A Fall Drive on Lookout Mountain Parkway
A Fall Drive on Lookout Mountain Parkway
Written By Emma Goggans
The Lookout Mountain Parkway is beautiful year-round, with each season painting the landscape in its own way—spring brings bursts of rhododendrons and mountain laurel, summer hums with campfires and laughter, and winter sprinkles a soft dusting of snow across the ridges. But it’s in the fall that Lookout Mountain truly shines its brightest.
Known as one of America’s Scenic Drives by Reader’s Digest, the Lookout Mountain Parkway winds 93 miles from Gadsden, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. But here in DeKalb County, you’ll find some of its brightest gems—waterfalls, canyons, overlooks, and mountain towns that seem tailor-made for fall adventures. Whether you’re chasing colorful leaves, planning a hike, or looking for a festival to anchor your trip, this drive offers it all.
As you cruise the Parkway this fall, here are a few must-stop highlights to make your drive complete:
Nature Stops Along the Parkway
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Kick off your road trip at one of Alabama’s best natural wonders. In fall, the Little River Canyon is ablaze with color, and the 45-foot Little River Falls makes the perfect centerpiece. The 11-mile Rim Parkway Drive is a perfect alternate route from the Lookout Mountain Parkway—with eight overlooks to stop and savor, you’ll see the canyon from every breathtaking angle, cool rock formations, and Grace’s Highfalls (Alabama’s tallest waterfall at 133 feet, which flows seasonally depending on rainfall!).
DeSoto State Park & DeSoto Falls
Just a short drive up the Parkway, DeSoto State Park is a hiker’s paradise in autumn. Trails wind through forests bursting with golden leaves, while picnic spots and rustic cabins invite you to slow down and stay awhile. You also cannot miss one of Alabama’s most photographed spots: DeSoto Falls. The 104-foot cascade is surrounded by fall foliage, and the boat house located at the top of the falls creates a picturesque fall scene that looks like it was pulled straight from a painting.
Mentone, Alabama
Mentone is a charming mountain town that is a must on any Parkway drive. With its art galleries, antique shops, cozy cafés, and sweeping views from Brow Park, Mentone feels like the perfect fall postcard. It’s also home to one of the season’s most beloved festivals.
Fall Events to Plan Your Road Trip Around
Spookapalooza – October 25–26
Spend Halloween weekend on the mountain at DeSoto State Park’s beloved Spookapalooza celebration. Enjoy a full lineup of fall fun—from the annual pumpkin carving contest to a spirited campsite-decorating competition and candy-filled trick-or-treating through the campground. With costumed kids, glowing pumpkins, and campfires flickering through the trees, it’s a magical and memory-making way to celebrate spooky season in the great outdoors.
Fort Payne Holiday Open Houses – November 1-2
The Fort Payne Holiday Open House Weekend is a time when the local community comes together to celebrate the magic of Christmas. Get into the holiday spirit as local shops welcome visitors with festive displays, seasonal refreshments, and special sales. It’s the perfect way to support local merchants while checking off your holiday shopping list in a charming small-town setting.
Canyon Fest – November 1
Hosted at the Little River Canyon Center, Canyon Fest is a celebration that blends arts, music, food, and nature into one unforgettable day. From artist demonstrations to children’s activities, it’s a family-friendly event with a backdrop like no other.
Creative Spirit Market – November 8-9
Held in DeSoto State Park’s picnic area, Creative Spirit Market is an open-air art fair that features fine and folk art, handcrafted goods, live music, and artist demonstrations. With interactive art stations, unique gifts, and a cozy CCC pavilion fireplace, it’s a family-friendly fall tradition. Admission is free; $2 parking fee applies.
Collinsville Turkey Trot – November 8
Celebrate fall with a day of family fun at the Collinsville TurkeyTrot, featuring an antique car and tractor show, turkey shoot, pony rides, a petting zoo, and the beloved “turkey toss” tradition. It’s a lighthearted community event you won’t want to miss!
A Road Trip to Remember
Of course, no matter where you stop, the joy of the Lookout Mountain Parkway is the drive itself. Around every bend is another scene that begs you to pull over—rolling ridges, fiery treetops, quiet pastures, or rustic barns framed by autumn colors. Whether you take it all in one day or stretch your trip over a weekend, fall along Lookout Mountain is a journey you’ll want to make again and again. So roll down the windows, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and let the season’s beauty and community spirit guide your journey.
Be sure to check the Fall Foliage Report for the latest updates on peak color across Lookout Mountain and DeKalb County, so you can time your visit perfectly.
