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No offense, Gulf Shores! There’s a new sheriff in town, at least for the fall season.
That’s not to say Alabama’s beautiful beaches aren’t worth a fall getaway, but tucked in the northeastern corner of the state lies a little-known town with some truly amazing sites.
While Alabama always makes a name for itself during college football season, it’s time to spotlight the natural wonders in “Heart of Dixie.”
We still have a way to wrap up our summer fun, but it’s never too early to plan a fall getaway, especially when it’s as gorgeous as Menton.
Where down-home charm and dazzling natural wonders come together
“Southern hospitality” is real. Just don’t expect it anywhere else but the charming south.
While we are often drawn to the skyscrapers of iconic cities like moths to a flame, there is something intangible that connects us with old-fashioned, friendly towns like Mentone.
Maybe it’s the fact that people are actually talking to each other instead of sitting stone-faced on the subway with both AirPods in, or it could be that this is the way we should live, not on the 34th floor of a high-end apartment building. -to get up.
No matter how you look at it, the small town atmosphere is always appealing, and even more so when the already beautiful town starts to pop in color and showcase the most beautiful reds, golds and oranges of autumn.
You can explore the picturesque downtown area, where there are beautiful boutiques and enjoy hearty home-cooked dishes such as the popular ones Cafe Wildflower famous for Tomato Pie (no, not pizza!).
Mentone is undoubtedly the best gateway to exploring Alabama’s breathtaking natural features.
Desoto State Park: Where fall colors light up the treetops for miles
Sometimes national parks steal the spotlight, but don’t sleep on what state parks have to offer.
They may not be as vast as, say, Yellowstone, but places in Desoto State Park are well worth a visit, especially when colors begin to transform the seemingly endless tree lines.
That will happen before you know it as summer draws to a close. September starts to see rustic reds, golds and oranges, making for perfect photo ops even deeper into fall.
Bring your hiking boots and enjoy the perfect backdrop of pristine scenery, where most agree the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail is the best for the ‘gram.
Although this trail only just scratches the surface as the park is home to over 30 miles of winding trails with several vantage points for epic views.
Conveniently located between Birmingham and Chattanooga, there are multiple access points to start your journey, but be sure not to miss the 11 scenic miles of fall foliage nearby Little River Canyon Preserve.
According to the Desoto State Park website, a small fee of $4 per vehicle is required to enter the park’s picnic area.
‘Bama’s majestic waterfallS
If anyone mentions waterfalls around these parts, they are probably talking about them Desoto Fallsa 30 meter high waterfall that flows into a picturesque pool below.
As September arrives, this is one of the best times to visit for better views of the majestic landscape as the surrounding forestry begins to develop new colors.
Definitely the highlight of Desoto State Park, but there are numerous waterfalls to ‘chase’ throughout the region.
- Laurel falls
- Indian waterfalls
- Lodge falls
- Lost waterfalls
- Azalea cascade
Lost Falls is perhaps the most underrated because it’s a trek that takes in otherworldly rock formations and deep caverns, but it offers a spectacular reward as one of the park’s most beautiful hidden gems.
You’ve come this far – why don’t you stay a while longer?
Don’t expect a Four Seasons around Mentone, but there are a range of cozy accommodations to choose from.
If you want to discover the delights of downtown, visit the historic Mentone Innthat dates from the 1920s.
Otherwise, you can make a reservation at one of the many chalets, cabins or campsites that Desoto State Park offers.
The cheapest of these would be a ‘Lodge Room’ from $102 in late September for the first sight of autumn colours.
There are also private rentals available on popular sites like VRBO and Airbnb.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
