As you travel around the state to look at fall foliage, take time to visit some of North Alabama’s famed tourist attractions.
Sally Howard Memorial Chapel
Colonel Milford Howard built the chapel in 1937 in memory of his wife, Sally. Located on a hill adjacent to DeSoto State Park property, the chapel is now a ministry of DeKalb Baptist Association.
The church is constructed around a large boulder, and the pulpit is made of stones from Little River. “We have Sunday services at 10 a.m. for tourists, as well as permanent residents of the area, but the chapel is open 24 hours, seven days a week,” said Pastor Fred Higgins.
“Visitors stop by to just sit in the chapel or walk on the paved paths at the edge of the woods when various seasonal flowers are blooming.”
The chapel is also available for weddings and retreats. For more information call DeKalb Baptist Association 256-638-4441.
Color Update
North Alabama was named along with Massachusetts, Maryland and Delaware as of one of the nation’s best places for “falling in love with fall” by Group Travel Leader magazine in 2003.
Starting in October, weekly updates on Alabama fall color will be featured on the Internet at www.800alabama.com. “The Fall Color Trail” companion brochure will be available online, said Brian Jones, public information specialist for the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel. For information call 1-800-ALABAMA.
DeSoto State Park
Perched atop Lookout Mountain is one of Alabama’s favorite spots for fall color, the Desoto State Park. A favorite for all visitors is the Boardwalk Trail.
This 360-yard boardwalk is approved by the Americans with Disabilities Act and winds through massive trees decorated in nature’s fall finery.
You can also visit DeSoto Falls, a 104-foot drop waterfall that spills into the canyon below. Follow the narrow path that winds around the canyon to a favorite rock perch for photographers and onlookers — not for the faint of heart. For information call 1-800-568-8840 or visit the park’s Web site at www.dcnr.state.al.us.
Mentone Fall Colorfest
The fall colorfest event is held the third weekend of October each year in Mentone’s Brow Park. Activities include sing-alongs, storytelling and entertainment.
Children enjoy an old-fashioned marshmallow roast on Friday evening and an artists and craftsmen fair on Saturday. For information call 256-634-4664.
Resorts and Camps
Mentone is recognized for the variety of camps for summertime fun, but many are also open year-round.
Cloudmont Ski Resort is popular in winter and produces man-made snow, but fall is a perfect time for youth retreats as well as adult outings.
Activities include horseback riding, hiking and skiing. For more information call 256-634-4344 or visit www.cloudmont.com.
Riverview is a private Christian camp and hosts “Little River Mountain Retreats.”
For more information call 1-800-882-0722 or visit www.riverviewcamp.com. For a complete listing of camps in the Mentone area, call the DeKalb Tourist Association, 1-800-805-4740 or visit www.tourdekalb.com/camps.
Alabama Fan Club & Museum
Fort Payne is home to the band Alabama — named country music’s Group of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. The Alabama Fan Club & Museum contains personal memorabilia, awards, photographs and a 25-minute video of the band.
Three of the band members — Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook — grew up with the scenic vista of the Fort Payne area as creative inspiration, and now Mark Herndon also calls the area home.
For information call 256-845-1646 or visit www.thealabamaband.com and click on “fan club.”
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