Looking for waterfalls, mountain views, and Southern charm? Head to Fort Payne, Alabama! Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians along Lookout Mountain, Fort Payne is a nature-lover’s paradise with rich history, beautiful parks, and a strong musical legacy. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Little River Canyon or visiting the hometown of the band Alabama, Fort Payne is perfect for a scenic and soulful getaway.
Fort Payne, AL Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Explore Little River Canyon National Preserve – Hike, swim, or photograph waterfalls and rugged canyons in this stunning preserve.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Fort Payne Depot Museum – Learn about local history in a restored 19th-century railroad depot.
- For Music Fans: Stop by the Alabama Fan Club and Museum – Celebrate the legendary country band that called Fort Payne home.
- For Hikers: Walk the trails of DeSoto State Park – Enjoy scenic routes, wildflowers, and the breathtaking DeSoto Falls.
- For Families: Play at the City Park and see the historic Hosiery Museum – Discover Fort Payne’s textile legacy and enjoy green space in the heart of town.
Best Time to Visit Fort Payne, AL
The best time to visit Fort Payne is in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is pleasant, waterfalls are flowing, and the mountains light up with wildflowers or fall color.
How to Get to Fort Payne, AL
- By Car: Fort Payne is located along I-59, about 1.5 hours from Birmingham, AL, and 1 hour from Chattanooga, TN.
- By Plane: Fly into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) or Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), then drive to Fort Payne.
Where to Stay in Fort Payne, AL
- Hampton Inn Fort Payne – Convenient location with free breakfast and indoor pool.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Payne – Modern and family-friendly with clean, spacious rooms.
- Cabins at DeSoto State Park – Cozy, rustic cabins in a scenic park setting perfect for nature getaways.
Best Things to Do in Fort Payne, AL
⮕ Hike, Paddle, and Explore Dramatic Cliffs at Little River Canyon National Preserve
© Courtesy of James Deitsch - Fotolia.com
Little River Canyon National Preserve was established in 1992 on the boundary of DeKalb and Cherokee Counties, in rugged northeast Alabama, surrounding the Little River Canyon.
The preserve covers 15,288 acres, which are mostly owned and managed by the federal government. Besides the spectacular Little River Canyon, the preserve includes the pristine Little River, a unique environment that provides home to many threatened and rare animals and plants.
Visitors to the preserve can enjoy swimming, climbing, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Canyon Rim Drive runs along the west edge of Little River Canyon, providing spectacular scenic drives along the road and magnificent views from a series of overlooks. Hunting and trapping are allowed on the preserve.
4322 Little River Trail NE, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Little River Canyon Video
⮕ Camp, Waterfall Hunt, and Hike Through DeSoto State Park
© Courtesy of Jim Vallee - Fotolia.com
DeSoto State Park stretches over the top of magnificent Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama, only about 8 miles from Fort Payne. Developed in 1930s, it is rich in rushing waterfalls and fields of fragrant wildflowers, offering a serene environment for rest and relaxation.
Visitors can stay at luxury mountain chalets, log and rustic cabins, a modern campground, and a number of rustic, primitive campsites. There is also a restaurant, pavilions, meeting rooms, picnic area, a playground, a seasonal swimming pool, a nature center, a Civilian Conservation Corps museum and over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. Visitors to the park can also enjoy kayaking, fishing, biking, rappelling, and bouldering or simply relax and just enjoy the nature.
7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-5380
⮕ Learn About Natural Wonders and Plan Adventures at Little River Canyon Center
© Little River Canyon Center
A part of Jacksonville State University, the Little River Canyon Center is located in Fort Payne, Northeast Alabama, next to the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Established in 2009, with a part leased to the National Park Service, the center includes a grand hall, a movie theater, a natural history library, a gift shop, exhibits, classrooms, an outdoor amphitheater, a deck, and a number of hiking trails. The center can be rented for meetings, corporate retreats, social gatherings, and other events. The center’s regular programs include concerts, workshops, lectures, organized hikes, and many other activities for students and visitors. The building uses many innovative and sustainable design elements such as geothermal heating and cooling, recycled building materials, and extra insulation.
4322 Little River Canyon Pkwy, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-3548
⮕ Slide Down Natural Rock Waterslides at Martha’s Falls
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com
Martha’s Falls, locally known as Little Falls or the Hippie Hole, is a popular swimming hole in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. It is located on the state line of Georgia and Alabama, with a short trail leading from the parking lot on Lookout Mountain to the falls, making it a popular spot to spend a hot summer day. The trail starts on the gravel service road, continuing along a rougher pathway and ending in about 100 yards of rocky downhill path opening up at Martha’s Falls. The area is lush and cool, with natural benches and rocks covered in ferns and moss. Watch out for protruding rocks before jumping into the inviting blue pool. It can get quite crowded.
AL-35, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Watch Glassblowers in Action and Create Your Own Art at Orbix Hot Glass
© Orbix Hot Glass
Orbix Hot Glass is glass art studio and gallery established in 2002 by Cal and Christy Breed on 26 acres of land hidden among Alabama’s Appalachian foothills, at the top of Lookout Mountain. Today, Cal and his team of glassblowers hand-craft each piece with infinite attention to form, color, and balance. The museum-quality sculptures are sold online or in the gallery on site, and their forms are influenced by the steep cliffs and turbulent waters of the surrounding landscape. For those interested in some hands-on learning about glass-making, Orbix hosts Blow Your Own Ornament events at their studio every Saturday.
3869 County Rd 275, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-523-3188
⮕ Step Into Railroad and Native American History at Fort Payne Depot Museum
© Fort Payne Depot Museum
The Fort Payne Depot Museum
is located in a 1891 Richardsonian Romanesque building in downtown Fort Payne. The beautiful pink and white sandstone building next to the city park is a city landmark that served as a city railroad depot for over 85 years. When the railroad decided to dismantle the depot, a group of local preservationists purchased it, restored it, and opened it as a museum in 1986. The museum houses a number of permanent and rotating exhibits in two buildings, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum’s exhibits and collections tell the story of Fort Payne and DeKalb County. The Gussie Killian Collection has exquisite examples of Native American pottery, basketry, and artifacts, while the L.A. Dobbs exhibit showcases memorabilia from the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the Vietnam War. The Depot Annex in the Fort Payne Coal and Iron Building offers rotating exhibits and a collection of dioramas by Steve Fiora.
105 5th St NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-5714
⮕ If You’re a Country Music Fan, Celebrate the Band Alabama at Their Museum
© Alabama Fan Club and Museum
Alabama is a country and Southern rock band from Fort Payne, Alabama, formed in 1969 by Randy Owen, lead vocals and rhythm guitarist, and his cousin Teddy Gentry, bass guitar and background vocals. Another cousin, Jeff Cook joined them as lead guitar, fiddle, and keyboards. They started under the name Wildcountry and toured the Southeast bar circuit in the 1970s. In 1977 they changed their name to Alabama. In the 1980s, the band had over 27 number one hits and seven multi-platinum albums. They sold 73 million albums and joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fort Payne, where it all started, is a home of the Alabama Fan Club, which has been named the Country Music Group of the Century, and the museum. The museum houses Alabama's many awards, achievements, and collections as well as a souvenir and gift shop.
Alabama Fan Club and Museum, 101 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-1646
Where to Eat:
⮕ Dine in a Historic Sock Mill at Vintage 1889
© Vintage 1889
Vintage 1889 is a rustic eatery located in the 1889 historic Davis Hosiery Mill, which has been converted into an antique mall. Opened in 2013, this relaxed Fort Payne restaurant offers a friendly atmosphere in a cozy space with exposed brick walls and a lovely courtyard beneath the old water tower. Vintage 1889 serves delicious sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. Try their Cuban sandwich with locally smoked pork. Most sandwiches are named after the owner’s family members; Nana's Roast Beef was what her grandmother made for her when she was a child. They have the largest beer selection in town with over 100 labels, eight on draft. The restaurant’s spacious Boarding Room is offered for special events.
151 8th Street NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845–3380
⮕ Feast on Wings, Oysters, and Casual Favorites at Jefferson’s of Fort Payne
© Jefferson's of Fort Payne
Jefferson's of Fort Payne restaurant in Fort Payne is located just off the interstate, next to Taco Bell. This popular chain eatery is famous for its chicken wings, burgers, and oysters, but their menu is pretty extensive and there is something for everyone. The place has a nice, cozy pub feel, with several large TVs for watching ongoing games. It is a popular local hangout, both for lunch and for dinner, especially on Sundays when families come with kids and the kids eat for free. Wings are only 75 cents on Wednesday and they are served with a range of delicious sauces, mild or spicy.
802 Glenn Blvd. SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Phone: 256-845-9464
⮕ Savor Steaks and Southwest Flavors at Santa Fe Cattle Co
© Santa Fe Cattle Co
Santa Fe Cattle Co is a popular local roadside eatery in Fort Payne, a part of the American chain famous for their Southwestern-inspired food, hand-cut steaks, ribs, fajitas, and buckets of peanuts in shells. This is one of the first things everyone notices when entering Santa Fe – loads of peanut shells on the floor. Kids love it and munching on peanuts is a nice way to spend time while your steak is being done. Santa Fe is also known for its freshly baked rolls and in-house made sauces. The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxed and pleasant, with a row of comfortable booths on one side and country music in the background.
305 Ruby Tuesday Ln. SW, Ft. Payne, AL 35968, Phone: 256-844-9422
If you are interested in local events:
- Boom Days Heritage Celebration (September) – A festival honoring Fort Payne’s history with music, food, crafts, and live performances.
- First Friday Fort Payne (Monthly, April–October) – A fun street fair featuring local vendors, music, and food trucks downtown.
- Christmas in the Park (December) – Holiday lights, parades, and festive family activities in City Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Fort Payne, Alabama:
- Mentone (20 min) – A charming mountain town with artists, cafés, and river views.
- Cloudland Canyon State Park (GA) (30 min) – Hike to scenic overlooks and waterfalls in this stunning North Georgia park.
- Lafayette, GA (30 min) – Visit the Pigeon Mountain area and explore scenic caves and trails.
- Collinsville Trade Day (25 min) – Shop one of the largest outdoor markets in the South every Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Fort Payne located?
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Fort Payne is a small town in northeast Alabama, built on the site of a historic fort.
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What natural attractions are near Fort Payne?
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Just outside Fort Payne is the 14,000-acre Little River Canyon National Preserve, offering breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities.
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A short hike from Fort Payne leads to Lookout Mountain, where DeSoto State Park protects its summit, featuring numerous hiking trails and campgrounds.
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What is Fort Payne’s connection to the country rock band Alabama?
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Fort Payne is known as the home of the popular country rock band Alabama, and the city houses the band’s fan club and museum.
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