You Won't Believe This Town Is In Alabama

Alabama is known for many things- humid weather, swamps, college football, and maybe even its beachfront along the Gulf Coast, but you can also add mountains to that list. You may be scratching your head at that last part, but in the far northeastern corner of the state, there is indeed a stretch of rolling hillscapes that border on mountainous; an area that certainly diversifies this region's geography quite significantly.

Within this corner of Alabama is the small town of Mentone, a highly unique place in the South that stands apart with its high elevation views, ski resorts, and other scenic draws that you will not believe are located in this part of the United States.

A Rare Mountain Town in the Deep South

As noted, Mentone sits atop Lookout Mountain in the far northeast of the state, near the Georgia border. This elevated position, approximately 1,700 feet above sea level, places it within one of Alabama’s few true highland regions. The landscape is marked by lofty ridges, steep valleys, and sandstone outcrops, offering a sharp contrast to the humid, flatter lowlands that dominate much of the rest of the state.

The cooler, drier climate here, shaped by both elevation and the town's more northern latitude, contributes to Mentone’s other reputation as one of the only spots in Alabama with reliable winter snowfall. While most of Alabama rarely sees snow accumulation, this area can receive several inches per year, attracting residents of the Deep South looking for a unique winter experience. Leafy forests, waterfalls, and winding mountain roads further define Mentone's geography, giving it a setting more akin to Appalachia than the typical Southern countryside.

The Unique History of Mentone

It should be no surprise that Mentone’s history is deeply tied to its location on Lookout Mountain. The region was long inhabited by the Cherokee tribe before their forced removal in the 1830s. After the tragic events of the Trail of Tears, American settlers moved into the area, drawn by its fertile soil and more comfortable climate compared to other parts of the southern U.S.

By the latter half of the 1800s, Mentone gained recognition as a mountain resort town. Wealthy families from cities like Birmingham and beyond built summer homes to escape Alabama's sweltering summer heat, while hotels and boarding houses sprang up to accommodate all sorts of seasonal visitors. The most notable of these was the Mentone Springs Hotel. Built in 1887, this locale was once considered the oldest operating hotel in Alabama before it was unfortunately lost to fire in 2014.

Into modern times, Mentone has remained a small and tight-knit community and continues to cultivate itself as an interesting and yet relaxing travel destination. Today, its identity blends historic charm, tourism, and a connection to its incredible natural landscape.

How To Explore Mentone's Gorgeous Landscapes

As you can imagine, this town and its surrounding countryside are quite beautiful. It's surprisingly mountainous atmosphere, mixed with the region's dense woodlands and other notable natural features, makes it well worth a day or two of exploration if you're visiting. With that, here are some highly recommended parks and other green spaces that any outdoor enthusiast in and around Mentone ought to check out.

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park covers a little over 3,500 acres just outside Mentone and is known for its diverse terrain and year-round accessibility for all who come. This popular park features DeSoto Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Alabama, dropping more than 100 feet into the West Fork of Little River. Furthermore, local trails weave through hardwood forests, rocky outcrops, and other small cascades like Laurel Falls and Lost Falls. The park includes over 35 miles of hiking paths, with over ten miles of it suitable for mountain biking, and boardwalk trails for easier access along the river.

Here, you may also find patches of wildflowers in spring and clear views of the surrounding ridges from various points. Amenities include picnic areas, a swimming pool, an info center, campgrounds, and an assortment of cozy rental cabins.

Brow Park

Brow Park perches on the edge, or “brow,” so to speak, of Lookout Mountain in the northern end of downtown Mentone. One of the few public overlooks in town, it is home to a compact grassy space with covered pavilions, picnic tables, and a short accessible trail. The park offers sweeping westward views over Valley Head, Little Ridge, and Sand Mountain.

Popular for hosting festivals like ColorFest (celebrating the amazing fall foliage in this part of the state), it’s also a prized spot for sunsets, bird watching, and catching the distant rumble of trains passing through the valley below throughout the rest of the year.

Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort

Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort is located just south of town and is among the southernmost ski resorts in the U.S. It is notably the only one in Alabama. The hill has a modest 150‑foot vertical drop and two beginner‑intermediate slopes totalling around 1,000 ft, all served by twin rope‑tow “pony” lifts.

At about 1,800 ft elevation, it relies heavily on snowmaking when the already short winter season tends to warm up. Open daily and nights during the season, Cloudmont conveniently offers gear rentals, lessons for all ages, and a family‑friendly rustic lodge, too. Beyond skiing, the resort spans 800 acres and includes a nine‑hole executive golf course, cabin and chalet rentals, and access to hiking and horseback trails. It’s a quirky, affordable mountain destination that brings winter sports to an unlikely place, plus top-notch summer golf and year‑round cabin stays.

Enjoy This Unique Spot in Alabama's Mountains

Make Mentone your next travel destination this year, whether you wish to hike in the summer, see the fall colors in the fall, or ski in the winter. It is an idyllic escape from the heat when the southern climate around it becomes almost unbearable, and one of the only locations anywhere close to the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico) where snow can consistently be enjoyed later in the year. Regardless of when you go and what you decide to do, the natural scenery here is undeniably picturesque and may be worth the trip alone.