DeSoto State Park
DeSoto State Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
In the rustic tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), mountainous Desoto State Park is accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s and the atmosphere of the CCC enhances many areas, including the Lodge, restaurant, and Cabins. Lodging to choose from: Log Cabins, Rustic CCC cabins, Chalets, Motel Rooms. Camping options: Camping Cabin Improved campground with full hookup campsites (for RVs & tents) Primitive Camping, Backpacking Campsites. Amenities include a restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions, picnic area,playground, swimming pool (seasonal), Benefield Nature Center, a CCC museum, and much more. A large selection of events are available such as campfire talks, classes, demonstrations, etc. DeSoto State Park is located eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls, a 104ft waterfall, is one of DeSoto's biggest attractions, located about 7 miles north near Mentone, AL
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
404 reviews
Excellent
262
Very good
106
Average
29
Poor
7
Terrible
1
Debbie M
Germantown, TN401 contributions
Oct 2021
If I was a camper, this would be a spot I'd be sure to go to often. There are several small waterfalls throughout the park and all are easy to walk to. DeSoto Falls is a little bit outside the park, but is the biggest and most impressive with 3 drops. They do ask for a small fee of $4 at the picnic area where DeSoto Falls is located. This is certainly reasonable for upkeep. The viewing area has plenty of concrete steps so that most people can get to the lower part to view (somewhat) the final drop. The rangers are a very helpful and friendly, too.
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ariel W
Dothan, AL2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Map was poorly marked. No indication of NWSE. Trails were more poorly marked. Occasionally paint on a tree of a color, but no indication of what direction you are actually going. You come to a fork in the trail, both directions are marked “blue.” Spent 4 hours searching for water falls, totally dried up. Prior to embarking on our hike, we asked a couple of park workers about the falls, they assured us the falls were beautiful and worth the hike. Maybe they would be, except they were totally dried up. Late in the night, the power went out due to tropical storm Claudette. I came to the front lobby to see when I might expect it to come back on, with the girl saying “she has no idea” and “go back to your cabin the lobby is closed.” I couldn’t check the weather in my cabin!! There’s absolutely no service and cable TV doesn’t work when the power is out! 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ We DID try to cancel our trip early Friday morning due to the tropical storm and they refused to issue a refund. So we made the trip up here, only to wander around looking for nonexistent waterfalls and lay in a cabin with spiders and roaches with no power. If you come up here, be safe on the trails. Don’t go alone. Consider finding a better map than the one they hand out. Take lots of water. Wear long pants. Tons of poison ivy and some parts of the trail are extremely narrow and you will get into the foliage.
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie0693
Madison, AL2,033 contributions
Aug 2020
We had a lovely experience here with our kids 12 & 15. We rented kayaks and the teens that helped us how to kayak since it was our 1st time were real nice and helpful. It's $4 parking fee and we got there just in time. It's a beautiful area to explore. There are lots of trails to hike. There is a store that sells shirts and bottled drinks. There is a public bathroom. Single Kayaks $15/hr
We will return but our next visit we won't hike down to the bottom of the falls. It's kind of a let down due to the rocks let alone the hike down to it has a few difficult areas. The trail was marked well so you don't get lost. If you do trail make sure you have the right shoes like water hiking shoes.
We will return but our next visit we won't hike down to the bottom of the falls. It's kind of a let down due to the rocks let alone the hike down to it has a few difficult areas. The trail was marked well so you don't get lost. If you do trail make sure you have the right shoes like water hiking shoes.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SomeoneInAlabama
Birmingham74 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
We decided to take a weekend RV camping trip to DeSoto State Park in Mentone/Ft. Payne, AL. It’s a nice park but the gravel sites overall looked a little unleveled. However, there were full hook ups in many campsites but now all. The park is also pet friendly. WIFI was adequate. There are several walking trails but we did not walk any or use the bathhouses so I can’t comment on that.
We wanted to also paddle board the river upstream from the falls so this was a great location to camp in order to do that and campers get free entry into the day use area at the falls. It’s about a 7-mile scenic drive from the campground to the falls.
The falls area was beautiful and the paddle was quite fun. The park offers kayak, paddle board, and canoe rentals... not sure of costs as we have our own paddle boards. It was a Saturday but it still didn’t feel crowded. Just a lovely place to camp and for a little fun on the water.
We wanted to also paddle board the river upstream from the falls so this was a great location to camp in order to do that and campers get free entry into the day use area at the falls. It’s about a 7-mile scenic drive from the campground to the falls.
The falls area was beautiful and the paddle was quite fun. The park offers kayak, paddle board, and canoe rentals... not sure of costs as we have our own paddle boards. It was a Saturday but it still didn’t feel crowded. Just a lovely place to camp and for a little fun on the water.
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SpEHsideTraveller
104 contributions
Apr 2022
We had never been to Alabama before. DeSoto State Park proved to be an camping excellent experience. The sites were large, fully serviced, well groomed, basically level and spaced out nicely with decent WIFI (2 bars at site, very good at the office). They offered pull-through and back in options. Comfort stations were easily accessible and the showers were hot. We were delighted with the April Spring weather but it also offered some rain storms and lots of pollen. The camp did provide shelter info in case of a big storm in advance. Luckily, it did not materialize. Good hiking trails, decent birding.
The camp staff were all very helpful and friendly.
This park is centrally located that offers great day trips to Chattanooga (check out the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway), Fort Payne and Little River Canyon.
Whether you want to do Day Trips or hang around the campsite, I would recommend this park to families and couples. We will be back.
The camp staff were all very helpful and friendly.
This park is centrally located that offers great day trips to Chattanooga (check out the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway), Fort Payne and Little River Canyon.
Whether you want to do Day Trips or hang around the campsite, I would recommend this park to families and couples. We will be back.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karenmu11
Huntsville, AL37 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Very good hiking here. We did Boardwalk to Blue trail to Orange trail to Red trail to Boardwalk (2 large-ish waterfalls). Paved & unpaved areas for biking. Many options for lodging. (The waterfall pictured is NOT in the state park. It is a 9 minute drive away & requires $4 entrance fee. A better hike to see Desoto Falls has a trail head located before you enter the entrance fee area. There is a parking lot at its trailhead, but the trailhead is unmarked.)
Written 17 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elsa C. L.
New York City, NY4,953 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Arriving here after lunch isn’t sufficient time to explore it. Coming from Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon SP, the GPS took us to a crossroad that had no sign of Desoto SP, which was strange. It’s a good thing that we continued driving and eventually found an entrance with a sign. Desoto has no entrance fee to drive through or hike trails unless you’re checking in (I guess, into its campground and/or cabins). The boardwalk to the Azalea Cascade falls is an easy hike but the falls is not impressive. We understood from other hikers that to see the Laurel Falls and Lost Falls, it is easier to hike the orange trail.
We found the Lookout Mountain Parkway but there was no sign to any public lookout. The view appears to be from private houses on the mountain top. The lane is narrow and windy. At a bend, a truck from the opposite direction swerved a bit into our lane. It startled me but I managed to control my SUV somehow. Thank you my dear guardian angel👼🏼❣️
We found the Lookout Mountain Parkway but there was no sign to any public lookout. The view appears to be from private houses on the mountain top. The lane is narrow and windy. At a bend, a truck from the opposite direction swerved a bit into our lane. It startled me but I managed to control my SUV somehow. Thank you my dear guardian angel👼🏼❣️
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicolediane
Atlanta, GA737 contributions
Apr 2022
There was no fee for entering the park however there was a $2 fee box for the picnic area. We did a short hike to Indian Falls which was nice. We also did the boardwalk to the Azalea Cascade. It was a pretty area and a short walk. The park needs some improvements. The restrooms at the country Store were disgusting. Many of the picnic tables were broken. Everything seemed to need some updates and repairs. Be aware that Desoto Falls is not in the state park.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
missy4151
Tampa, FL20 contributions
Aug 2022
No entrance fee for the main park itself. Lots of hiking trails but signage is very poor or non-existent for the trailheads, and the trails are marked by blazes. Both small falls within the park that we wanted to see are seasonal and were dry during our visit. A zipline experience is available, as well as an Olympic-sized pool (fee for swimming). Monitor your driving - we did see a ranger pull over a speeding motorist. Note that the DeSoto Falls picnic area and its impressive waterfall is a completely separate area from the main park and is several miles away.
Written 31 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alowat Sakima
5 contributions
Mar 2022
Use to come to the park once a month during the winter, but stopped camping there because of the sodium vapor lights in the camp ground staying on all night. No star gazing here. We explored Little River Canyon, and hiked down to the Humpty Dumpty rapid. We always go swimming there in the summer and have it all to ourselves. On the way to summer I bring the scouts there for a day of swimming. In the Winter we hike several trails and explore other areas. In the spring we come for spring break and spend the week, taking day trips around the area. Great location for hiking, swimming, climbing and caving. We have True Adventure Sports for climbing and rappelling. And did an awesome cave tour with them.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are horses allowed on the trails at the Desoto Park? If so, is there specific parking that we'd need to go to?
Written 4 September 2024
We are considering camping here but uneasy about pulling our camper. Any advise? Is the drive to the campground risky pulling a camper?
Written 11 July 2019
Here at DeSoto we have thousands of campers here a year, with RVs & rigs of all sizes & lengths. We are a mountain park, and some of the roads are curvy and have some elevation. There is one way we recommend coming into the park, which is exit 218 off of I-59-Fort Payne exit. You will be coming up the slope of Lookout Mountain on AL Hwy 35, turning left on Country Road 89 and it is a straight 5-mile shot to the park. Once in the park, follow signs to the Country Store & Information Center to check in, which is directly off of County Road 89. Once you leave store heading to campground, there is a curvy road leading to the campground that is only about 1 mile long. For more detailed directions, go to our website, ALAPARK, click DeSoto State Park, then Plan Your Trip for written directions (be cautious with GPS)
Written 11 July 2019
Yes, over 11 miles of mountain bike trails. Notably,there are 3 loops to start out on and go from there: Gilliam Loop, Never-neverland loop, and Family Bike Loop.The Country Store or Lodge in DeSoto State Park will have paper trail maps that feature all trails, the mountain bike trails are denoted by silver diamonds on the maps.
Written 23 May 2019
Which RV loop is better? The upper loop or lower loop?
Written 8 March 2019
Thank you for your interest in DeSoto State Park! The upper loop is closed until March 15th for the winter. The lower and upper loop sites are both great, call our Country Store for more details on our sites in the upper and lower loop, 256-845-5075. Have a great day!
Written 8 March 2019
Are any special activities planned at the park for spring break? Mar 25-29
Written 6 March 2019
Thank you for your interest in DeSoto State Park! We have a Longleaf Pine Needle Basketry Class going on during that time, along with a few more events. Check out our website or Facebook page to see more information. Have a great day!
Written 8 March 2019
Is the motel pet friendly???? Thank ya !!
Written 29 August 2018
I would like to have a meeting with about 15 people there from 1:30 to 3:30 on August 18th. Do you have any meeting areas, such as a pavilion or some kind of large common room? We just need tables, somewhere to sit, and to be able to hear each other. Thanks! Kris Cook, Dixie ABATE, Birmingham.
Written 4 July 2018
They have a lodge and restaurant, I’d call and ask...seems doable.
Written 13 July 2019
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