Northeast Alabama Attractions

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto Park ranges over 5,067 acres along Little River. As you travel the scenic drive through the park, you will see DeSoto Falls, Little River Falls, and many magnificent vistas along Little River Canyon; the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi River. The park features a unique restaurant, resort, chalets, and cabins, as well as a modern campground. The facilities include a picnic area, swimming pool, tennis courts, nature center, and many miles of hiking trails.

Directions: Take I-59 to exit #218 (Fort Payne, Highway 35). Go 1 mile East on Highway 35 and turn left on Gault Avenue (US-11 North). Go 1.4 miles and turn right on 5th Street Northeast (Highway 35). Veer left at the caution light. Continue on Highway 35 to the caution light at the top of the mountain. Turn left onto DeSoto Parkway (CR-89) and follow the signs to the park.
Address: 13883 County Road, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Web Site: DeSoto State Park, Alabama State Parks
Phone: 256.845.0051

Little River Canyon

The Little River Canyon National Preserve was added to the national park system in 1992. Scenic overlooks, scenic drives, and hiking trails were constructed to allow the public to enjoy the natural beauty without damaging or encroaching upon it. The scenic overlook near the Highway 35 bridge offers an excellent view of the waterfall.

Directions: Follow the same directions for DeSoto State Park until you reach the caution light at the top of the mountain. Instead of turning left onto DeSoto Parkway, continue on Highway 35 for an additional 5 miles to the bridge over the Little River. Just before the bridge, turn right onto the Little River Canyon scenic drive. Just beyond the bridge, turn right into the parking lot for the canyon waterfall overlook.
Web Site: Little River Canyon National Preserve

Noccalula Falls

Enjoy the view of a 90 foot waterfall as you hike the trails of this beautiful city park or relax as you ride the train around the park. In addition to the falls, the park features a covered bridge, botanical garden, pioneer homestead, and petting zoo. The park facilities include a picnic area, playground, and campground.

Directions: Take I-59 to exit #188 and turn left onto Noccalula Falls Road (AL-211, US-11). Go 2.9 miles to the park.
Address: 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL 35999
Web Site: Noccalula Falls, Waterfalls
Phone: 256.549.4663

Alabama Museum & Fan Club Headquarters

This is a museum and souvenir shop for Alabama, one of the greatest names in country music and the RIAA country group of the 20th century.

Directions: Take I-59 to exit #218 (Fort Payne, Highway 35). Go 1 mile East on Highway 35. The museum is at the corner of Highway 35 and Gault Avenue (US-11).
Web Site: Alabama Fan Club
Phone: 256-845-1646

Northeast Alabama Golf

Silver Lakes

Silver Lakes, located 12 miles from Gasden, is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The course features 27 championship holes and a 9-hole short course. See "Alabama: A Golfer's Paradise" for more information about the golf trail.

Directions: From Chattanooga, take I-59 to exit #182 (I-759). Take I-759 East 5.4 miles and turn left on South Hood Avenue. Go 1 mile and turn right on US-431. Go 10.3 miles and turn right on Stone Road. Go 0.2 miles and bear left on Pebble Drive. Go 0.2 miles and turn right on Oak Grove Road. Go 0.4 miles and turn left on Silver Lakes Boulevard.
Address: 1 SunBelt Parkway, Glencoe, AL 35905
Web Site: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Phone: 256.892.3268

Silver Lakes is just one of many golf courses in Northeast Alabama. For a listing of golf courses by city or county, see Golfable.com or click on one of the following counties along the I-59 North corridor: Blount, Cherokee, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall, and St. Clair.

Northeast Alabama Restaurants

Top of the River

Top of the River is located on the Coosa River and features excellent catfish and seafood. Slaw and cornbread are served before each meal. The restaurant seats 600 but the food is so good that people come from miles around, so you can expect a short wait on weekends. They are open Monday-Thursday 5PM-9PM, Friday 5PM-10PM, Saturday and Sunday 4PM-10PM.

Directions: Take I-59 to exit #182 (I-759). Take I-759 East 4.6 to exit 4A (US-411 South). Continue South on Rainbow Drive (US-411) 1 mile. Make a U-turn at Lakewood Drive and go 0.1 miles. The restaurant will be on the right.
Address: 1606 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: 256.547.9817