Many beautiful places are located throughout Alabama. There’s no denying that! While several of these beautiful places receive the attention they deserve, others are unfairly underrated. One of the most underrated places in Alabama is also considered, by many, to be the most beautiful. “So, where exactly is this underrated place?” you ask. This underrated place just so happens to be the one and only Lookout Mountain.

Lookout Mountain is located at the northeast corner of Alabama, the northwest corner of Georgia, and on the southern border of Tennessee. The reason why this mountain is unfairly underrated is because the Georgia and Tennessee sides seem to always receive the most attention. What’s so ironic about this is that even though Lookout Mountain may be underrated, it’s still possibly one of the most beautiful places in Alabama.

One of America’s most scenic drives is the Lookout Mountain Parkway. As you drive along this parkway, which spans for 93 miles from Gadsden, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee, you’ll come across incredible canyons, waterfalls and charming towns.

The Little River Canyon National Preserve is one of Lookout Mountain’s main attractions. It’s located atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama and protects the Little River, which is supposedly North America’s longest mountaintop river. (4322 Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967)

The deepest canyon in the Southeastern United States is believed to be Little River Canyon, located below. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Little River Canyon is approximately 12 miles long and up to 600 feet deep in certain areas. Little River Falls (45ft high), also located below, is one of Alabama’s most beautiful waterfalls.


Mentone, located in DeKalb County, is one of the most scenic towns on Lookout Mountain. This charming historic town offers incredible views and has become one of the most popular stops along the Lookout Mountain Parkway. In addition to visiting, Mentone has also become a great place to live.

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Another popular attraction on Lookout Mountain is DeSoto State Park. DeSoto State Park attracts thousands of visitors each year because of its beautiful scenery and stunning waterfalls. (7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967)

DeSoto Falls is the most popular attraction at DeSoto State Park. It plunges 104 feet and is one of the South’s most visited waterfalls.

If you decide to stay a weekend on Lookout Mountain, there are many lodging options. Posted below are a couple of charming cabins in Mentone that are available to rent right now. These cabins will provide you with an incredible stay while you check out Alabama’s most beautiful place.

As you can see, Lookout Mountain is a pretty incredible place. It’s quite unfortunate that it doesn’t receive as much attention here in Alabama as it does in Tennessee and Georgia.

Do you believe Lookout Mountain is the most underrated place in Alabama? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us!

Note: For information regarding the rental cabins, click on the credit link below each photo.

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