Things to Do in Mentone, AL
Mentone, Alabama, located on the scenic plateaus of Lookout Mountain, is a hidden treasure that awaits the adventurous and daring. It is part of DeKalb County, which is close to the state’s border with Georgia.
Because urbanization has had little impact on this region, everything remains pristine and natural. These characteristics, combined with the welcoming community and mountaintop ambiance, have made Mentone a popular destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Summer camps, ski trips, river cruises, and other thrilling nature-related activities have made the town a popular destination. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, make this town your first stop.
Table of Contents
Best 25 Things to Do in Mentone, AL
1. Mentone Arts Center
If you’re looking for something to do in Mentone, AL, and want to learn how to make art, the Mentone Arts Center is the place to go. With the mission of preserving and promoting Appalachian artistic culture, this center sponsors a variety of classes, workshops, lectures, events, and other activities that contribute to the center’s goals while also enriching the lives of locals and tourists alike.
Drawing and Alabama pottery classes are available, as well as black and white films and digital photography. Visitors can also enjoy a gift shop and an art gallery at the center, which supports local and regional artists.
2. DeSoto Falls and State Park
The stunning DeSoto Falls is the town’s most recognizable landmark, a must-see for the entire family. The majestic fall and its brilliant white waters contrast against the deep colors of the pool, rocks, and forests around it, with a 104-foot drop. This creates an incredible view, which is enhanced by the circular canyon that surrounds the pool.
It’s no surprise that landscape photography is a popular pastime here. A park with spacious grounds and modern amenities surrounds the waterfall, making it an ideal place to spend time with your loved ones. You can also visit the A.A. Miller Dam, an upstream structure fed by Little River waters.
It’s a lovely man-made attraction, but its mild overflows pale in comparison to DeSoto Falls’ raging torrents. Nonetheless, the uniform architecture makes an excellent photographic subject, especially when the leaves turn orange and float on the mirror-like surface of the reservoir.
3. Join a Mentone Scenic Boat Cruise
Join the Mentone Scenic Boat Cruises to see the splendor of this town in any season. Your journey will begin at DeSoto Falls and last 45 minutes to an hour. Because the pontoon is a flatboat with cushioned seats, the ride is pleasant.
During the fall season, the thick foliage on the bank turns vibrant colors ranging from light to bright yellow, pink, orange, and brown. Spring and summer will provide you with the most breathtaking views. This boat cruise is something you must do while visiting Mentone, Alabama.
4. Go shopping at Gourdie Shop
Gourdie Shop began as a small store that only sold gourds and has since evolved into one of the most unique Mentone attractions in Alabama. It proudly displays a collection of original gourds that have been hand-painted, signed, and dated. It also sells one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, scarves, shawls, furniture, masks, decorations, glass bottle stoppers, and other items.
The shop is located in the famous Hitching Post, which was previously home to the Crow’s Nest Antique Shop. Previous customers have praised the shop’s wonderful atmosphere and welcoming staff.
5. Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort
Mentone, like Lookout Mountain, is well-known for its thrilling winter-related activities. Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort is a ski resort located atop one of the region’s spacious plateaus. It takes advantage of Little Mountain’s gentle slopes to provide an easy and enjoyable skiing experience for both beginners and professionals.
Since 1970, the facility has grown to include newer equipment, intermediate slopes, and safety features that enhance the customer experience. They even have professional instructors who are dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of skiing to even the most inexperienced visitors.
During the summer, the green hills are transformed into a picturesque golf course with well-kept fairways and greens. Enjoy the views of Lookout Mountain while playing a few rounds on the undulating terrain.
6. By Verna Gates
Mentone, a sleepy town, invites you to slow down, relax, and return to a time when front porches welcomed friends as well as vistas. Life is best lived in the fresh, clean air of Lookout Mountain, where birdsong outnumbers traffic noise. When you listen to the wind, you can hear the rhythms that inspired bluegrass mountain music.
The crashing of waterfalls alludes to the bravery of characters who carved out communities in the mountains and are now carving out the old crafts that have been practiced for centuries. Mentone is a seasonal destination that hosts the Rhododendron Festival in the spring (May 18-19) and the Colorfest festival in the fall.
When the weather permits, you can ski at Cloudmont Ski Resort, and when the weather permits, you can swim in the river. The natural beauty and distinct culture of the Gateway to the Appalachians captivate visitors.
7. Mentone Wedding Chapel
Mentone Wedding Chapel, modeled after a traditional Appalachian church, is ideal for an intimate and memorable wedding. A perfect wedding venue is every girl’s dream. This chapel’s stained glass door and windows are popular with couples. It even has carriage lamps, flowers, and bows.
A bell on the steeple rings to announce the union of two hearts. A golden halo is cast around the wedding party by soft light from a candelabra with 50 candles. They have several wedding packages available, some of which include a honeymoon in Mentone. With such beautiful scenery, a wedding here is sure to be a memorable occasion.
8. Visit St. Joseph’s On the Mountain
Do you have no idea what to do in Mentone, Alabama? Visit St. Joseph’s On the Mountain today! On Lookout Mountain, there is a small Episcopal church. The original congregation members who built this church used dried logs that were lying around. Everything inside was donated, from the gold chandelier with dim bulbs to a stained glass window donated by a Frenchman.
The church expanded to accommodate the growing number of members. The log church is now used as a sanctuary. The food bank is one of St. Joseph’s On the Mountain’s ministries, where those in need are fed and given food packs. The door is never locked, and cans of soup and boxes of pasta are placed outside for those who are hungry.
9. Camp Comer Scout Reservation
Camp Comer Scout Reservation is a must-see destination for families with children and Boy Scouts members. The 1000-acre camp is well-known for its cool temperatures, excellent facilities, and abundance of activities to keep your child busy and engaged.
Every Boy Scout will be able to participate in activities that will help them earn merit badges, ranging from learning programs to survival adventures. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to be away from their parents and with peers who can teach skills, pass on values, and share moments they’ll remember forever.
If you’re a Scout Master, this is your chance to pass on your scouting knowledge to the next generation. Not to mention the cool mountain climate and relaxing natural scenery, which provides respite from your hectic lifestyle.
10. Lunch at Green Leaf Grill
Instead of chef food, Green Leaf Grill features a well-known local chef who serves up great Southern cooking with a mountain twist. For less than $3, you can get pinto beans and cornbread, or fresh, jumbo lump crabmeat from the Gulf at market price. The restaurant’s signature dishes include smoked pork chops and award-winning fried catfish filets.
11. Watch the sunset at Brow Park
View the sunset from Brow Park, which is located on Lookout Mountain. People who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life should visit this location. This is one of the few public places where one can enjoy a mountain view. Many families stay in the pavilion for a picnic, to take in the splendor of their surroundings, and to witness the incredible beauty of the sunset.
12. Join the Festive Mentone Colorfest
When fall arrives and the foliage turns orange, yellow, and brown, throngs of people flock to Mentone for the annual Colorfest. The mountain town is celebrating autumn with arts and crafts, local cuisine, and live music.
This festival has become a well-known event for the appreciation of fall colors—hence the name—due to the clear mountain air and welcoming community. As a result, expect vibrant scenery that is alive with warm hues and enchanting feelings.
Visit Mentone’s boutiques, restaurants, and local shops while you’re here. They usually have Colorfest specials, seasonal products, and other treats.
13. Treat Yourself
Keep your energy for shopping by picking up some sweet treats at Tip Top Bake Shop. Scottish shortbread with pink buttercream, crisp meringue with lemon curd, or chocolate eclairs with French crème are all possibilities. If that doesn’t satisfy your hunger, the homemade pimento cheese, and pea soup is a tasty way to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.
14. Enjoy excellent food at Wildflower Cafe
To round out your visit, dine at Wildflower Cafe. This cafe, located in the heart of Mentone, has been named the best in Alabama. The restaurant has a wide variety of dishes that will please your palate. The menu is extensive, catering to both those who enjoy eating without counting calories and those on a particularly strict diet.
All of the ingredients are fresh, and there are organic, vegan, and gluten-free options available. The cafe has a festive atmosphere thanks to the live music. Try a variety of salads and soups, and shop for souvenirs and gifts at the cafe store. They also offer catering services in Mentone and the surrounding areas.
15. Fish for Freshwater Game at Republic Lake
While Republic Lake is primarily used for Boy Scout exercises, the areas surrounding Camp Comer Scout Reservation are ideal for fishing and other water-related activities. Crappie, striped bass, and catfish are among the creatures swimming in the cold depths of this mountaintop lake.
Shore fishing is preferred, with docks providing an ideal perch for you to test your angling skills. If fishing isn’t on your list of things to do, you can simply walk along the lake’s edge. The tree-lined banks provide scenic views that are reflected on the lake’s surface. You may also come across some of the local wildlife, such as deer, quail, turkey, and various insects.
16. Hit the River
Rent a canoe or kayak from One World Adventure to see Desoto Falls from a different perspective: the river. You can park your canoe on one of the shoals and listen to the falls until your stress is washed away by the water.
17. Go boating at A.A. Miller Dam
Mentone’s history includes the A. A. Miller Dam. In 1925, an electrical engineer named Arthur Abernathy Miller built a dam above the DeSoto Waterfalls to power a hydroelectric generator that served Mentone and the surrounding areas. The square concrete blocks that housed the generators for many years can still be seen today.
Boating is a popular activity in the area, and there are boats for rent. It’s also a nice picnic spot, and people come here to enjoy the peace and beauty of the surroundings. A store on the dam site sells snacks and ice cream to visitors. A short distance away is the DeSoto Falls.
18. Make a Stop at Mentone Wedding Chapel
You don’t have to be a bride or groom to visit the charming Mentone Wedding Chapel. However, it is such a beautiful and secluded attraction that you will want to have your wedding here someday. It is located deep in the Mentone forests, with Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort as one of the closest landmarks.
The attraction’s relative isolation, beautiful scenery, and wooden architecture have made it a favorite of would-be couples. While many people have married inside the intimate chapel, it also serves as a venue for other special occasions. The chapel’s management keeps its doors open for a variety of events, from family reunions to dinner meetings.
19. Go Horseback Riding
Ride a Shady Grove Dude Ranch horse to Cloudmont to see Desoto Falls from Erlanger Point. Cloudmont is a great place to learn to ski when it’s cold enough for snow, but it’s also popular for horseback riding in the spring. The ranch features miles of scenic trails winding through 800 acres of wilderness.
20. Cruise the Gentle Waters of Little River
Little River provides water to A.A. Miller Dam and DeSoto Falls, and it is an important body of water for Mentone residents in general. It is rich in fish and contributes to the irrigation of the surrounding lands, making it an economically important resource in the region.
Aside from that, Little River is a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque waterways. It’s beautiful all year, with banks surrounded by dense forests, turbulent rapids, and calm sections for cruises and fishing. The best time to visit is in the fall when the foliage falls on the water and creates a magical atmosphere as you glide along the scenic bends.
If you want to experience these surreal adventures, you can book a pontoon boat cruise through a local Mentone business. The pilots know the best spots for foliage viewing and will get you there quickly.
21. Wildflower Café
Wildflower Café’s loaded tomato pie entrée combines the house specialty with grilled chicken breast and angel hair pasta. To round out the meal, choose the roasted butternut squash side dish. The Wildflower crepes are topped with whipped cream and ooze with delicious homemade strawberry purée.
Traditionalists can opt for the traditional chess pie. A folk singer strolls through the café to entertain guests when there is live music.
22. Shop for fresh products at Mentone Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday, the Mentone Farmers’ Market sells fresh produce. Residents of Mentone, as well as visitors staying in town for a few days, come here on Saturdays to stock up on fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, and fish for the week. In the market, you can find locally grown and organic products. This market also serves as a gathering place for Mentone residents.
23. Visit the Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Church
Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Church is another mountaintop religious destination in Mentone. Colonel Milford Howard built it in the 1930s to replicate a church that he and his wife Sallie visited during a trip to Europe.
He raised enough funds and materials to finish the memorial project, and the church is now a well-known landmark in town. Most people come here to pray in the church as a sort of pilgrimage, but nonreligious people are welcome to come and admire the interior design.
The altar is the most noticeable feature here, with a large boulder that extends all the way into the structure’s exterior. It was actually a natural formation before the church was built around it. This distinct feature distinguishes it as a one-of-a-kind destination that you should not miss!
24. Visit Camp Skyline Ranch
If you have a 6- to a 16-year-old daughter and are staying in Mentone for a few weeks, why not enroll her at Camp Skyline Ranch? This privately owned website is dedicated to bringing girls closer to God through the beauty of His creations. Girls will meet new people, make new friends, and form new relationships at camp.
These experiences will help them develop into well-adjusted individuals. Apart from lectures, the girls will have a lot of fun because they will have the opportunity to go sailing, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, canoeing, and even zip lining. They will leave this camp with more self-confidence and courage to face life’s challenges.
25. Stay While at Achunachi Lake
Achunachi Lake is a smaller body of water than Republic Lake and is located adjacent to Camp Comer Scout Reservation. This attraction, on the other hand, offers the same mountaintop scenery and cool temperatures, making it an excellent alternative for smaller groups. Because the Boy Scouts are more likely to visit Republic Lake, you’ll have the lake mostly to yourself and possibly a few other visitors.
Shoreline fishing is a popular pastime here, with the same aquatic creatures that can be found in Republic Lake swimming in its depths. You can also explore the reservoir’s banks by kayak or small canoe to see the beautiful and secluded scenery.
Final Thoughts
Mentone, located in the mountains of northern Alabama, has become a popular high-elevation destination. There is something for everyone here, from majestic falls to colorful fall festivals, and quaint cafes to river cruises. So, when planning a trip to this charming town, keep this list in mind so you don’t miss out on the best spots!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Things to Do in Mentone, AL
What are the best things to do in Mentone, AL?
Mentone has a diverse range of attractions that will provide any visitor with an unforgettable experience. We recommend Mentone Farmers’ Market, Wildflower Cafe, Camp Skyline Ranch, and Sally Howard Memorial Baptist Church as some of the best attractions.
Mentone Alabama is well-known for what?
The historic and scenic village of Mentone is nestled in the woods atop the western brow of Lookout Mountain and is home to antique stores, arts and crafts shops, galleries, and restaurants. The Mentone Inn, which opened in 1921, is also tucked away in the mountaintop town.
What are the best things to do in Mentone, Alabama?
Watching the sunset at Brow Park, participating in an art workshop at Mentone Arts Center, boating at A.A. Miller Dam, joining a Mentone Scenic Boat Cruise, and visiting St. Joseph’s On the Mountain are just a few of the fun things to do in Mentone.
Mentone, Alabama is located in which county?
DeKalb County is a county in the U.S. state of Alabama’s northeastern region. The population was 71,608 as of the 2020 census. Fort Payne, the county seat, is named after Major General Baron Johan DeKalb. The Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL Combined Statistical Area includes DeKalb County.
Mentone Alabama is located in what mountain range?
Mentone is located in the Ridge and Valley region of the southwestern Appalachian Mountains, an area that typically goes several decades between significant earthquakes but has never experienced a major one.
Which Alabama city has the highest elevation?
Cheaha Mountain /tih/, also known as Mount Cheaha, is the highest natural point in the United States state of Alabama. It is located in Cheaha State Park, a few miles northwest of Delta, and includes a lodge, a restaurant, and other amenities.
Is it possible to get snow in Mentone, Alabama?
Mentone, Alabama receives 56 inches of rain per year on average. The average annual rainfall in the United States is 38 inches. Mentone gets 4 inches of snow per year on average. The average annual snowfall in the United States is 28 inches.
When was Mentone Alabama established?
The Mentone area was settled by whites around 1854 when it was known as Ellison’s Precinct after the owner of a local grist mill. Thousands of Union soldiers camped on Lookout Mountain near present-day Mentone during the Civil War’s Chickamauga Campaign, which took place in the summer of 1863.
Where can I find mountains in Alabama?
Talladega Mountain is a low-lying segment of the Appalachian Mountains in east-central Alabama, stretching northeastward along the borders of Clay and Talladega counties and into Cleburne county. The pine and the hardwood-covered mountain rise to Cheaha Mountain (2,407 feet [734 meters]), Alabama’s highest point.
Are mountain lions found in Alabama?
Cougars were most likely eradicated from Alabama in the mid-1800s. Occasional sightings indicate that free-roaming pumas of unknown origin may be present in Alabama, but no self-sustaining population is currently known.
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