Congo Falls Park: A Revitalized Natural Haven
Discover the beauty and history of Congo Falls Park in Fort Payne, Alabama, offering swimming, hiking, and picnicking in a revitalized natural haven.
Congo Falls Park, nestled within the Congo Nature Preserve near Fort Payne, Alabama, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Once a forgotten historical community named Congo, the park now features a picturesque waterfall, scenic trails, and a revitalized landscape perfect for swimming and picnicking.
A brief summary to Congo Falls Park
- 4220 County Rd 275, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967, US
- +1256-996-0562
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- A single-use permit is required for access from April 1st to October 1st and can be purchased on the Congo Falls Park website [4].
- Exercise caution while swimming and hiking, and obey all park rules and regulations [4].
- Visit nearby attractions such as Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park [4].
Getting There
-
Driving
From Fort Payne, head north on US-11 N. Turn left onto County Road 275. Continue for approximately 3 miles. Congo Falls Park will be on your left [4]. Parking is available at the park entrance [4]. A single-use permit is required from April 1st to October 1st, costing $7.50 per adult/minor [4, 5]. Permits can be purchased online [4]. Parking is included with the permit [4].
Discover more about Congo Falls Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Little River Falls Bridge Overlook
12.9 km
Witness the majestic Little River Falls from an easily accessible overlook, marking the start of the Little River Canyon in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Fort Payne Opera House
16.4 km
Experience history and culture at Alabama's oldest continuously operating theater, the beautifully restored Fort Payne Opera House.
Fort Payne Hosiery Museum
16.4 km
Step back in time at the Fort Payne Hosiery Museum, exploring the city's rich textile history as the 'Sock Capital of the World'.
Willstown Mission Cemetery
19.8 km
Discover the rich history of Fort Payne, Alabama at the Willstown Mission Cemetery, a serene historical landmark steeped in heritage.
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
23.8 km
Explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its impact on DeSoto State Park at this informative museum in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Tigers For Tomorrow Wild Animal Preserve, Inc.
25.2 km
Observe rescued tigers, lions, bears, and more at this wild animal preserve and environmental education center in Attalla, Alabama.
DeSoto Falls Picnic Area
29.8 km
Experience the beauty and history of DeSoto Falls, one of Alabama's tallest waterfalls, with hiking, picnicking, and water activities in a scenic state park.
Council Bluff School
32.0 km
Discover Alabama's rural educational heritage at the Council Bluff School, the last one-room schoolhouse in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County Public Lake
32.2 km
Escape to DeKalb County Public Lake for a day of fishing and family fun in a beautiful Sand Mountain setting.
Brow Park
33.4 km
Breathtaking Lookout Mountain views in Mentone, Alabama, perfect for picnics and unforgettable sunsets.
High Falls Park
35.3 km
Discover a natural haven in Grove Oak, Alabama, featuring a stunning waterfall, unique rock formations, and rich history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Canyon Mouth Picnic Area
2.1 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Canyon Mouth Picnic Area in Alabama, perfect for picnics, hiking, and enjoying nature's wonders.
Little River Canyon entrance
3.5 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse trails of Little River Canyon in Cedar Bluff, Alabama – a hiker's paradise amid stunning natural beauty.
Powell Trail - Little River Canyon
4.2 km
Hike into Little River Canyon via this moderately challenging trail, known for its steep descent and spring wildflowers near Fort Payne, AL.
Congo Nature Preserve (Park Office and Visitors Center)
4.8 km
Explore the serene beauty of Congo Nature Preserve in Fort Payne, Alabama - a natural paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Big Oak Campground
5.8 km
Discover the tranquility of Big Oak Campground in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, a perfect destination for camping, hiking, and unwinding in nature's embrace.
Eberhart Point Overlook
6.6 km
Discover breathtaking views at Eberhart Point Overlook in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, the ultimate scenic escape for nature lovers and photographers.
Crow Point Overlook
6.9 km
Explore the stunning Crow Point Overlook in Alabama’s Little River Canyon National Preserve, where breathtaking scenery meets serene nature.
Graces High Falls
7.0 km
Explore Graces High Falls, a breathtaking scenic spot in Alabama's Little River Canyon, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Wolf Creek Overlook
8.2 km
Experience stunning vistas and serene landscapes at Wolf Creek Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Yellow Creek Falls
8.3 km
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Yellow Creek Falls in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, a serene escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Canyon View Overlook
8.4 km
Experience the grandeur of Little River Canyon at Canyon View Overlook, a scenic spot offering breathtaking views and a connection with nature in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Little River Canyon
8.4 km
Discover Alabama's deepest canyon: breathtaking views, hiking trails, and the unique Little River flowing atop Lookout Mountain.
Greg's Two Falls
8.7 km
Discover the beauty of Greg's Two Falls near Fort Payne, Alabama, a perfect natural escape in the Appalachian foothills.
Sand Rock Park
8.9 km
Explore the natural beauty and climbing adventures at Sand Rock Park in Alabama, a historic Native American site and a rock climber's paradise.
Pirates Bay Waterpark Leesburg
10.2 km
Experience endless summer fun at Pirates Bay Waterpark in Leesburg, AL, featuring thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and exciting family activities.
Essential places to dine
Mountain Parkway Grill
10.6 km
Discover delightful comfort food at Mountain Parkway Grill in Sand Rock, Alabama – perfect for family gatherings and local flavors.
Subway
12.8 km
Discover fresh flavors at Subway in Cedar Bluff - where customization meets convenience in every bite.
Jake's On The Lake
13.6 km
Experience delicious dining at Jake's On The Lake with stunning views of Weiss Lake in Cedar Bluff, Alabama.
Walk Hard BBQ
14.0 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Walk Hard BBQ in Leesburg, Alabama - where every bite tells a story.
Arctic Snow
14.1 km
Discover American comfort food at Arctic Snow - where delicious meals meet warm hospitality in Leesburg, Alabama.
Decks and Docks
14.2 km
Experience delightful American cuisine at Decks and Docks while enjoying stunning views of Weiss Lake in Leesburg, Alabama.
Wendy's
15.1 km
Discover delicious fast food at Wendy's in Centre, AL – home of fresh burgers and tasty treats!
Fishin' Hole Restaurant
15.3 km
Experience Southern hospitality at Fishin' Hole Restaurant in Centre AL - where fresh seafood meets sizzling steaks.
Little Caesars Pizza
15.6 km
Discover deliciously affordable pizza at Little Caesars Pizza in Fort Payne - perfect for travelers craving fast food delights.
Easy Street
15.6 km
Experience delicious food and vibrant nightlife at Easy Street in Centre, Alabama – where great tastes meet good times.
The Gridiron of Centre
15.6 km
Experience Southern hospitality at The Gridiron of Centre with delicious food and inviting ambiance in the heart of Alabama.
Jefferson's
15.7 km
Experience mouthwatering chicken wings and juicy burgers at Jefferson's in Fort Payne—where American flavors come alive!
Hometown Restaurant
15.8 km
Experience authentic American cuisine at Hometown Restaurant in Centre, AL - where comfort meets flavor in every dish.
Dari King
15.9 km
Experience authentic Southern flavors at Dari King in Centre, Alabama - where every meal feels like home.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
16.3 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Fort Payne - where nostalgia meets delicious comfort food.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Rock
8.9 km
Discover local flavors and warm hospitality at The Rock grocery store in Sand Rock, Alabama, a perfect stop for travelers seeking authentic regional products.
Harton Nursery & Grocery Center
11.0 km
Discover fresh produce, vibrant plants, and local charm at Harton Nursery & Grocery Center in Cedar Bluff, Alabama—a true hidden gem for travelers.
Global Electronics
11.1 km
Discover top-notch electronics and gadgets at Global Electronics in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, the ultimate destination for tech enthusiasts.
The Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge
11.5 km
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and Southern hospitality at The Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge in Leesburg, Alabama.
Rise Boutique
11.9 km
Explore the best of women's fashion at Rise Boutique in Leesburg, Alabama, where style meets comfort and local charm.
Donna’s bargain center
12.1 km
Explore unbeatable deals and hidden treasures at Donna’s Bargain Center in Cedar Bluff, Alabama - a shopper's paradise for every budget.
Weiss Mart Marina
12.6 km
Experience the charm of Weiss Mart Marina in Cedar Bluff, Alabama—a perfect blend of convenience, recreation, and scenic beauty.
Kellz Designz
12.6 km
Discover your creativity at Kellz Designz, Cedar Bluff's premier custom t-shirt store, where every design tells your story.
Rim of the Canyon Cafe & Grocery
12.7 km
Discover local flavors and convenience at Rim of the Canyon Cafe & Grocery in Fort Payne, Alabama – a perfect stop for travelers and food lovers alike.
Maria's Furniture
12.9 km
Explore a charming selection of Southern-style furniture and decor at Maria's Furniture in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, perfect for every home.
Piggly Wiggly
12.9 km
Experience southern hospitality and local flavors at Piggly Wiggly, Cedar Bluff's favorite grocery store with fresh produce and quality products.
Weiss Lake Alabama Bass and Crappie Guide, Custom Fishing Lures
13.7 km
Discover the joy of fishing at Weiss Lake, Alabama's premier destination for bass and crappie fishing, complete with custom lures and expert charter services.
Coosa Corner
14.4 km
Discover convenience at Coosa Corner in Leesburg, Alabama, your one-stop shop for all travel essentials near Weiss Lake.
411 Antiques
14.5 km
Explore a treasure trove of vintage finds at 411 Antiques in Centre, Alabama, where history and craftsmanship come to life.
Country Store
14.8 km
Discover the Country Store in Cedar Bluff, Alabama - your go-to spot for convenience, local snacks, and friendly service on your travels.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Little River Marina & Lodge
8.8 km
Discover the charm of Little River Marina & Lodge in Cedar Bluff, Alabama—your ultimate destination for outdoor adventures and lakeside relaxation.
KT Pho Asian Restaurant - Cedar Bluff, AL
12.1 km
Discover the vibrant and authentic flavors of Asian cuisine at KT Pho Asian Restaurant in Cedar Bluff, AL.
The Big Chill
12.3 km
Discover the sweet delights of The Big Chill in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, where every scoop of ice cream is a taste of happiness.
WEISS LAKE MOTEL
12.6 km
Experience the serene beauty of Weiss Lake at Weiss Lake Motel, your cozy retreat in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
La Cabaña
12.9 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico at La Cabaña, Cedar Bluff's premier destination for authentic Latin American cuisine.
Tony's Pizza & Subs
12.9 km
Discover Cedar Bluff's cherished Tony's Pizza & Subs, where delicious pizza and subs await in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Burger Shack
12.9 km
Experience the ultimate burger bliss at The Burger Shack, Cedar Bluff's top destination for delicious American fast food and cozy dining.
Canyon Drive Burger Shack
13.5 km
Discover delicious, budget-friendly burgers at Canyon Drive Burger Shack in the heart of Gaylesville, Alabama - a tasty stop for every traveler.
La Marina
13.9 km
Discover La Marina in Leesburg, Alabama, where authentic Mexican cuisine meets a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for food lovers of all kinds.
Black's Karaoke
13.9 km
Experience the joy of singing at Black's Karaoke in Gaylesville, Alabama, where every night is a celebration of music and camaraderie.
Guppy's Seafood
15.6 km
Savor the taste of the sea at Guppy's Seafood in Centre, Alabama, where fresh ingredients meet Southern hospitality.
Whistle Stop Cafe'
15.8 km
Experience the heart of Southern cuisine at Whistle Stop Cafe, where delicious comfort food meets warm hospitality in Centre, Alabama.
The Cove at Riverside RV Park & Campground
16.6 km
Experience the tranquility of nature at The Cove at Riverside RV Park & Campground, where adventure and relaxation await in beautiful Alabama.
Kloe’s
20.6 km
Savor the flavors of Southern comfort food at Kloe's, a cozy restaurant in Centre, Alabama, known for its hearty dishes and warm hospitality.
StateLine Tavern & Grill
23.6 km
Discover the lively ambiance at StateLine Tavern & Grill, where delicious food, karaoke, and live music await in Rome, Georgia.
