| Copyright 2007 by Dale Cox All rights reserved. |
DeSoto Falls - Alabama
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DeSoto State Park - Lookout Mountain, Alabama
Located high atop Lookout Mountain near the picturesque
Alabama cities of Fort Payne and Mentone, DeSoto State Park is
one of the state's most unique and beautiful public parks.
The park, which includes nearby DeSoto Falls, is entirely within
the limits of Little River Canyon National Preserve, a national
park area established in 1992. A partner in the operation of the
preserve, the state park provides accommodations, camping and
other facilities.
Located along a spectacular canyon noted for its bluffs,
waterfalls and beautiful running water, DeSoto State Park is rich
in both natural and cultural history. Many of the park facilities
were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
during the Great Depression.
Originally established in 1935 as "State Park No. 5," the park was
created on 950 acres of land donated by the citizens of Fort
Payne and Mentone. CCC workers built the park and much of
their original handiwork can still be seen. The original cabins
were unique among many CCC projects because they were
equipped with electric lights and running water. These rustic
cabins are still in use, as are more modern chalets and log
cabins.
In addition, the park offers a nature center, motel, lodge, hiking
trails, restaurant, boardwalk, store and an outstanding natural
setting.
There are a number of small waterfalls in the park. Indian Falls,
just off the main park road, splashes over a series of ledges
creating a picturesque ravine in the edge of the bluff. Laurel Falls
and Lost Falls can also be seen along the park's hiking trails
and Lodge Falls is located adjacent to the lodge and motel. Not
all of these falls run year round and the best time to see them is
during the rainy season.
DeSoto State Park is located on County Road 89 about five miles
off State Road 35 south of Fort Payne. The trip from Interstate 59
at Fort Payne to the park takes less than 30 minutes.
Alabama cities of Fort Payne and Mentone, DeSoto State Park is
one of the state's most unique and beautiful public parks.
The park, which includes nearby DeSoto Falls, is entirely within
the limits of Little River Canyon National Preserve, a national
park area established in 1992. A partner in the operation of the
preserve, the state park provides accommodations, camping and
other facilities.
Located along a spectacular canyon noted for its bluffs,
waterfalls and beautiful running water, DeSoto State Park is rich
in both natural and cultural history. Many of the park facilities
were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
during the Great Depression.
Originally established in 1935 as "State Park No. 5," the park was
created on 950 acres of land donated by the citizens of Fort
Payne and Mentone. CCC workers built the park and much of
their original handiwork can still be seen. The original cabins
were unique among many CCC projects because they were
equipped with electric lights and running water. These rustic
cabins are still in use, as are more modern chalets and log
cabins.
In addition, the park offers a nature center, motel, lodge, hiking
trails, restaurant, boardwalk, store and an outstanding natural
setting.
There are a number of small waterfalls in the park. Indian Falls,
just off the main park road, splashes over a series of ledges
creating a picturesque ravine in the edge of the bluff. Laurel Falls
and Lost Falls can also be seen along the park's hiking trails
and Lodge Falls is located adjacent to the lodge and motel. Not
all of these falls run year round and the best time to see them is
during the rainy season.
DeSoto State Park is located on County Road 89 about five miles
off State Road 35 south of Fort Payne. The trip from Interstate 59
at Fort Payne to the park takes less than 30 minutes.
| Bluff and Cave Entrance DeSoto State Park Lookout Mountain, Alabama |
| Indian Falls DeSoto State Park Lookout Mountain, Alabama |
| Log Cabin DeSoto State Park Lookout Mountain, Alabama |