has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the nation. There are literally thousands of acres of parks both State and National located on Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama..

If you want to go hiking, camping, rappel sheer rock cliffs, kayak a raging river, or just have a great place to get away from it all with a relaxing picnic, then you have found the place, Lookout Mountain Alabama!

Now Lookout Mountain Alabama is comprised of many small towns and communities,and covers an area located in Northeast Alabama.

We often overlook what is right in front of us, as it can be with our local Parks. They can have so much to offer but over time we sometimes take it for granted. So writing these hubs about our local area has re-awakened my senses to some of the beautiful pictures of nature we have in our own backyard... I hope you will see it as well.

You will find Desoto State Park nestled away on top of Lookout Mountain overlooking the valley below, you feel somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC was what helped to take this already breathtaking scenery and turn it into what we know today as Desoto State Park.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you may smell the fragrant wildflowers or you may see the golden turning of the leaves but it is always beautiful and is accented by rushing waterfalls and mountain rocks.

Desoto State Park gives you more than just atmosphere, there is a lodge for both business and pleasure, a restaurant, Mountain Chalets, and rustic log cabins tucked into the woods for your enjoyment. The park encompasses jut over 3,500 acres along the winding Little River .

There is a playground area for kids, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a nature center with interpretive programs and multiple picnic areas for your enjoyment. If camping is what you are looking for, they have both improved and primitive campgrounds available. During your stay you will have access to over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, of course which could be for day use as well.

Little River Canyon is a National Preserve that will take your breath away when you see it for the first time in its raw, pristine, natural environment. There are awesome views all along Little River including the Little River Falls as well as the stunning rock formations stretching from the north rim of the canyon to the south rim.

What makes Little River so unique is that it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain which is part of the Southern Appalachians   located in northeast Alabama. It is forested uplands, with waterfalls, canyon rims featuring bluffs, boulders, and sandstone cliffs with pools of water scattered along the way. This National Preserve with its rich cultural heritage and natural resources feature settings perfect for all forms of recreational activities.

The scenic drive along the rim of the canyon goes for 11 miles along a winding, hilly paved road with various overlooks and picnic tables along the way. There are also restroom facilities located at Little River Falls, Eberhart Point and the Canyon Mouth Picnic Area.

The area of Little River referred to as the Backcountry Area is designated for horseback riders, hikers, 4-wheel drive vehicles (no more ATV's since 9-1-2010) and primitive camping. Camping is free and allowed from Feb 1-Sept. 30. It is limited to three sites, Slant Rock, Billy's Ford and Hartline Ford and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Hunting is allowed on designated dates, times and places with a valid hunting license. Fishing is also allowed anywhere on Little River within the Preserve with a valid fishing license.

The Canyon Mouth Picnic Area offers a perfect place for a day of picnicking along the river.There are picnic tables, grills, a water fountain, a foot-wash station, and restrooms are available for your convenience. However there is a $3 user fee per vehicle for this area with a seasonal pass available for $10.

If hiking is your game, you are in luck, just don't expect to be able to go the the whole canyon in one day, because of the rough terrain and lack of a designated trail.

Kayaking is available at Little River Canyon but these rapids are for experts, we do not recommend that beginners try this river. You must bring your own equipment, there are no rentals available at this time.

I am sure I have missed something, there is just so much to do at Little River Canyon National Preserve on Lookout Mountain and the natural beauty can leave you speechless.

Noccalula Falls Park is not only is a beautiful park but it comes with a legendary love story that gives it is charm (and name) and draws thousands of visitors a year.

The falls were originally known as Black Creek Falls but after many legendary tales of the beautiful Cherokee princess Noccalula jumping to her death, in her memory the falls became, Noccalula Falls. The land was once privately owned and donated to the city so everyone could enjoy the falls in all of its splendor.

As for the legend, the Cherokee Princess Noccalula had fallen in love with and wished to marry a young brave from her own tribe. Her Father, a Cherokee Indian Chief, refused to grant permission or his blessing, insisting she marry a brave from a neighboring tribe whose father promised many riches in return for his daughters hand. Noccalula's father banished the love of her life and prepared his the exchange of his daughter for goods with the brave from the neighboring tribe. Noccalula never spoke but went along with the festivities and then quietly slipped away to plunge to her death over the falls.

There is a bronze statue of Noccalula created in the mid 1960's from pennies collected from local school children. This statue of the Cherokee Princess Noccalula is the first of its kind to portray someone jumping off a cliff.

When visiting Noccalula Falls Park in northeast Alabama, you can see the falls cascading 90 feet over a Lookout Mountain ledge into lush ravine. The park and campground is operated by both the City of Gadsden as well as the State of Alabama.

Besides being able to view the beautiful cascading falls, the 250 acre park also features several hiking trails, a botanical gardens and swimming spot. There are also tours available of pioneer village which is constructed of log cabins, the Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge (built 1899) a petting zoo, miniature golf and a ride on the replica 1863 C. P. Huntington train.

Camping is available to visitors of the park that offers both tent and RV sites as well as cabin rentals.

It is definetly worth the visit if you get the chance, even for just a day. Noccalula Falls Park in Northeast Alabama is full of natural beauty and charm.