Boat House River Tour

Recently, we had a blog post on the history of the DeSoto Falls Park area where Lazy River Cottage is located. With all of that history in this area, we thought it would be fun to take you on a tour of some old boathouses still in existence in this area of Little River.

A paddle up the river from today’s DeSoto Falls State Park toward Mentone provides a glimpse into the past with multiple old original boat houses and remnants of times gone by.

One of the most photographed boat houses is the red boat house seen from the parking area at DeSoto Falls State Park. Just past it, still visible from the parking area is another beautiful old boathouse. This one has been updated and preserved in recent years. we love the boat paddle detail they added.

Our favorite piece of boathouse history is located just up river from DeSoto Falls State park, next door to Lazy River Cottage. As you paddle up river, after the curve where the river widens, a tall red boathouse will appear on your left. This is the only boathouse on this stretch of Little River that has a full living quarters above the boathouse and is expected to be 90+ years old. This special piece of history was updated a few years ago to help preserve it for future generations.

Further down river as you approach the new HWY-117 bridge that crosses Little River, a rock boathouse is on your left.

Although it’s not old, the new HWY-117 bridge is beautiful in its own right and fun to kayak under as you approach the end of the stretch up river before turning around and heading back down river.

There are a few more rock boat houses as you paddle down river along with some remnants of time gone by. It’s fun to think about the life this area of Little River has enjoyed over the generations as you paddle by.

Like many generations before, memories made on Little River will likely be some of your favorites for years to come. We encourage you to take some time to kayak up river during your stay and experience the natural and historical beauty Little River has to offer.

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We would love to host your next mountain getaway to Mentone, AL! Located on Little River by DeSoto Falls, kayak beautiful Little River during your stay at Lazy River Cottage with kayaks provided for guest use. Check out our website at www.littlerivervacay.com for more information about Lazy River Cottage in Mentone, AL, just steps from DeSoto Falls and DeSoto Falls Trailheads.

You can find us on VRBO, Airbnb, or Book Direct with Little River Vacay, LLC.