Fort Payne: Canyon, Waterfall and History

Fort Payne combines impressive scenery with insights into the region’s history and music. At Little River Canyon, the Little River’s course on Lookout Mountain, a 45-foot waterfall, and a scenic drive along the canyon rim come together. The area also has museums with very different focuses. You can choose between outdoor experiences and cultural discoveries for your trip—or include both in your vacation plans.

Little River Canyon: Scenery from the River to the Canyon Rim

For most of its course through Little River Canyon National Preserve, the Little River flows on Lookout Mountain. This geographic feature gives the river and canyon a shared point of reference, although the river does not run through the preserve along its entire course. If you’re interested in landscapes, you can explore the area by following the Little River; the scenic drive along the canyon rim offers a different perspective.

The road runs 23 miles along the rim of Little River Canyon. Several overlooks offer views of a 700-foot-deep gorge. You can make the drive its own scenic experience as part of your day’s plans: focus on the canyon rim and its overlooks rather than limiting your visit to the river.

In the Little River Falls area, you can see a 45-foot waterfall.

Museums with Different Stories

The Depot Museum focuses on railroad history and other collection items. Exhibits include railroad memorabilia, 1913 dioramas, and Indigenous artifacts. The building itself is also distinctive: the pink sandstone structure dates to 1891 and was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Its architecture, dioramas, and varied collections offer several points of interest for a museum visit—for example, for travelers who want to explore history and architecture alongside nature.

The Alabama Fan Club and Museum has a different focus. It houses the group Alabama’s many awards and achievements, as well as collections from the group’s early years. The museum is located at 101 Glenn Blvd. SW in Fort Payne. Its look at the group’s early years and later achievements makes it especially interesting to anyone interested in the group’s history. Another historical landmark is the cabin at the Fort Payne Cabin Site: it is said to have belonged to Cherokee John Huss, also known as Spirit the Preacher, and to have been built around 1825.

Which Side of Fort Payne Fits Your Trip?

When choosing a vacation rental in Fort Payne, it may therefore be important to consider which of these interests will shape your trip. Think about whether you want to focus on the canyon’s landscape or also set aside time for museums and history. If you’d like to explore other places, you can also visit Rainsville.

For the broader travel overview: DeKalb County.