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Authentic Train Caboose! Less than 5 minutes to Desoto Park, Falls, Mentone

Cabin in Valley Head with kitchenette and patio

Photo gallery for Authentic Train Caboose! Less than 5 minutes to Desoto Park, Falls, Mentone

Living area
Christmas 2025
Deck off the platform of caboose
Coffee Bar
From Front door

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 427.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Valley Head, AL
  • Place, Valley Head Town Park
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, DeSoto State Park
    ‪12 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2/ Common room

1 Double Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Authentic Train Caboose! Less than 5 minutes to Desoto Park, Falls, Mentone


All Aboard Claudia’s Caboose!
Experience a unique blend of railway history and modern luxury. Originally a 1970s Southern train Caboose, Claudia’s Caboose has been lovingly transformed into a cozy retreat in the Valleyhead /Mentone area, nestled between active tracks and scenic Highway 117. Only 3 miles to Mentone, Desoto Falls and Desoto State Park.

The Space
Our renovation preserves the caboose's vintage character while offering all the comforts of home:

Living & Dining: Efficient kitchen with a microwave, air fryer/toaster oven, dishwasher, fridge, and coffee bar. Relax in the living area with a full pull-out sofa and flat-screen TV.

Sleeping: A private "master" bedroom featuring a luxurious queen mattress and a second TV.

Bath: A clever, modern, industrial style bathroom. Toilet, sink and shower.

Outdoors: Enjoy an expansive deck with a charcoal grill, a fire pit under the stars, and a private trail leading to a dedicated train-viewing area.

The Experience
Perfect for train enthusiasts, adults and kids at heart. While not a main line, you’ll occasionally hear the nostalgic rumble and whistle of passing trains. We are perfectly located for exploring DeSoto Falls, Little River Canyon, and the artsy town of Mentone.

Guest Requirements:
Must be minimum 25 to book
No third party bookings
Please check your messages because we will need an email to send a rental Agreement/guest register

Vist Alabama's most unique stay at Claudia's caboose!
For specials - CLAUDIASCABOOSE.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
A rental agreement/guest register will be sent to your email after you book. ID and agreement to be provided within 24 hours. NO exceptions

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Valley Head

Located in Valley Head, this cabin is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at DeSoto State Park and Otting Tract Wilderness Management Area, while Fort Payne Depot Museum and Dekalb Theatre are cultural highlights. The Gourdie Shop and Dekalb County VFW Agricultural Fairgrounds are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Valley Head, AL

What's nearby

  • Valley Head Town Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort - 8 min drive - 5.9 km
  • DeSoto State Park - 12 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Cloudland Canyon State Park - 27 min drive - 50.3 km
  • Weiss Lake - 39 min drive - 56.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hatter Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Craigsmere - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Wildflower Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Elevation. Bistro - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Authentic Train Caboose! Less than 5 minutes to Desoto Park, Falls, Mentone pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Authentic Train Caboose! Less than 5 minutes to Desoto Park, Falls, Mentone?

On-site parking is available at the property.

Where is Authentic Train Caboose! Less than 5 minutes to Desoto Park, Falls, Mentone located?

Situated in a rural location, this cabin is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Valley Head Town Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Mentone Town Hall and Eagle Nest. DeSoto Falls and Cloudmont Ski and Golf Resort are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carol A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect. Claudia was an amazing host.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was as the host explained. The place was nice and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Garrette W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really loved the overall uniqueness of the caboose. Everything we needed was included.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Annie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Such a fun novelty. The trains going by are definitely loud but the property is very clean and well done.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roger T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

The caboose was clean and easy to find it was in a great location to visit the different attractions in the area
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn Brackin O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Claudia’s Caboose is delightful

Claudia is an excellent host. Special things to welcome us, coffee, comment book, soaps and bath wash. The caboose is so unique and cosy. We had a wonderful time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rickey W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An absolutely lovely time

The property we stayed at was great, it was well worth the trip over there. My friend and I enjoyed the just about every part of the
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely getaway

We absolutely love it!! Very nice property and cutest caboose. Very clean and host was awesome! Great suggestions for places around to eat, shop and just visit. We will definitely be back!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theresa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My birthday weekend

My husband took me to Mentone for my birthday. We stayed in this lovely caboose. The caboose is amazing. It was super clean, decorated with train decor. It is small but spacious enough to enjoy yourself. Claudia, the owner, was so kind and easy to work with. Everything was ready for us when we got there including a sweet welcoming message from her. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A fantastic place to stay! We loved it and will be back!

I surprised my wife for her birthday and did not tell her where we were going or staying. The place was immaculate and had everything we needed. We ate lunch in Mentone at the Wildflower Cafe (awesome) and then went to Desoto Falls which is gorgeous and is just a few minutes away. We celebrated with dinner in Ft. Payne which is an easy drive but the best part by far was the caboose. Such a unique set-up and so nicely finished and decorated.. The couch and bed were very comfy and even though it was a hot day we were cool inside. Cozy and just a perfect place to stay I assure you that you won't be disappointed if you decide to take your significant other to the "train station" for a great time. Thanks Claudia for the special birthday greeting and making it so memorable. We will definitely come back soon!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cathy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual Fall Getaway

Yes, you are about 100 yards from a somewhat busy train track so if the occasional midnight or early morning train and horn will bother you then this is not the stay for you but..if you love the idea of climbing a few stairs and staying in a real caboose that may have passed this way back in the day that has been lovingly restored into a small but super comfortable and fun place then you need to do it! You won't be sorry! It is in a safe little town with lots to see, do and eat all within a few miles to under an hour depending on what you want to do. Claudia is a jewel who is super responsive, has thought of everything, is attentive to all her guests needs and I can't wait to stay again! Thanks for a great stay! way at one time
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mandie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Claudia Mountainwood cottages&Caboose

Host profile image
The reason we added this caboose to our portfolio of rentals is because we love trains! What is more "Americana" then a train? Claudia's Caboose was really a 2 year renovation by myself and my husband. We combined the authentic with a little bit of luxury to give you the upgraded version of what a conductor, engineer or Railroad worker would experience. Yes, ocassionally you will hear the train horn but there is something reminiscent and romantic about the days when the caboose was always at the end of the train. We hope you enjoy this unique, once in a lifetime experience.

Why they chose this property

One can't put a train car just anywhere! Valley Head is just down the mountain from Mentone and has a rich history in the railroad. The caboose is in the center of town, with the railroad tracks in the backyard. (about 75 ft away). A perfect spot, a perfect town with the friendliest people around.

What makes this property unique

It's a real train caboose! Experience a rare opportunity to stay in a truly American Icon. It's been refurbished and renovated to be a cozy, comfortable and quite astounding living space. Yes, we have heat and air and a bathroom on-board. A "first class" bathroom. Absolutely a one-of-a-kind place to stay and experience.

Languages:

English

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