DeSoto State Park is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in scenic Northeast Alabama and accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will simply take your breath away. DeSoto State Park is located at 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, in Fort Payne, Alabama. For more information, click here.
Whether a nature hobbyist, outdoor enthusiast, or sporting fanatic – DeSoto State Park has plenty to do to keep you pleasantly entertained. Kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, cycling, rappelling, bouldering, picnicking, wildflower expeditions, and just exploring nature – they literally have it all!
Other amenities include a restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions, picnic area with playground, Olympic-size swimming pool (seasonal), and more than 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. There is even an ADA-accessible boardwalk trail dedicated to Talmadge Butler, a former park superintendent.
This 3,502-acre park provides lodging facilities including: Mountain Chalets, Log and Rustic Cabins, Motel Rooms, and an Improved Campground with 94 full-hookup tent and RV sites. For the more adventurous, there are also Primitive Camping sites for tents as well as two back country campsites with shelters. No matter what type of lodging you might prefer or have need of, they have it!
There is a plethora of outdoor activities you can enjoy at DeSoto State Park, including swimming, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and chasing waterfalls! The park is also just a short drive from Little River Canyon Nature Preserve. There is also zip-lining, geo-caching, and picnic areas throughout the park. Trust me you won’t run out of things to do!
Pack a picnic lunch and head out for a day exploring the ridges, waterfalls, and river in beautiful DeSoto State Park. Located on Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park has over 35 miles of hiking trails, including 11 + miles of mountain bike trails in the main area of the park. Most interconnect with each other, while others take you into more remote areas. DeSoto State Park’s trail system boasts interesting rock formations, small seasonal waterfalls, a variety of diverse plant communities, plentiful animal life, and beautiful views of the West Fork of Little River, which flows downstream into interconnecting Little River Canyon.
A visit to DeSoto State Park is an adventure of a life time, and a visit here will make you feel a million miles away from it all. The park is gorgeous and has everything you need for an epic trip! Do yourself a favor and make plans to stay for a few days! You won’t regret it! Pictures used in this article are owned by Alabama State Parks.
For nearby lodging and camping options, click here. For more great parks and amazing locations in the area, click here. For the best family activities, click here.
