Little River Canyon

After weeks of 90 degree days we were looking forward to the promised mid-seventies for our ride over to Alabama, but we forgot how the cool morning feels at 60 mph. We weren't far up the road to Adairsville before we pulled into a Burger King for hot coffee and a search through our saddlebags for anything that would provide more insulation. With sweatshirts and grip warmers on we headed for the border and the little town of Mentone high on the Lookout Mountain ridge.

Riding south on the ridge we got glimpses of the valley below and the homes sited on the cliff overlooking the panorama; not bad living even without a Starbucks for miles. The ride south on the ridge was on a narrow road tunneled through the trees; a 25 mph kind of road but with few cars.

Sooner than we anticipated we caught the turn off for DeSoto Falls and headed down a country lane to the park at the top of the falls. We, and a carload of what appeared to be a group of Asian students off on a photography workshop, were the only ones there.

At the top of the falls there is a dam with a small lake behind it, apparently used by the locals for boating and swimming. If by chance (or by "hey guys watch this") a swimmer gets on the wrong side of the dam, there are a series of cascades that easily could carry you over the falls, and a 104' drop to the pool below. Dennis, who knows the area well, tells me it has happened more than once. 

From DeSoto falls we headed through DeSoto Falls State Park for Little River Canyon Preserve where AL 35 crosses the river. We stopped for a cheeseburger and fuel at the only place for miles around, a little no-name two pump station with a hand lettered sign that said "sandwiches and burgers". As it turned out it was not a bad choice. The food was good and lots of local color going in and out. We can't vouch for the quality of the fuel, nor did we like the $1 charge for using a credit card, but it was a good stop.

The Preserve itself is viewed from a series of turn-outs strategically placed along a 12 mile section of AL 176 on the ridge overlooking the canyon. There are numerous trails that head down to the river bed, but we opted out. Riding boots and hikes are not close friends.

After taking in the views from the turn-outs we headed back Georgia way but stopped at Rolater Park in Cave Springs, Georgia, a nice cool family park with a spring fed stream and swimming pool. A $1 donation allows you to explore the cave that used to gush the clear, clear water out to the stream (it's now piped) but watch your head, it's dark and has a low ceiling; stalactites too. From Cave Spring it was home by way of Cartersville and Ga 20.

Once again a great ride in perfect riding weather. It would be a good redo when the leaves are down and the sights off Lookout Mountain unobscured. Next Spring?