Creekside Cottage | River Access, Kayaks & Trails | House in Menlo

Nothing beats Nature!
Cricket by the Creek is a charming tiny home offering peaceful, private access to the creek below — the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with nature.
Nestled in the peaceful Little River Escape community, you’ll enjoy:
✔️ River & lake access
✔️ Scenic hiking trails
✔️ Fire pits by the river
✔️ BBQ
✔️ Gym
✔️ 2 Kitchens (one in the Poolhouse)
Relax by the creek, take a dip in the river, and let the sounds of nature remind you what peace feels like.
Adventure awaits you here in this Tiny Home on Lookout Mountain!
Little River Escape is a unique community filled with 50 different tiny homes with residents from across the United States. Mentone, Alabama is a cute and funky mountain town only 6 miles from the community with amazing restaurants (Wildflower Cafe and the Green Leaf Grill) and interesting shops for you to experience.
What Awaits You:
Shabby-chic tiny home perched on Lookout Mountain with private creek access — designed for those who crave simplicity and connection to nature
Enjoy your morning coffee as Pileated Woodpeckers and deer wander past your private overlook.
COMMUNITY PERKS
➣ Swimming pool (open May 1 – October 1) with poolhouse for lounging
➣ Little River running through the community leads out to Lake Lahusage — great for kayaking, swimming, or exploring
➣ Fire pits by the river for stargazing and s’mores
➣ BBQ area for grilling and outdoor dining
➣ Gym to stay active and energized
LIVING ROOM
➣ Rocking and reclining leather couch to unwind after a day of adventure
➣ Electric fireplace for cozy evenings
➣ Smart TV with Netflix for your favorite shows
➣ Wi-Fi to stay connected or work remotely from the mountains
KITCHEN
➣ Charming farmhouse-style kitchen with everything you need to cook and dine in comfort
➣ Fully equipped with cookware, utensils, and appliances
➣ Perfect for streaming or working remotely while surrounded by nature
LAUNDRY
➣ Washer and dryer just steps away — making packing light and easy
MASTER BEDROOM (Main Floor)
➣ Wake up refreshed in the Master Bedroom with a queen bed featuring double barn-door closets and a dresser for ample storage
BEDROOM 2 - BUNK BED
➣ Two twin bunks tucked in the hallway before the master — perfect for kids or friends
BEDROOM 3 - LOFT BED
➣ A cozy loft nook above it all — ideal for reading or quiet time (not a walkable space)
DECK
➣ Relax on the covered deck overlooking the creek
➣ Stay warm with the propane heater, making it comfortable year-round
➣ Perfect for watching deer, birds, and local wildlife
ADVENTURE NEARBY
➣ DeSoto State Park – 15 min
➣ Sloppy Floyd State Park – 25 min
➣ Cloudland Canyon State Park – 30 min
➣ Little River Canyon – 40 min
Imagine waking to the sound of the creek, exploring misty mountain trails, and ending your day under a sky full of stars. Whether it’s a quiet getaway or a weekend of outdoor adventure, Cricket by the Creek invites you to unplug, unwind, and rediscover the simple magic of nature.
Guests have full access to the entire property.
We are available 24/7 if you need anything during your stay!
Please contact us through the booking site in which you booked for one of our team members to respond promptly.
You’re surrounded by forested ridgelines, quiet country lanes, and a handful of cozy eateries and artisan shops nearby.
Mentone Market (8mins drive) → Why go: This longtime general store + eatery is a local hub — grab groceries, everyday supplies, or enjoy breakfast, lunch, or pizza. Perfect for stocking up or a casual meal.
Wildflower Café (8mins drive) → Why go: A local favorite for brunch or dinner, blending cozy mountain ambiance with a creative menu. Reservations on weekends are smart — it’s a bit of a destination in town.
The Hatter Café (6mins drive) → Why go: Quaint and artsy, beloved for its breakfast and lunch menu in a casual setting. Great for coffee, sandwiches, and local charm.
Helena’s Gas & Deli (8mins drive) → Why go: More than just fuel — offers burgers, sandwiches, fries, and even pizza. Handy for a quick bite close to the road.
DeSoto Falls (in DeSoto State Park, 16mins drive) → Why go: A picturesque waterfall surrounded by trails and forest. Ideal for morning hikes or afternoon picnics.
The Gourdie Shop (arts & crafts boutique, 8mins drive) → Why go: A distinctive local boutique showcasing handcrafted goods, art, and unique regional finds. Perfect for gifts or mementos.
Little River Canyon National Preserve (21mins drive) → Why go: A stunning day-trip destination with dramatic canyon vistas, scenic overlooks, and rich natural beauty. Worth setting aside time for the drive.
───────────
HIKING
- Desoto State Park 16mins drive
- DeSoto Falls (in DeSoto State Park) 19mins drive
- Little River Canyon National Preserve 21mins drive
- Cloudland Canyon State Park, 27.5 miles
CITIES
- Downtown Mentone, 8mins drive
- Fort Payne, AL, 28mins drive
- Chattanooga, TN, 43 miles
Host`s Favorites...
- Hiking: Pink Trail to the bottom of Desoto Falls. Swim under the falls.
- Dining: Tomato pie from Wildflower Cafe. Take it to go and watch the sunset at Brow Park.
- Shopping: Local goods from the Mentone Market.
───────────
While the setting is rural, you’ll find that essentials are not far: the local general store handles grocery basics, and the few restaurants/cafés in town are within a short drive. The tradeoff is that evenings are peaceful, and the night skies are often brilliant with stars.
Mentone, Alabama brings people from all over the country and even the world to experience its unique and funky atmosphere. Mentone is known for DeSoto State Park and Falls, Wildflower Cafe (written in Southern Living for their Tomato Pie), Spring and Fall festivals, and local artisan shops.
Come and experience something new!
Most cars can easily reach the home and explore the beautiful surrounding areas. Just a little heads-up: there’s no public transportation nearby, but we’re always happy to share directions or local recommendations to help you make the most of your stay!
We suggest entering your destinations into your GPS before leaving Cricket by the Creek, as cell service can be a bit spotty up on the mountain. The pool house offers Wi-Fi and a TV if you need to get online or unwind.
Before you head out, please print your check-in details and access codes, just in case you lose signal on the way. We want your arrival to be as smooth and stress-free as possible!
► Bathroom Essentials
We provide a limited supply of bathroom essentials, including one roll of toilet paper per guest, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Please plan accordingly for your stay and feel free to bring any additional items you may need.
► No Pets
► No Parties and/or Events
► No Smoking or Vaping
► Quiet Hours: 10 pm-7 am
We’re excited to host you! Reach out if you need anything.
*Thank you in advance for your understanding and compliance with the rules.*
1. Upon booking, you will receive a rental agreement/check-in form that you are required to sign and return before your arrival.
2. Guests acknowledge that they will keep their noise level to a minimum after 10:00 pm; sound will travel through the walls if too loud.
3. No parties or events allowed.
4. Guest must provide us with a valid working phone number & guests listed on the reservation must report to us within 2 hours from the time of arrival if anything in regards to cleanliness does not meet their standards so we can help address the situation as soon as possible.
5. NO SMOKING or use of fire permitted in the rental; guest acknowledges that no `smoking` includes the use of vape pens and marijuana and `use of fire` includes the lighting of candles, incense, or sage. There will be a $200 charge per day of reservation if this rule is not followed.
6. There can not be any more than the allowed number of guests in or on the property at any one time, violation could lead to the immediate removal of all guests without a refund.
7. Late check-out fee of $50 (if not authorized) applies for check-outs after 10:00 am. We`re sorry we have to charge this but we pay our housekeepers based on the agreed-upon checkout time and if they are unable to clean we still have to pay them.
8. As part of our commitment to maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for all guests, we require a midterm cleaning for reservations lasting 30 days or longer. The midterm cleaning will take place on the 15th day of your reservation. This cleaning is mandatory and is designed to ensure the continued cleanliness and hygiene of the property.
9. The cleaning fee for the mandatory mid-stay clean will be requested via the resolution center.
10. No pets are allowed.
11. Excessively dirty units will incur an additional cleaning fee and will be evidenced with photos.
12. For your security and protection the property is equipped with an exterior camera.
13. Guests who fail to arrive for their reservation, for any reason, will be considered no-shows. No-shows are non-refundable, and no credits, reschedules, or exceptions will be provided under any circumstances.
14. Please remember to take all of your belongings with you upon checkout. Any items left behind will incur a $50 Mailing fee (separate from the cost of postage). We will do our best to send your items back to you within a week.
15. If not following any of our rules forces us to refund or discount an upcoming or existing guest you will be liable for the costs.
16. If you were a previous/current guest and did not respect our house rules and our property, we have the right to decline your next reservation.
Thank you for understanding!

Creekside Cottage | River Access, Kayaks & Trails is located in Menlo. Creekside Cottage | River Access, Kayaks & Trails provides accommodation, featuring Wellness Facilities, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, among other amenities. This House features Wellness Facilities, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, to make your stay a comfortable one.

Creekside Cottage | River Access, Kayaks & Trails has 1 Bedroom , 1 Bathroom, and max occupancy of 6 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Menlo has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Menlo, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.