Paradise On Earth

Story By Ann Cipperly Photos Contributed By Alabama Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources

Our state is called “Alabama the Beautiful” for a reason. During the autumn months, state parks in the northern section of the state showcase a vibrant array of scarlet, yellow and orange foliage. With mountain vistas at Cheaha State Park, peaceful scenery at Lake Guntersville State Park and numerous outdoor activities at Joe Wheeler State Park, Alabama winds a captivating trail for savoring the most colorful months of the year.

Lake Guntersville State Park

The largest lake in the state, Lake Guntersville covers 69,000 acres and stretches 75 miles from Nickajack Dam to Guntersville Dam. Fishing and boating are popular here. Free boat ramps are available along the lake. The lake has been named one of the top waters for fishing from a kayak.

Fish at the lake include largemouth bass, crappie, redear sunfish and catfish, among others. Several fishing tournaments are held throughout the year.

Visitors to the lake can enjoy the sandy beach. While the beach is available to registered guests, visitors can pay a small fee to enjoy a day at the beach. No animals or grills are allowed.

The resort state park provides 6,000 acres of woodlands for exploring outdoor adventures. Over 36 miles of biking, hiking and horseback trails are carved throughout the woodlands. A grant made possible by ADECA has provided for the Benny Boho Multi-use Trail that is paved and runs from the lodge to the Mabrey Overlook. Two benches are provided on the trail.

Renovated in 2009, the 18-hole Eagle’s Nest Golf Course is located on top of Taylor Mountain, offering stunning views and featuring Dwarf Bermuda Tiff greens. Challenges include elevation changes and tree-lined variants. The course also includes a full-service driving range and a practice putting green. After playing a round, stop by the pro shop for snacks and beverages.

An outdoor nature center is open to explore, and eagle watching is popular. For an exciting adventure, try the Screaming Eagle Zipline.

Tucked on the brow of Taylor Mountain, the lodge complex offers gorgeous views. Relax in comfortable areas with fireplaces on cool fall evenings. Accommodations include lodge rooms, lakeside cabins, mountain top chalets and two campgrounds along the water’s edge. The campground includes improved campsites as well as primitive campsites.

The Pinecrest Dining Room at the lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Friday nights, a seafood buffet including fried shrimp, baked fish, catfish, fried clam strips, shrimp bisque and sides is included. On Sunday mornings, a hearty breakfast is served.

Light fare is available in the Hickory Lounge. Order burgers, pulled pork, catfish, chicken fingers, salads or appetizers. Unwind in the lounge with a bluff view of Lake Guntersville.

For general information call 256-571-5440 and for lodging contact 256-571-5440.

Joe Wheeler State Park

In the fall, brilliant foliage abounds at the 2,500-acre Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville. The Tennessee River divides the park, forming the 69,700-acre Wheeler Lake. The park hosts the Fall Rendezvous of boaters traveling the Great Loop.

The Nautical Wheeler provides tours, while fishing boats, pontoon and paddleboats are available for rent. Along with a marina and campgrounds, visitors will enjoy the sandy beach.

Brass, bream and catfish are plentiful in the lake for fishing. Hiking and mountain biking trails throughout the park provide colorful scenery. The 18-hole “General” Golf Course is set among rolling hills inside a game sanctuary with abundant wildlife.

Sweeping views of the lake can be savored at the Joe Wheeler Resort Lodge and restaurant. Daniella's restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lunch menu has a wide assortment. Choose from appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, low carb options and lunch plates, including catfish, chicken, vegetables and others.

Dinner specials include two for $22 on Thursdays, Friday night prime rib buffet and Saturday night seafood buffet, as well as Sunday brunch.

Along with the lodge, other accommodations include cabins, lakeside cottages and camping. New, two-story cottages with fireplaces are located lakeside with piers. Campgrounds feature a total of 116 campsites, with 110 having full hookups with water, electricity and sewer.

When planning a trip, check to be sure the campground, day-use area including the beach, basketball and tennis courts and disc golf course are open. They have been closed due to tornado damage.

For further information call 800-544-JOEW and for lodging call 256-247-5461.

Attractions Near Joe Wheeler State Park

The state park is located between Florence and Huntsville. While staying at the park, plan a trip to the Muscle Shoals

Sound and Fame Studios, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge or the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.

Cheaha State Park

On the highest point in Alabama, Cheaha State Park provides amazing views at 2,407 feet above sea level at the top of Cheaha Mountain. The Creek native Americans called the site “Chaha,” which means “high place.” The park is surrounded by the Talladega National Forest.

Cheaha is known for waterfalls and gorgeous sunsets. The 2,799-acre park offers numerous recreational activities combined with serene scenes. Adventurous trails wind through the park.

At the 7-acre Cheaha Lake, families can enjoy the beach, paddle boats, paddleboards, fishing and the playground. Pack a picnic for a day of fun.

Cheaha’s historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge is ideal for families and groups with 12 rooms and a full-service catering kitchen. Other accommodations include a hotel, cabins, chalets and camping. Pet-friendly rooms are available at the hotel.

Enjoy dining at the Vista Cliffside Restaurant. The dining room and deck are open for first come first serve. The restaurant is open on weekends unless the facility has been reserved for a private event.

For general information at Cheaha call 256-488-5111, and for lodging contact 1-800-610-5801.

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park at Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto Falls features numerous waterfalls as well as activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking and exploring nature keeps visitors busy.

Named for Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, the DeSoto Falls cascades 104 feet, and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. From the parking lot, a paved pathway goes a few hundred yards and down about 50 steps to the railed overlook.

Little River Falls

Located 10 miles south of DeSoto State Park, Little River Falls cascades 45 feet. The waterfall is located in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. From the parking lot, a 100-foot boardwalk leads to an overlook. Other falls in this area include Grace’s High Falls, Laurel Falls, Indian Falls, Loose Falls and Azalea Cascade.

The historic Mountain Inn Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nestled on a canyon-edge overlooking the West Fork of Little River, the restaurant is located in the original sandstone lodge built by the CCC in the middle 1930s.

The 3,502-acre DeSoto State Park is located at 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne.

For additional information call 256-845-5380 for general information, 256-845-5380 for lodging and 800-760-4089 for camping.