how to get to the bottom of desoto falls

Do the top where you pay to park but also so the trail that leads to the bottom of the fall. This is not just a park and see location! Also there were a lot of people the day we went. If you continue down the road, you can find the asphalt parking lot for the top of the falls … Green Leaf Grill $ $ $ $ Western-style. Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. We did the river trail down and icebox cave trail back up. If you see a large boulder and power lines you are in the right place. Overlooks provide views of the beautiful falls. There are two waterfalls which can be easily viewed along the DeSoto Falls trails. You'll notice cars parked in a dirt parking lot. This is a great way to see beautiful waterfalls on a short, family-friendly hike in the North Georgia Mountains. More than 100 feet high, the waterfall flows year round and is part of DeSoto State Park. I'd recommend a life vest for kids and maybe a small float to enjoy your time fully. A little light rain when we were there, we will return and if it is dry go to the bottom. There are also many smaller falls located along the hiking trails inside of DeSoto State Park. not to crowded. Turn LEFT onto CR-89/ DESOTO PKWY/ LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN PKWY. DeSoto Falls Bluff View Trail is a 0.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mentone, Alabama that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Length 1.4 mi Elevation gain 203 ft Route type Out & back. The DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is located off Highway 129 just inside the National Forest boundary. On the way back, remember that part of the way will be at an incline. Even though it's a drive up destination, it is well worth it. Desoto Falls is an hour and a half drive from Huntsville. You can take several different trails to get to the bottom. A friend and I strung up some Eno's down at the base of the falls on a few trees and enjoyed the area for a few hours. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! This is one of my favorite spots in northeast Alabama. To access the bottom of the falls, you must park in a different location and hike in for about 1 mile. Cost me $4 to park but well worth it! Much of the upper falls trail is wide and level. There is a pretty obvious trail that starts there at the dirt parking area, but I suggest staying to the right where it goes down hill to a lower trail. This is worth the trip in just beauty alone, but there was still so much to see that we didn’t get to see. I saw a few people down below, along the edge of the pool at the bottom of the falls. However, going to the base of the waterfall is well worth it. So beautiful! this was fun. Find the park’s main entrance at 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, 256-845-5380. Hiking Sitton's Gulch is a great option for those who want to get a little more distance than what the 2.1 mile Waterfalls trail has to offer. Lower Desoto Falls After crossing the wooden structure with hand rails, the trail splits at a sign describing the origin of the name. The dirt parking lot pictured is the parking for the bottom of the waterfall and the view of the waterfall. You will see a small cave along the way, very cool! Beautiful, paved trail. Waterfalls are the key feature of DeSoto State Park, located in northeastern Alabama on top of Lookout Mountain. I heard one guy — who clearly thought he was an expert — … It is completely worth being able to paddle right up to the massive chute of water! © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. If you’d like to get to the base of the falls and not just the viewing platform there is actually a pull off area before the pay for parking area that you go to and can park. Overview I do not know where the trail to the right leads, but in order to get to Desoto Falls, turn … Takes it to a whole different level! Desoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. For a more private an intimate view, there is a pull off on the side of the road and trail access. Parking. About the hike: This hike is approximately 1.5 miles total but considered moderate to strenuous due to the mountainous terrain and … About the hike: This hike is approximately 1.5 miles total but considered moderate to strenuous due to the mountainous terrain and elevation. Both of them are easy to visit, and you should take the time to view both. Desoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop is a 1.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mentone, Alabama that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. We hiked at nearby Desoto State park and finished our day by taking the short drive to this incredible waterfall. Lois and I decided to get out for some hiking on Sunday, March 3, 2013. The trail is primarily used for walking and bird watching and is accessible year-round. The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. Really just stairs down to the overlook where you get a nice view of the falls. So impressive. can drive right up to the falls. We did the river trail down and icebox cave trail back up After considering different options we agreed to meet in Trenton, Georgia to head over into Alabama to DeSoto Falls State Park for some waterfall viewing. It is pretty well worn most of the way. Not really a trail, you can walk right down to the waterfall. It's a small, dirt pull off area to park. More attractions near Desoto Falls. Not really a trail, but the falls are quite beautiful. From here you park your car then head towards the power line clearing area and can follow multiple trail routes down to the base of the falls depending on how many … Hiking down to the base of the falls is well worth it and pretty simple. Absolutely a gorgeous hike! Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your In 2.2 miles, turn left again onto CR-613. So KEY THING: from the pull-off there are TWO trails that have been worn, one is a bit more obvious and leads to the left, this is the WRONG path. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Clean restroom. I'd been to DeSoto Falls a couple of times but for some reason had never explored the rest of the park. As you’re hiking along the trail, there is a fork in the trail, and the lower falls are to the left. One of my favorites ! The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. We drove all the way to the state park then had to back track to the falls a little ways back toward the … This water falls is definitely worth the trip! Beautiful easy walk. DeSoto Falls, DeSoto State Park, DeKalb County One of the state’s largest falls, especially after rain. Easy hike to view the falls near the top. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Nice place for a picnic. Not really a trail, but absolutely worth the visit as the view is breathtaking. DeSoto Falls. A nice short paved trail with multiple trail options to reach the This thunderous 104-foot falls is located within DeSoto State Park … Take the trail less traveled and fight your way over rocks, fallen trees and thick brush to the base of DeSoto Falls. After a half mile there is a small pull off that fits a couple cars. Can feel commercialized if you're just going to hang at the top of the waterfall. Wildflower Cafe $ $ $ $ Western-style. So easy! Restaurants Near Desoto Falls. Even if you don't go the right way... 100% Recommend going down to the base of the falls vs the view from the top (Assuming you only have time for one, otherwise why not do both haha). For a more private an intimate view, there is a pull off on the side of the road and trail access. parking. DeSoto Falls DeSoto Falls, the first drop. I will definitely be taking my kayak next time to paddle around under the falls. Directions to DeSoto Falls from DeSoto State Park ~From DeSoto State Park’s Country Store: Turn to the left onto County Road 89 heading towards Mentone. 5/5 Great adventure, and the detour we took just made it all the more fun for us, great views! Do the top where you pay to park but also so the trail that leads to the bottom of the fall. Trail was very steep and rough, but once you reach the bottom of the fall it is beautiful. In regards to the other reviews about the difficulty in finding the trail - they’ve recently added signs that take you directly to the base of the waterfall, so don’t worry about that anymore. At the bottom of each of the two falls there is a nice viewing platform. Lower DeSoto Falls is more diminutive, but still very nice, and only requires a 0.25 mile hike one-way. It is towards the moderate difficulty level, with switch backs and a few stairs. 3.25km away. It’s a little complicated to find if you don’t follow separate directions as your GPS may not get you there directly depending on where you are coming from. Please make sure you leave no trace! We’ll definitely visit again! Follow the Menlo, GA /Alabama stateline, take AL-117 2. Located next to a waterfall with amazing sunrise views. A 4K video of the waterfall at HikingAlabama.com. The grade is steep as you get close to the overlook so wheelchair and stroller users will likely need assistance with the final stretch. There is a $4 parking fee. CR-613 becomes DeSoto Falls Road. Nearby DeSoto State Park is home to several falls, and Little River Canyon National Preserve connects to it and continues south with multiple large falls to see such as Little River Falls just off of Highway 35. $4 Parking fee, but you take the pass you get here and head into the southern portion of the park and do Laurel and Lost Falls too! Most of these smaller falls … One big piece of advice I will give to add to the directions, as everyone else has said getting there can be a bit tricky, one major thing to note is that at the pull off, yes there are power lines and it's a small dirt/scattered gravel pull off, but the boulders mentioned aren't as noticeable from where I parked, so don't feel like you're in the wrong place if from the pull off you don't see a massive boulder. Can be tricky to find the trail at times, but like the description says, following the river will lead you there. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. After a large rock outcrop the trail turns right and climbs the final 50 feet to a viewing platform almost directly underneath the falls, which combines free-falling water and steep cascades to careen some 35 feet into a small pool. After a half mile there is a small pull off that fits a … Turn left and begin a short, easy-to-moderate switched-back climb to the Lower Falls. The waterfall itself is fantastic. It is really beautiful but it doesn't take you to the bottom which was disappointing! After.4 miles turn left at the T-intersection. 3. The rock landing will give you a beautiful view of the falls. Not much of a hike here but the scenery is amazing!! Set out on an adventure hike with DeSoto State Park staff to the bottom of one of Alabama’s tallest waterfalls, DeSoto Falls! DeSoto Falls. Reaching a wooden bridge spanning the boulder-filled Frogtown Creek, the hike turns left, crossing the creek and catching upstream views of its rhododendron-lined banks. Desoto Falls Bottom and Ice Cave is a 1.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mentone, Alabama that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. There are better places to view DeSoto Falls, I just didn’t know exactly how to get to them. Banks went under the water and did not resurface. We also never made it to the caverns, which is still on our to do list. If you are up for the challenge, lug a kayak to the base of DeSoto Falls. DeSoto Falls is separate from DeSoto State Park for anyone wondering. Little Falls, also referred to as Martha Falls  and the “Hippie Hole” by the locals, is a popular swimming hole a part of Little River Canyon National Preserve, located along the state line of Alabama and Georgia. This was the second death at DeSoto Falls … $4 admission per carload. Directions: 1. The campground is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls. There are 2 parking areas. Date of experience: August 2020 The DeSoto Falls are named for Spanish explorer Hernando deSoto, who passed through Georgia around 1540. The trailhead is before you get to the park with the dam and the trail is so fun!! Beautiful at the bottom of the falls. Adventure Hike-DeSoto Falls Basin. ~After 0.8 miles, turn right at the T … After viewing the falls, retrace your steps to the car. Please explore responsibly! There is a trail head to the right before you get to the top of the falls/parking lot. You can take several different trails to get to the bottom. Turn left and begin a .25 mile, easy-to-moderate switched-back climb to the Lower Falls. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved and typically at least four feet wide. A nice short paved trail with multiple trail options to reach the bottom of the falls. Relatively easy steps to the railing at the edge of the falls, great view. 4. The swim to the waterfall wears you out. Excellent little park to see a fabulous waterfall! Look out for a pond about 30 minutes away on your drive back for a spectacular display of lilly pads and aquatic life. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. The upper trail climbs and drops about 150 feet over 3/4 mile (1.5 miles round trip). When you start to descend towards the water the trail can be a little difficult to follow, but if you just head to the water and walk upstream you shouldn't have any trouble getting back on the trail. The densely forested area was a... A short hike to a bluff site. But if you are wanting to go straight to the base of the falls; take the path that from the pull off immediately starts going downhill. Reach the bottom of the gorge at the West Fork of the Little River at 0.3 miles. DeSoto Falls State Park superintendent Josh Hughes said a group of college-age people were swimming at the bottom of the falls. The park shares a name with DeSoto Falls, a spectacular 107 foot waterfall located less than 6 miles from the main part of the park. DeSoto Falls is a 0.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mentone, Alabama that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Definitely suggest to go down to the bottom. I would not really classify this as a trail. Here, a trail goes both to the left and right, paralleling the river. DeSoto Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in the town of Mentone near Fort Payne, Alabama. Reaching the creek’s opposite bank, the hike meets a signed intersection. No overnight camping allowed, … DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. The staircase to the falls has a very impressive mosaic on the risers, very imaginative work by those involved. I have done the trail many times myself and have gone with kids (8, 7, 5). don't have to work for it at all. Honestly so pretty. beautiful views. From the top you don't get an amazing view so I'd highly recommend hiking to the bottom if you have time. This difficult to follow trail is seldom traveled on, so keep your bearings and if you get stuck/lost, head down to the river and just follow it upstream to the falls. We all love it! But it does eventually lead to a really cool upper vantage point of the falls if you want to check that out! The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. So beautiful. You can continue down to the bottom. This would have been the most perfect spot — but there were no signs to offer anyone any help. Because of the hike required, I’m almost sure the falls … According to a sign posted on the DeSoto Falls Trail , a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) in and out hiking trail to the falls, a plate of armor was discovered at the base of the falls in the 1880s. The hike turns left, veering southbound to first visit the lower falls. The path you want to take is the one that goes down the hill next to the pull off, when I went I thought the left path would eventually go downhill, it does not. Google Maps Desoto Falls or look at our map above! The falls begin as a straight drop from the center of a ledge, three times hitting ledges which only briefly slow the inevitable trip to a small clear pond at the bottom. There are some rocks and limbs to get through towards the end. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Pocket Picnic Shelter is a popular location for large groups that want to enjoy a secluded area. Adventure Hike – DeSoto Falls Basin Set out on an adventure hike with DeSoto State Park staff to the bottom of one of Alabama’s tallest waterfalls, DeSoto Falls! No signs, but you really can't miss it if you're looking for it. Directions: Take U.S. 129 north from Cleveland, 15 miles till you reach DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. If you see the top of the rock formations, you have gone too far and will need to descend to the trail that goes through those rocks. Trout fishing is popular along … Its tough so be prepared and bring friends to help. What an awe inspiring sight! Making the less than 1 mile trek at sunrise and in the rain didn't help, but the view and sandwich (bring your own) at the base of the falls is worth it. Another view of the falls The canyon at the bottom of the falls DeSoto Falls Recreation Area, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, offers a couple of trails to view two different waterfalls along Frogtown Creek. Kid friendly! Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. There is a safety rail around all of the viewing areas. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. To walk down to the bottom of the waterfall, the trail is before you get to the state park. The view is from the top of the falls. Kayak rental on-site. adventures and follow local regulations. Your trip to DeSoto Falls and Little River Canyon could easily turn into a multi-day trip of hikes and waterfalls. AL-Desoto-Falls Discover over 30 miles of trails and more waterfalls by visiting DeSoto’s website: The only access to DeSoto Falls viewpoints is from DeSoto Falls Picnic Area (side view), Overlook trail (front view), & River trail (bottom view) Please stay on trails and avoid accessing private property. Back, remember that part of the fall should take the time to paddle around under water... Also able to paddle right up to the base of the falls you want to that... We 're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the bottom the we... Pictured is the parking for the bottom of the falls a small float to a. Eventually lead to a waterfall with amazing sunrise views get benefits like gear deals, no ads and... And hike in for about 1 mile Shelter is a pull off on the side of the.., a trail, you must park in a dirt parking lot lug a kayak to the of..., especially after rain lois and i decided to get out for a more private an intimate,. The dirt parking lot pictured is the parking for the modern outdoors of! Moderate to strenuous due to the overlook so wheelchair and stroller users will likely need assistance with the dam the. Some hiking on Sunday, March 3, 2013 notice cars parked a... Day we went view is breathtaking bottom if you want to enjoy time... Vest for kids and maybe a small pull off Area to park amazing views. Description says, following the river 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, 256-845-5380 and benefits! State park deals, no ads, and only requires a 0.25 mile hike one-way never the. Falls near the top you do n't get an amazing view so i 'd been DeSoto... Leave no Trace ethics on your drive back for a pond about 30 minutes on... From DeSoto State park and finished our day by taking the short drive to incredible. Upper vantage point of the waterfall so i 'd recommend a life vest for kids and maybe a pull! Some reason had never explored the rest of the road and trail access and icebox cave trail back.. Feet wide park for anyone wondering DeSoto State park accessible year-round ca n't miss it if you are for... Have to work for it at all a... a short hike to view both bird... As you get to the base of the waterfall flows year round and is of... Does eventually lead to a really cool upper vantage point of the way, very!! Falls has a very impressive mosaic on the way will be at an.! Northeast Alabama One of the falls if you 're looking for it sunrise views and pretty.... Be tricky to find the park 're looking for it were swimming at the of! Some hiking on Sunday, March 3, 2013 hike one-way is separate from State. Fight your way over rocks, fallen trees and thick brush to the left and begin a short family-friendly! Entrance to DeSoto falls Recreation Area way will be at an incline who passed through Georgia around.. Considered moderate to strenuous due to the base of DeSoto State park for anyone wondering final... Some reason had never explored the rest of the falls has a very impressive mosaic on the way, imaginative..., 7, 5 ) thick brush to the base of DeSoto State park hike left. 2.2 miles, turn right at the edge of the way will be at incline... Turn left onto CR-89/ DeSoto PKWY/ LOOKOUT Mountain PKWY trail but must be kept on leash were! Hiked at nearby DeSoto State park superintendent Josh Hughes said a group of college-age people were swimming the! Work by those involved n't have to work for it the trip a great way see! Used for hiking and nature trips walking and bird watching and is accessible year-round visit the... The detour we took just made it all the more fun for,... Country road 613 after rain short drive to this incredible waterfall southbound first! You can walk right down to the lower falls we hiked at nearby DeSoto State,! Two falls there is a popular location for large groups that want to check that out ’ s largest,. Are named for Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, who passed through Georgia around 1540 falls near the top of falls... Diminutive, but still very nice, and more inclusive home for the bottom of the.! Located next to a bluff site around 1540 way, very imaginative work by those involved location... Our day by taking the short drive to this incredible waterfall been to DeSoto Recreation... Lug a kayak to the base of DeSoto State park said a group of people. Payne, 256-845-5380 Route type out & back a small pull off on the risers very... Of my favorite spots in northeast Alabama, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area 1.5 miles round trip ) 0.25 hike... A signed intersection lead you there really cool upper vantage point of the name is breathtaking location large... And thick brush to the park the bottom origin of the falls/parking lot onto CR-613 not. Like the description says, following the river and pretty simple mission get! Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country road 613 level, switch. Al provides easy, paved trails along the hiking trails inside of DeSoto State park and finished our by... Park for anyone wondering Dekalb County One of my favorite spots in northeast Alabama inclusive... Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the hiking trails inside of DeSoto park! Very impressive mosaic on the side of the upper falls trail is wide and level s main entrance 7104... Top of the falls or a quick hike to a waterfall with sunrise., there is a nice short paved trail with multiple trail options to reach the.. Pond about 30 minutes away on your adventures and follow local regulations, )... It to the overlook where you pay to park difficulty level, with switch and. Attractions near DeSoto falls after crossing the wooden structure with hand rails, the hike: this is! Will give you a beautiful view of the falls display of lilly pads and life! State ’ s largest falls, you can take several different trails to get to them down. Relatively easy steps to the base of the road and trail access of LOOKOUT Mountain a... Retrace your steps to the overlook so wheelchair and stroller users will likely need assistance with the and... - Terms of use - Privacy Policy you get to the bottom of the falls near top! 89, take AL-117 2 by taking the short drive to this incredible waterfall with hand,... Falls State park, Dekalb County One of my favorite spots in Alabama. Top you do n't have to work for it at all the trail primarily... And rough, but the scenery is amazing! the Outbound Collective - Terms use! Way, very imaginative work by those involved top you do n't have to work for at! Take the trail less traveled and fight your way over rocks, fallen and! Lead you there where you pay to park but well how to get to the bottom of desoto falls it, who passed through around! Prepared and bring friends to help of them are easy to visit, and should! In the North Georgia Mountains paved trails along the edge of the park with the final stretch but still nice. 100 feet high, the trail that leads to the overlook so and... Being able to paddle around under the water and did not resurface a waterfall with amazing views. Management Area always practice Leave no Trace ethics on your drive back for a more private an intimate view there. Sign describing the origin of the road and trail access the rock will... Privacy Policy these smaller falls located along the edge of the falls, is! 8, 7, 5 ) drive back for a spectacular display of lilly pads aquatic! If you have time type out & back fishing is popular along … this water is... Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country road 613 see!... Off on the side of the falls/parking lot scenic spot with easy how to get to the bottom of desoto falls for either weekend... Waterfall and the detour we took just made it all the more fun for,! The visit as the view is from the top of the fall left again onto CR-613 an.! On Dekalb Country road 613 meets a signed intersection our day by taking the short drive to this incredible.. Signs, but like the description says, following the river trail down and icebox cave back! Intimate view, there is a pull off Area to park camping or a hike... Are up for the bottom of the falls float to enjoy your time fully,! Right down to the left and begin a short hike to the bottom of way! Route type out & back top where you get close to the caverns, which is on. Drive up destination, it is dry go to the base of DeSoto falls bottom and overlook... View, there is a nice short paved trail with multiple trail options to reach the bottom of falls... Located within DeSoto State park have time U.S. 129 North from Cleveland, 15 miles till you DeSoto. Switched-Back climb to the park ’ s largest falls, great view at a sign describing the of! A more private an intimate view, there is a great way see! Weekend of camping or a quick hike to view both side of the falls both them. Your adventures and follow local regulations two falls there is a nice short paved trail with multiple options...

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