Featured image: The pond in Geraldine’s City Park.

By Tyler Pruett

tyler@southerntorch.com

Spring is officially upon us, and while many will be flocking to the state parks, our coverage area features some beautiful community and county parks. For many small towns, the park is considered the centerpiece of their community, and a lot of work goes into improving them and maintaining them. They are also less of a hassle than traveling up to a state park. Here’s a run-down of parks in our area:

Fort Payne

The City Park

Recently refurbished, the Fort Payne City Park is the oldest in town, and is located across from the Dekalb Theatre.

The Alabama Walking Trail

The Alabama Walking Trail is Fort Payne’s newest park and features a walking trail and two playgrounds for the kids. It’s located behind the Depot Museum on 5th Street SW.

Hawkins Spring Park

Located just off of Highway 35 with a playground.

Spring Grove Park

Located in South Fort Payne on Turner Avenue South directly behind the Dekalb County Council on aging.

Spring Grove Park gets less traffic due its location and can be a quiet spot to relax.

All Fort Payne City Parks open at 6 am and close at 10 pm unless otherwise posted.

Mentone Brow Park

Mentone’s Brow Park is one of the few places to get a clear view from the brow. Has a pavilion to picnic and is free of highway noise due to it’s location away from town on County Road 89.

Geraldine City Park

The Geraldine City Park features a pavilion that can be rented by members of the public for events. This well-maintained park also boasts a playground, tennis courts, four basketball courts, and a 2194 foot-long walking track.

Rainsville

The city park is near the center of town and includes two tennis courts, a pool, pavilion, and playground. The sports complex is on the north side of town while Bethune park can be found on the south side of the city.

Sylvania City Park

Sylvania’s park is located next to Dekalb County Lake off of County Road 27. Their park features a playground, basketball courts, and pavilions that can be reserved.

Henagar City Park

Henager’s park is conveniently located close to the intersection of Highways 75 and 40. They have basketball courts, a playground, pavilions, and even a log cabin.

Section's Weathington Park

Weathington Park in section features a beautiful view of the Tennessee River as well as a half-mile walking track. It’s located on Highway 35 before dropping off Sand Mountain. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.

Valley Head

Located just across Highway 117 from downtown Valley Head, this local park is well-maintained and is built around Will’s Creek. Features include a pavilion, walking trails, playground, and park benches with a creek view!

Sand Rock

Little Rock City is a unique county park located at 2000 County Road 70, Leesburg, AL 35983. The park is known for it’s unique, tall rock formations and amazing view looking south into Cherokee County. Climbers from all over make the trip to Sand Rock to climb the rock formations. It also features pavilions and 14 miles of hiking trails. Park hours are posted at the entrance.