The Beauty of Autumn on Lookout Mountain (field trip)

Trip Leaders: Tom Diggs Ph.D., Asst. Professor, University of North Georgia
John Manion, Kaul Wildflower Garden Curator, Birmingham Botanical Gardens 
Location: Near Mentone, AL
Friday, November 4 – Sunday, November 6. 
$175 Members | $195 Non-members

Two of Alabama’s most spectacular destinations are adjacent to each other, making exploration of both convenient. These locations feature spectacular waterfalls, easily-navigable woodland trails, rock outcrop glades, several rare plants – including a population of rare pitcher pants. We have timed this trip when autumn color is usually at its peak. Both DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve sit atop Lookout Mountain. In addition to traversing the beautiful woodland trails of DeSoto State Park, we will make several stops along Little River Canyon Rim Scenic Drive to visit sandstone glades, scrubby woodlands and bogs.

We will begin the trip on Friday evening with a welcome reception dinner and drinks prepared by your trip leaders at one of the chalet’s at Desoto. Also included is breakfast Saturday morning at the historic Mountain Inn 
Restaurant, located in the original Lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the mid-1930s, and nestled on a canyon-edge overlooking the West Fork of Little River. Other meals are on your own; there are several affordable choices in-and-around the park.

Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements. The 3,502-acre DeSoto State Park provides a variety of lodging facilities, including: mountain chalets, log and rustic cabins, motel rooms, and campgrounds. To learn more about accommodations and to make your reservation, visit http://www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park.

Trip difficulty: Moderate (short to moderate walks through occasionally uneven or muddy grasslands and woodlands).

Carpooling encouraged.

Trip details sent upon registration.