I was raised in NE Alabama.....did lots of things in LRC back in the day....
Actually, all over Sand Mountain/NW Georgia/South Pittsburgh/Chattanooga area. South Pittsburgh, the armpit of the south.....and about 28 miles from the house.
Ah memories......beautiful country there but glad I ain't no mo... 
Hey Jim, there are some great hiking trails all over/around Lookout Mt in addition to some wonderful riding roads. Lots of Confederate history there as well (if you are into things like that...). Glad you got out before the heat/humidity set in.
Howard,
Been to a lot of the confederate sites pretty cool, even been to some battle reenactments. Did a lot of hiking around one site that was supposedly an old hide out for Jesse James. Even had his initials (supposedly) and Franks carved and dated in the cliff side. Had a good friend who grew up around Dogtown. Back when we used our CB's it was a treat to get the play by play of every road or small town by Anthony. Wouldn't know much about that area if I hadn't had the pleasure of riding with him for years. Been in a bunch of caves in Alabama. my wife is not to keen on being underground in a confined space so we don't do that anymore. Anthony and Chappy have hopefully hooked up and are watching out for all of us.
Since I was alone on the ride I had more time to do exactly what I wanted to do which was wander everywhere. Got lost on the east side of Chattanooga and had to ask directions to find my way out. Should have seen the look on the guys face that was heading in a barber shop when I drove up onto the sidewalk to catch him before he went inside. I was only 20 miles or so away from the highway, guy had to laugh at me probably thought stupid Harley Rider. He had just gotten off of a really nice Yamaha all decked out.
What I did notice in wandering around the north east section of Alabama is all the vacant buildings and run down properties. It appears in that area the poor are getting poorer by the day. It still is a beautiful place to ride. Think I will head up to Mt. Cheha next week, have not been there in about 4 years and its less than an hour from me.
Still wish I could have made the Ouray GTG. Looks like they had a ball.