Mentone, AL

Mentone began in the 1880s as a mountain resort, when visitors came up Lookout Mountain for the cool air and mineral springs, and it still feels like a getaway. The town is tiny, with a handful of shops, an arts center and a few places to eat clustered along AL 117, but the setting is the draw: hardwood forest, sandstone bluffs and the West Fork of the Little River running through DeSoto State Park. Summer days run a few degrees cooler than the valleys below, and fall color here is some of the best in Alabama.

Start at DeSoto Falls, where the river drops more than 100 feet into a gorge just below the A.A. Miller Dam, then hike the trails at DeSoto State Park a few miles south. Stop at the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel, built in 1937 around a huge rock, and catch the sunset from Mentone Brow Park. Browse local gift and craft shops and the Mentone Arts Center, grab a meal at a Southern kitchen or a coffee stop, and settle into a mountain cabin. Little River Canyon National Preserve is about 30 minutes away for more outdoor adventure.

Mentone questions, answered

What is Mentone known for?

Mountain scenery. Mentone is one of the few towns on top of Lookout Mountain in Alabama, known for DeSoto Falls, rustic cabins, summer camps and fall color. It has a long history as a resort town, and today it draws hikers, paddlers and families looking for a quiet weekend. The Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel, built around a giant boulder, is a favorite stop.

When is the best time to visit Mentone?

October is the most popular month, when leaves change on Lookout Mountain and the town hosts its fall festival, usually the third weekend. Spring brings rhododendrons, mountain laurel and strong waterfalls after the rains. Summer is cooler than most of Alabama, which is why camps have operated here for generations. Winter is quiet, with bare trees opening up the views.

How do I get to Mentone?

The closest commercial airport is Chattanooga Metropolitan (CHA), about an hour north. Huntsville International (HSV) is about an hour and 45 minutes west, and Birmingham is about two hours southwest. From I-59, take AL 117 up the mountain at Hammondville or come in from Fort Payne via the Lookout Mountain Parkway route. Expect winding mountain roads.

Where should I stay in Mentone?

Cabins and cottages are the classic choice, many tucked into the woods with decks and fire pits. DeSoto State Park, a few miles south, has a lodge, rustic cabins, chalets and campsites. Look through our places to stay, and book well ahead for October weekends, when the whole mountain fills up.

Is there a ski area in Mentone?

Yes, Mentone is home to one of the few ski slopes in the Deep South, operating on a small scale when winter temperatures allow snowmaking. Do not plan a ski trip around it: seasons are short and depend on cold snaps. Most visitors come for hiking, waterfalls, paddling and the views instead.