DeSoto State Park
A bluff and cave-like rock
shelter overlook the west fork
of the Little River at DeSoto
State Park near Fort Payne,
Alabama.
A bluff and cave-like rock
shelter overlook the west fork
of the Little River at DeSoto
State Park near Fort Payne,
Alabama.
DeSoto Falls
Rich in legend, history and
scenic beauty, DeSoto Falls
is easily accessible from the
Lookout Mountain Parkway.
Rich in legend, history and
scenic beauty, DeSoto Falls
is easily accessible from the
Lookout Mountain Parkway.
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - DeSoto State Park, Alabama
DeSoto State Park and DeSoto Falls
| Alabama's DeSoto Falls Located just north of the main park area of DeSoto State Park, DeSoto Falls plunge more than 100 feet. |
Mountain Beauty in Alabama
Some of the most beautiful and historic
country in Alabama can be found in and
around Fort Payne's DeSoto State Park.
Once a homeland of the Cherokee, the park
takes its name from the Spanish explorer
Hernando de Soto. He is believed to have
passed through the area during the 1540s.
Some believe, however, that DeSoto was not
the first European explorer to see the rivers,
canyons and waterfalls of the region.
Tradition holds that Prince Madoc, a Welsh
explorer, may have visited DeSoto Falls as
early as the 12th century A.D.
Although documentation is lacking, some
believe that Madoc landed on Mobile Bay in
the year 1170 and then made his way north
into the mountains of Alabama. The steep
bluffs surrounding DeSoto Falls are the
location of caves that legend holds were
carved by Madoc and his men.
Such legends add mystery and color to a
region that is among the most beautiful and
historic in America. The Cherokee lived here
before the Trail of Tears and both Union and
Confederate troops passed through the area
during the Civil War.
For most visitors, however, natural history
attracts the most attention. DeSoto State Park
and the adjacent Little River Canyon National
Preserve protect some of the most unique
ecosystems in the United States. The Little
River, the west fork of which flows through
the park, is one of the only rivers in the world
that flows almost entirely on a mountain top.
Over thousands of years it has carved a
spectacular canyon into the surface of
Lookout Mountain. Sometimes called the
"Grand Canyon of the East," Little River
Canyon is more than 12 miles long and
reaches depths of more than 600 feet.
A beautiful section of canyon can be found
within the state park and the main area of the
national park is just a few miles away.
DeSoto State Park also offers miles of hiking
trails, beautiful bluffs and rock formations, a
number of small waterfalls, historic sites
related to the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC) and spectacular views of DeSoto Falls.
More than 100 feet high, the waterfall is one
of the most photographed points of interest
in Alabama. Conveniently located off the
Lookout Mountain Parkway, it is easily
accessible via a paved walking path.
The park also features camping and picnic
areas, log cabins, rustic cabins, chalets, a
lodge and hotel, restaurant, country store,
swimming pool, playgrounds and more.
country in Alabama can be found in and
around Fort Payne's DeSoto State Park.
Once a homeland of the Cherokee, the park
takes its name from the Spanish explorer
Hernando de Soto. He is believed to have
passed through the area during the 1540s.
Some believe, however, that DeSoto was not
the first European explorer to see the rivers,
canyons and waterfalls of the region.
Tradition holds that Prince Madoc, a Welsh
explorer, may have visited DeSoto Falls as
early as the 12th century A.D.
Although documentation is lacking, some
believe that Madoc landed on Mobile Bay in
the year 1170 and then made his way north
into the mountains of Alabama. The steep
bluffs surrounding DeSoto Falls are the
location of caves that legend holds were
carved by Madoc and his men.
Such legends add mystery and color to a
region that is among the most beautiful and
historic in America. The Cherokee lived here
before the Trail of Tears and both Union and
Confederate troops passed through the area
during the Civil War.
For most visitors, however, natural history
attracts the most attention. DeSoto State Park
and the adjacent Little River Canyon National
Preserve protect some of the most unique
ecosystems in the United States. The Little
River, the west fork of which flows through
the park, is one of the only rivers in the world
that flows almost entirely on a mountain top.
Over thousands of years it has carved a
spectacular canyon into the surface of
Lookout Mountain. Sometimes called the
"Grand Canyon of the East," Little River
Canyon is more than 12 miles long and
reaches depths of more than 600 feet.
A beautiful section of canyon can be found
within the state park and the main area of the
national park is just a few miles away.
DeSoto State Park also offers miles of hiking
trails, beautiful bluffs and rock formations, a
number of small waterfalls, historic sites
related to the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC) and spectacular views of DeSoto Falls.
More than 100 feet high, the waterfall is one
of the most photographed points of interest
in Alabama. Conveniently located off the
Lookout Mountain Parkway, it is easily
accessible via a paved walking path.
The park also features camping and picnic
areas, log cabins, rustic cabins, chalets, a
lodge and hotel, restaurant, country store,
swimming pool, playgrounds and more.
| Copyright 2008 by Dale Cox All rights reserved. |
DeSoto State Park is located on County Road
89 just outside Fort Payne, Alabama, and is
open to the public year-round. For directions
to the park please enter your address or city
in the form at the bottom of this page or visit
the park's official site by clicking here.
89 just outside Fort Payne, Alabama, and is
open to the public year-round. For directions
to the park please enter your address or city
in the form at the bottom of this page or visit
the park's official site by clicking here.
lor.
Cabin at DeSoto State Park
The park offers a variety of
overnight accommodations
including log cabins, rustic
cabins, chalets, motel and
campgrounds.
The park offers a variety of
overnight accommodations
including log cabins, rustic
cabins, chalets, motel and
campgrounds.
Indian Falls
In addition to DeSoto Falls,
DeSoto State Park is home to
a number of other waterfalls.
Indian Falls, seen here, flows
beneath one of the main trails.
In addition to DeSoto Falls,
DeSoto State Park is home to
a number of other waterfalls.
Indian Falls, seen here, flows
beneath one of the main trails.
Little River Falls
DeSoto State Park is located
within the limits of the Little
River Canyon National
Preserve and provides the
nearest accommodations to
the national park.
DeSoto State Park is located
within the limits of the Little
River Canyon National
Preserve and provides the
nearest accommodations to
the national park.
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Online Tour of DeSoto State Park
DeSoto State Park in Winter
DeSoto Falls
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Falls
Fort Payne, Alabama
Mentone, Alabama
Waterfalls of Alabama
Historic Sites in Alabama
Explore other Southern Historic Sites
DeSoto State Park in Winter
DeSoto Falls
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Falls
Fort Payne, Alabama
Mentone, Alabama
Waterfalls of Alabama
Historic Sites in Alabama
Explore other Southern Historic Sites
