Often these stories are best told around a campfire so consider this a virtual one and read why some believe that bigfoot’s cousin, Littlefoot, lives in Alabama’s Little River Canyon. (By the way, I have no proof that Littlefoot is a cousin to Bigfoot, but it sounds good)

Where and What is Little River Canyon?

Little River Canyon, located atop northeast Alabama’s Lookout Mountain, was carved out by the river after thousands of years and is one of the deepest canyons in this part of the United States.
 
A 23-mile drive runs along the canyon’s rim that offers spectacular views into the 700-foot-deep gorge. The drive features several stop-off points where you can pull over and get photographs. 

Take multiple photos and look closely. Bigfoot is the hide and seek champion so I imagine Littlefoot is as well.  There is a good chance s/he’s hiding behind one of those trees you just photographed. 

Waterfalls in Little River Canyon

You’ll find three major waterfalls in Little River Canyon, beginning with Little River Falls, located off Highway 35 next to the bridge separating the town of Gaylesville from Fort Payne.

This is your first stop on a scenic tour entering from the north.

Next is DeSoto Falls, which is located on the West Fork of the river and is 104 feet high.

Grace’s High Falls is the last of the major three waterfalls and is Alabama’s highest, at 133 feet.

Check out the best waterfalls in Northern Alabama while you’re searching for Littlefoot.

Hiking Little River Canyon

Besides the beautiful falls, visitors discover that Little River Canyon is a hiker’s delight with beautiful natural forests and sandstone cliffs towering 600 feet above the canyon floor.

There are several hiking trails you can take along the edges of the canyon to get some great views of the entire canyon area.

Eberhart Point is the best starting place for hiking down to Pine Tree Hole at the bottom of the canyon.

The more adventurous can even put in there for some whitewater rafting fun.

Does Littlefoot live in Alabama’s Little River Canyon

As visitors discover, the Little River Canyon area is a land of beauty, but also legends.

One of the most interesting local stories is Littlefoot. Several years ago, a small petting zoo was in operation near Little River Canyon.

The family running the zoo ran into financial difficulties and ended up closing.

The remaining animals were being moved to another facility when an escape occurred.

A small family of monkeys took advantage of an open transport cage and ran off into the woods. Then the reports started.

The Legend of Alabama’s Littlefoot

As the legend goes, a group of rafters noticed something moving in the trees and that it appeared to be following them down the river.

A Cub Scout troop had pinecones playfully thrown at them from the treetops.

A group of hikers left their backpacks along the riverbank and returned to find their snacks missing and several small footprints in the surrounding mud.

A retired engineer from Huntsville took a blurry photo of a small hairy figure walking upright and dragging what appeared to be an Igloo cooler.

These occurrences soon became known as Littlefoot sightings.

So, when hiking Little River Canyon, remember to keep one eye on the tree branches and the other on your snacks.

DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne. One visit and it’s easy to see why DeSoto was voted as one of America’s Top 10 State Parks by Camping Life magazine.

The park spreads over 3,500 acres along the outer ridge of Lookout Mountain and embraces some of the state’s most dazzling natural wonders and has 12 miles of hiking trails.

I mean, if I was Littlefoot, this is a place that I would want to call home. 

Regardless if you find Littlefoot on your Little River Canyon or not you’re sure to have a fabulous time exploring the great outdoors in Alabama.

Don’t want to look for Littlefoot? Consider taking this Alabama BBQ Road Trip!

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There is nothing more I like to do then discover the flavor of a place. Alabama has thrown down the BBQ gauntlet and I am willing to accept their challenge.

I know that Alabama is already considered a foodie destination, but the state is taking it to the next level with their style of BBQ. Now they have some tough competition in the BBQ world, but after some extensive research I have a feeling they will do just fine in the BBQ arena.

ALABAMA BBQ ROAD TRIP ON I-65 FROM DECATUR TO MONTGOMERY

Fill up the gas tank and hit the road for these 5 great Alabama BBQ joints. From Decatur to Montgomery it’s only 3 hours, but this could easily be a weekend trip if you add in a few attractions along the way.

FIRST ALABAMA BBQ STOP: Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q at 1715 6th Ave. SE, Decatur, AL 35601. Serving BBQ since 1925. IN 1997 the Gibsons introduced a signature red sauce that competed with the popularity of their white suace.

The red sauce has since won the Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Cook-off twice and then in 1998 it was named “The Best Sauce on the Planet” over 500 commercial sauce entries at the American Royal International Barbecue Sauce Contest. That is reason enough to make a stop at this BBQ joint.

While you are in Decatur be sure to walk off some of the delicious BBQ at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Home to over 300 species of birds and wildlife.

SECOND ALABAMA BBQ STOP: Top Hat Barbecue at 8725 U.S. 31, Hayden, AL 35079. A short 30 miles north of Birmingham and serving BBQ since 1952. Their BBQ is smoked over hickory wood and their red bbq sauce is a longtime local favorite. Order their BBQ with tomato sauce.

On you way to Birmingham be sure to visit Stan the Muffler Man out near the airport. . Take I-20/59 exit 128. Drive north on Tallapoosa St. through one stoplight. Stan is on left, a quarter-mile.

THIRD ALABAMA BBQ STOP: Full Moon Bar-B-Que at 525 25th St. S., Birmingham, AL 35233. Anything with the name Full Moon gets a shout out from me and is added to a list of places to visit. Everything here is homemade and I mean everything from their famous chow chow to their fresh baked cookies. In the book “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” you’ll find Full Moon’s vinaigrette slaw and Half Moon cookies.

An absolute must visit while in Birmingham is the Civil Rights Institute where you can learn about the past, present and future of civil rights.

FOURTH ALABAMA BBQ STOP Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q at 2550 Cobbs Ford Road, Prattville, AL 36066. I usually avoid chain style restaurants, Jim ‘N Nicks has 34 restaurants in 7 states, but I’ll make an except for great BBQ. Jim ‘N Nick’s have been serving BBQ for 30 years and have perfected their recipe.

After having a bite to eat stroll the historic downtown district which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

FIFTH ALABAMA BBQ STOP Dreamland Bar-B-Que at 101 Tallapoosa St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Started in Tuscaloosa and has now expanded to 8 locations. Known since the start for their bbq ribs their menu now has items like pulled pork, bbq chicken, baked beans and more. Items served with their own bar-b-que dipping sauce.

You’ve finished the road trip and it’s time to celebrate! Step out on the town or take a cruise down the Alabama River on the Harriott II.

A complete listing of BBQ restaurants and attractions can be found on the following apps:

If you prefer to create your own Alabama BBQ road trip be sure to download the trail app. It’s a great way to find the best BBQ restaurants in the state. Plus, one of my favorite features, especially since I’m not familar with the state, is the ability to set up an alert to sound when I’m near a restaurant I’ve been wanting to try.

In addition to downloading the BBQ trail app be sure to download the road trip app to find other attractions and things to do in the areas that you stop for great bbq.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Alabama Tourism. The opinions and text are all mine.

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The Mentone Inn is situated right in the heart of this charming, mountain town. The B&B was built in 1927, originally called Hal’s Hotel.

It’s been a staple in the Mentone community ever since.

Everything from its creaky floors, antique furniture, and quaint rooms celebrates the history of this *charming* B&B.

Its location is a nature-lovers dream. Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, Mentone Inn invites you to bask in the peacefulness that is Lookout Mountain.

Settle into a rocking chair on the front porch and enjoy the view. Or take a walk around the grounds and catch a glimpse of some unique art.

Mentone Inn

Twelve quaint and cozy rooms fill Mentone Inn. Each room has its own private bathroom.

Most of the rooms are equipped with a comfortable, queen sized bed. You can also reserve rooms with one or two full beds.

It is clean and peaceful in each of the rooms. The antique decor and furniture make it feel like you’re spending the night at grandma’s house.

And just like grandma always made the best breakfasts, the Innkeeper, Cynthia, pulls out all the scents and flavors that your morning palate craves.

Wake up to the enticing smells of casseroles, crispy bacon, and coffee. And you don’t have to do any of the cooking or the cleaning.

Things To Do In Mentone, Aabama

The Mentone Inn is within walking distance of plenty to do. Some of which happens right on the grounds of the Inn.

The town of Mentone is known for its antique shops that could easily fill a weekend visit. And for the nature-lovers, breathtaking views at Desoto State Park are a short drive away.

Farmer’s Market

Every Wednesday and Saturday, Mentone Inn hosts a farmers market in the parking lot. Local farmers bring their harvest for purchase.

Cloudmont Ski Resort

Mentone is also known for being the only place to ski in Alabama! If you happen to be visiting in the winter when mother nature decides to gift the mountain with snow, hit the slopes at Cloudmont Ski Resort.

Desoto State Park

A stay in Mentone, Alabama would not be complete without visiting Desoto State Park. Lots of hiking trails and absolutely stunning views of the waterfall.

With several different routes to the falls, you can choose a more advanced route down to the bottom of the falls, or a simple and easy trek for a view from the top. Spend an hour or spend the day.

Places To Eat in Mentone, Alabama

Cynthia’s delicious breakfast at Mentone Inn will certainly tide you over for a while.

But after a full day of antique shopping or hiking at Desoto, you’re sure to work up quite the appetite. And Mentone will not disappoint.

Wildflower Cafe

A local favorite is the Wildflower Cafe which happens to be just steps away from the Inn. Enjoy classic American food and a unique, family-friendly atmosphere.

Mentone Market

Also conveniently located nearby, Mentone Market is a great lunch stop. They also have a little store where you can grab some snacks for your hike.

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It’ll quickly becomes evident that the tastes of the region may well be its most impressive reason to get yourself over to the northern part of this southern state.

Where To Find The Best Places To Eat and Food Trails To Take in North Alabama

You’ll find award-winning restaurants in downtown Huntsville and unexpected favorites like the Wildflower Café in Mentone, known for both its shabby chic ambiance and its outstanding food. Here, fresh, delicious offerings range from the lauded Tomato Pie to soups, salads and vegan fare.

Across the region at the Rattlesnake Saloon the swinging doors lead to a cave in what is referred to as “a watering hole under a rock.” The chow time menu consists of burgers and sandwiches, usually accompanied by local live music. Alcohol (beer, wine and hard cider) is available after 5p.m.

While the diversity of culinary choices is refreshing, there is one consistent “king” in North Alabama cuisine and that is barbecue.

Anyone looking for the best can take to the North Alabama Barbecue Trail to find it. This guide marks the spot for favorites like ribs, brisket, pulled pork and white sauce.

There are large, well-known favorites such as Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, founded in 1925. There are also local favorites like Dale’s BBQ, voted best barbecue on Sand Mountain, and family-owned Johnny’s Bar-B-Q.

As if Alabama barbecue wasn’t enough, pairing it with freshly brewed Alabama beer makes the meal even better. Several micro-breweries dot the map here, from Florence to Decatur to Gadsden, and offer dozens of beers unique to North Alabama.

On the North Alabama Craft Beer Trail visitors can get a stamp at each stop to earn some awesome discounts at select breweries and goodies from the folks at Visit North Alabama.

Like many of the beers’ names, the breweries themselves reflect their home state surroundings. Yellowhammer Brewing, located in Huntsville, gives a nod to the state bird and Back Forty Beer Company, located in Gadsden, pays tribute to the state’s agricultural heritage.

Speaking of agricultural heritage, what better way to continue the celebration of food and drink than with the North Alabama Wine Trail and the Agriculture Adventures Trail?

A surprising variety of wines can be found throughout the region at the six featured wineries. These very accessible wines are made from native muscadines as well as other grapes, locally grown and carefully sourced.

Each vineyard has tastings and is eager to share their knowledge and their stories about winemaking in North Alabama.

Growing grapes and making wine is only the beginning of the bounty that is finding its way to tables from throughout the region.

The Agricultural Adventures Trail is filled with opportunities to explore the rich and diverse world of farmers, growers and makers in North Alabama.

From u-pick farms and pumpkin patches to large scale farm tours and popular farmers markets, there are so many ways to learn about the land, the crops and the people behind many uniquely Alabama crops, foods and products.