On the Water
Kayaking & Canoeing — Little River Little River runs along the edge of the property. Guests can launch directly from the Lodge. The west fork is calm and accessible, well suited to a morning paddle. For those who want more water, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers additional access points downstream, with conditions that range from flatwater to expert-level whitewater depending on season and rainfall.
Fishing — Little River & DeSoto State Park Little River holds redeye bass, largemouth bass, and various sunfish. An Alabama fishing license is required. DeSoto State Park provides additional access to the west fork upstream, including a small impounded area above the falls.
Hiking & Waterfalls
DeSoto Falls — On Foot from the Lodge A short walk from the property leads to DeSoto Falls, one of Alabama’s tallest waterfalls at 104 feet. The park features additional smaller cascades, including Indian and Laurel Falls, and walking trails to the base of the falls.
DeSoto State Park Trail System Over 35 miles of hiking trails on Lookout Mountain, ranging from easy walks to strenuous treks, passing rock formations, seasonal waterfalls, and views of the West Fork of Little River. Eleven-plus miles of mountain bike trails are also available.
Little River Canyon National Preserve Little River flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain — one of the few rivers in the country to do so. The canyon reaches depths of over 600 feet, making it one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi. The Canyon Rim Parkway connects eight overlooks across 23 miles. Hiking, photography, rappelling, and birding are all well supported here.
Grace’s High Falls Alabama’s tallest waterfall at 133 feet, located within Little River Canyon National Preserve. Seasonal — flows best after significant rainfall. Worth checking conditions before making the trip.
Nature & Wildlife
Birding — Lookout Mountain Lookout Mountain sits along a significant migratory corridor. Little River Canyon National Preserve alone supports 147 species of birds. The Lodge’s river frontage and surrounding forest provide good morning birding without leaving the property. The Treehouse room, in particular, is positioned for river and bird watching.
Wildflower Season — Spring The mountain laurel and rhododendron on the Lodge grounds bloom in late spring. DeSoto State Park’s Azalea Cascades trail is one of the best wildflower walks in the region. The Rhododendron Festival in Mentone is typically held the third weekend of May.
Fall Foliage — September through November Lookout Mountain’s fall color season runs roughly September through November, peaking in mid-October. The Canyon Rim Parkway and the Lodge’s own river overlook are two of the best vantage points in the area.
Arts & Culture
Mentone Arts Center A community gallery featuring work from more than 60 regional artists and makers — paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, woven works, and sculpture. Located on Highway 117 alongside Elevation Bistro. Open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Explore the Log Cabin Craft Villages A charming cluster of locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops nestled in the heart of Mentone.
Orbix Hot Glass A working glass art studio and gallery in the Mentone area, producing handcrafted glassware and sculpture. Worth a visit for anyone interested in seeing the craft in practice.
Moon Lake Trading Company & Campus A collection of artisan shops and small businesses housed in the historic Moon Lake School building along the river. Galleries, studios, and seasonal markets throughout the year.
Mentone Fall Festival Held the third weekend of October at Moon Lake Campus. Local artisans, live music, and one of the best excuses to be on the mountain during peak foliage.
The Mountain Camps
Mentone has been a summer camp destination for generations. More than nine named camps operate in and around Mentone, drawing campers from across the country for faith-based programs, outdoor education, and traditional camp experiences. The camps are woven into the fabric of the mountain — families who sent their children here decades ago still return, and more than a few former campers have come back as adults to stay for good.
For families visiting during drop-off or pick-up weekends, Nippersink Lodge is two miles from the heart of camp country. The Lodge opens for the season in April, well ahead of the summer camp calendar.
Camp DeSoto for Girls — A Christian summer camp for girls ages 8–16, on 185 acres with Little River flowing through the property. One of the mountain’s oldest and most established camps.
Alpine Camp for Boys — Established in 1959 on 350 acres of deep forest, rock, and river on Lookout Mountain. Named to Newsweek’s list of America’s best summer camps in 2024.
Camp Skyline Ranch for Girls — A private girls’ camp founded on the banks of Little River, built on principles of Christian leadership.
Camp Laney for Boys — A traditional overnight camp for boys ages 7–15, established in 1959 in Mentone.
Additional camps in the area: Camp Juliette Low, Ponderosa Bible Camp, Nature’s Classroom, Riverview Camp, Camp Comer, and Lookout Mountain Camp for Boys.
If your child attends one of the Mentone camps, drop-off weekend is a good reason to stay. So is pick-up.
Hours and seasonal access vary. Please confirm current operating times before visiting.
