Alabama's Secret Fall

Explore the quaint towns that come alive in autumn

- TARA MASSOULEH MCCAY,GABRIELA HERMAN

SUMMER HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE PEAK SEASON in Mentone, Alabama. Since the 1920s, the tiny town in the northeast corner of the state has been a hotbed for overnight camps, with its favorable location along the banks of the Little River atop Lookout Mountain. Each year, as the temperature rises, the town’s regular population of around 300 swells with thousands of kids soaking up the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.

Until recently, it mostly returned to being a sleepy mountain town once school was back in session. However, over the past decade (largely due to a major spike in tourism caused by the pandemic), that pattern has started to change. The season extends just a little bit longer for Mentone and surrounding North Alabama communities every year. Towns that were once pass-through spots for folks traveling between bigger cities—like Huntsville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville—have become places to plan trips around. And autumn has emerged as a clear favorite among those not attending camps.

Must-See Spots (From left) Witness a 133-foot cascade at Grace's High Falls Overlook. At Mentone Market, you can fill up your tank, enjoy a homemade pizza, stock up on groceries, and shop for local goods.

FOLIAGE & FALLS