Scenic North Alabama Motorcycle Route - Lookout Mountain Parkway
The Lookout Mountain Parkway spans three states as it stretches across Lookout Mountain from Gadsden, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Lookout Mountain Parkway begins at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden and is easily accessible via exit #188 off Interstate 59 and following Highway 211 to Noccalula Falls Park. Turn to the left on Tabor Road in front of the Park to begin your incredible journey across the scenic Lookout Mountain.
Within the 93-mile journey, one will find waterfalls, canyons, scenic brow vistas, unique towns and villages, state and national parks and preserves and other natural wonders. The Parkway was named as one of the most scenic drives in America by Reader's Digest.
Noccalula Falls Park
- Location: 1500 Noccalula Rd. Gadsden, AL 35904
- Phone: (256) 549-4663
- http://www.noccalulafallspark.com
1. Noccalula Falls Park
Nestled among the trees in the park is a pioneer village, a group of rustic, hand-hewn log buildings representing a display of pioneer living conditions, included in the village is a country store, grist mill, covered bridge, pioneer home, smokehouse, blacksmith shop and more. Other park attractions include a War Memorial and Museum, botanical gardens, hiking trails, a sightseeing train, a playground, carpet golf, picnic pavilions, wedding chapel and honeymoon cabins, and meeting facilities. Wheelchair accessible.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
- Location: 4322 Little River Trail, Suite 100 Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Phone: (256) 845-9605
- https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm
2. Little River Canyon Center
A partnership between Jacksonville State University and Little River Canyon National Preserve. The Center provides visitors with information, educational and recreational opportunities, and an impressive HD film about Little River Canyon.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
- Location: 4322 Little River Trail, Suite 100 Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Phone: (256) 845-9605
- https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm
3. Little River Falls
Located at the north end of America’s deepest and most extensive canyon systems east of the Mississippi, Little River Falls is surrounded by 14,000 acres of beauty. Wheelchair accessible.
4. Grace’s High Falls
At over 133 feet high, the seasonal Grace’s High Falls features a view you can't find anywhere else. When rainfall is high, a significant amount of smaller creeks and waterfalls can be seen while exploring the area. The best time to view is in the winter. Handicapped accessible from a lookout point on Canyon Rim Road.
DeSoto Falls at DeSoto State Park
- Location: 1299 Blalock Drive. NE Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Phone: (256) 845-0051
- https://www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park
5. DeSoto Falls
One of the most photographed points of interest in Alabama, DeSoto Falls is also one of the tallest (107 ft.) and most visited waterfall locations in the state. The waterfall has a concrete dam above the falls, which was built in 1925 for Alabama's first hydroelectric power plant, which is of historical significance.
6. Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort
Back Forty Beer Company LLC
- Location: 200 N. 6th Street Gadsden, AL 35901
- Phone: (256) 467-4912
- http://backfortybeer.com
7. Back Forty Beer
Inspired by an old agricultural term referring to the 40 acres of land farthest from the barn, the name of Back Forty Beer Company is a bit of a contradiction. They source their ingredients close to home for beers like the Truck Stop Honey Brown and Freckle Belly India Pale. Get a taste as you tour the microbrewery or take a seat in the taproom, both located in downtown Gadsden.
Fort Payne Depot Museum
- Location: 105 5th St NE Fort Payne, AL 35968
- Phone: (256) 845-5714
- http://www.fortpaynedepotmuseum.com
8. Fort Payne Depot Museum
Features exhibits typical of the lifestyles of the late 1800s and the early 1900s. The museum features Native American pottery, basketry, tools, and clothing. Old Fort Payne Depot was built by the Alabama Great Southern Railroad in 1891.
Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, Inc.
- Location: 501 Broad Street Gadsden, AL 35902
- Phone: (256) 543-2787
- http://www.culturalarts.org
9. Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
Includes three art galleries, the Imagination Place Children’s Hands-on Museum, a 72-foot working model railroad, and the Gadsden Community School of the Arts.
Tigers For Tomorrow
- Location: 710 Co. Rd. 345 Attalla, AL 35954
- Phone: (256) 524-4150
- http://tigersfortomorrow.org
10. Tigers for Tomorrow
Looking for a unique experience? Take a trip to Untamed Mountain. Tigers for Tomorrow is a wild animal park and environmental education center that’s home to over 130 animals. See 70 big cats, wolves, and bears. Children can interact with barnyard animals at their contact yard.