The 5+ Best Overlooks in DeKalb County
Written By Emma Goggans
There’s something about standing at the edge of an overlook that never gets old. Maybe it’s the thrill of seeing just how wide the world can be, or the quiet reminder of how small we really are in comparison to the mountains, rivers, and skies that surround us. Here in DeKalb County, we’re spoiled with some of the most breathtaking views in Alabama—places where you can watch the sun dip behind the mountains, hear the roar of a waterfall, or just sit in stillness while nature does all the talking.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to soak it all in, here are five of the best overlooks in DeKalb County that you absolutely have to experience for yourself.
Brow Park – Mentone, AL
If Mentone had a crown jewel, Brow Park would be it. Tucked just off AL Highway 117, this spot offers one of the few public brow views on Lookout Mountain—and it’s a stunner. On a clear day, you can see for miles—rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and the stillness of the valley below. This quiet, scenic overlook is also a local favorite for catching golden-hour sunsets. Bring a picnic and relax under one of the covered pavilions, or simply stop by for a moment of peace with a view. Whether you’re a dedicated sunset chaser or just someone who loves a good lookout, Brow Park is a must-visit spot in the heart of Mentone.
📍 200-300 North Cool Street, Mentone, Alabama 35984
Jim Lynn Overlook – Buck’s Pocket State Park
Tucked inside Buck’s Pocket State Park in the heart of Sand Mountain, the Jim Lynn Overlook feels like one of those “best-kept secrets.” The overlook is found along the Point Rock Trail and is without a doubt one of the most jaw-dropping spots in North Alabama. Buck’s Pocket State Park is a spectacular natural canyon pocket of the Appalachian Mountain foothills, and this spot offers sweeping views of the rugged landscape. It’s quiet, it’s wild, and it’s stunning. If you want a view that feels untouched and serene, the Jim Lynn Overlook is the spot for you.
📍 Co Rd 556, Lakeview, AL 35971
DeSoto Falls Overlook – DeSoto State Park
DeSoto Falls is one of Alabama’s most iconic waterfalls, and the overlook is hands-down one of the best ways to see it. Towering 104 feet, the falls thunder into the pool below, and from the stone overlook you get a postcard-perfect view. It’s an easy stop with a big payoff—you don’t even have to hike far to be wowed. In spring, the water rushes strong. In fall, it’s framed with brilliant color. And in summer, it’s the perfect cool escape. From its stone perch above the gorge, the overlook makes you feel like you’re standing inside a living postcard, where nature’s power and beauty meet in one breathtaking view.
📍 7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Little River Falls Overlook
– Little River Canyon National Preserve
This one is an absolute must-see. Serving as the starting point of the 11-mile Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, Little River Falls Overlook gives you a front-row seat to one of the most photographed waterfalls in Alabama. From the boardwalk trail, you can watch the 45-foot cascade tumble gracefully into the canyon below, sending up mist that catches the sunlight like a million tiny diamonds. Whether the canyon walls are painted in autumn color or the falls are dusted with winter snow, Little River Falls is a year-round favorite for both locals and visitors.
📍 Little River Falls Overlook, Hwy 176, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Canyon View Overlook
– Little River Canyon National Preserve
With a name like Canyon View, you already know you’re in for something amazing. This overlook is one of the most popular stops along the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, and delivers a jaw-dropping panorama of the Little River carving its way through the canyon. The vantage point is wide and spacious, making it perfect for snapping photos or just leaning against the railing to soak it all in. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a hawk soaring above the canyon rim. It’s one of those stops that makes you appreciate just how special Little River Canyon really is.
📍 Canyon View Overlook, Hwy 176, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Take It All In
From the mist of waterfalls to the endless expanse of the canyon, DeKalb County’s overlooks aren’t just places to take pictures—they’re places to pause, breathe, and feel connected to the land around you. Whether you’re chasing adventure, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a moment of peace, these five overlooks are ready to deliver a view you’ll never forget.
So next time you’re driving through our corner of the mountains, don’t just pass by—pull over, step out, and look around. Trust me, the view is totally worth it.
