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More Cool Waterfalls Super easy almost no hiking required 2 waterfalls stop! This is a great spot for families or people who don't want to hike much to see some great falls. This was one of the pioneering hydroelectric stations at one time. They dammed up the river and made another waterfall and created a little lake area.
We went to Desoto state park and there's zip lining there but did not participate. The park mainly hiking trails. We headed to the falls. At first was upset because I thought it was just a dam but as you walk further in you see the falls! It was great! No hiking at the falls themselves so we drove back to the trailhead right before the falls. The hiking isn't the easy trail. It has lots of rocks and it's steep in areas but so worth it. Make sure you have proper shoes! The trail is marked nicely.
DeSoto Falls is a unique 104 foot three-tiered waterfall that looks like a hodgepodge of three falls scrapped and molded into one! The first "tier" is a man-made dam called A.A. Miller Dam that is about 20 feet tall. The water then flows horizontally over a large rock shelf to the upper fall which is roughly 12 feet tall. After that it immediately falls over a plunging 70+ foot final drop into a wide pool of water in what looks like a stone amphitheater. All around the waterfall are nothing but sheer cliffs, so making your way to the waterfall base requires a 2 mile hike. To reach the overlook for the falls you will first take a short path from the parking lot that leads to a staircase of about 50 steps. The steps lead you to the rock shelf between the dam and upper falls. Once there you can also follow the railing around to a side view of the lower falls. The view isn't ideal, but it's the best shot you are gonna get without hiking or a drone. IF YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN, be watchful as the overlook railing is not suitable for them. Lots of tripping hazards could send a small child through the large openings easily if they lose their balance. FINAL THOUGHTS Oddly the falls are not located in the main area of DeSoto State Park. It's actually about 7 miles away and requires a $5/vehicle parking fee. I can't imagine spending much time here other than to visit the waterfall, but there are picnic tables available and I believe I saw kayak rentals. We, however, only came for the waterfall. ENJOY! 2020 / 30
**as seen on Tiktok @sydneyyrhodess** Desoto Falls was one of my favorite trips thus far! I was so shocked to see such a beautiful site so close to home. Desoto has a few points to make note of if you decide to visit. #1 Is the overlook view. If you're new to hiking or waterfalls it's good to know that most have an overview and sometimes that's all they may have. Desoto's overview is breathtaking and for some may be all you need however, it's good to know that you can drive out as though you're leaving and you'll end up passing a parking area which will put you directly by the trails that take you down to the floor of the falls. #2 would be to keep your eye out for the parking pad looking space that leads you to the trails. The hike is about 1 mile down and back but it's steep and in some spaces strenuous. It is NOT dog friendly so definitely be mindful of bringing pets. I've seen instagram pictures of people swimming, I personally went on a week day so it was not crowded nor where the people there swimming but you could definitely dip your feet in if you wish! Other than that I highly recommend visiting Little River Canyon which isn't too far from Desoto if you want to make a two in one day trip of these locations!
We did this as a day trip with kids aged 7-14 and adults aged 30s-40s. Parking (May 2023) was only $4. We had lunch before coming at Mentone Market. The kids swam on the river side and then we explored the area around the upper part of the falls. Afterwards we went back up into Mentone and had ice cream in the little cabin shops located on the main road. If you have knee or hip issues this can be challenging in parts due to the stairs and the uneven rocky edges. Take it slow and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. No flip flops, crocs type shoes would be a good idea. We did see people of all ages and abilities doing the area around the falls. For those who are unable to do that part the river side would be enjoyable. It has a wheelchair friendly ramp going down toward a small beach like section. Family friendly. Great for kids of all ages. We did encounter a few leeches so beware and check yourself over. It is nature so we expect to find things like that. Highly recommend. NOT IN THE MAIN AREA OF DESOTO STATE PARK which is located in Fort Payne. This is located 8 minutes from Mentone, AL.
We've been a few times now and have enjoyed it every time we've come. This most recent trip, there were tons of people out and several people were having a hard time coming up with a place to park. I think that a majority of the people there were there because, it had rained recently, which obviously impact the falls and they were hoping to get a glimpse of fall colors. The fall colors are just now starting, but not sure how much we will actually get since we went from really hot to really cool/cold. But the drive in is a great way to enjoy the fall colors if they are good. The water fall is impressive and starts at a dam level then flows to the first step of the falls - maybe a 20' - 25' drop - then hits the secondary fall that is easily 50'. Great back drops for some amazing pics. Would really like to come back and hike down below to get a good view of the secondary fall (not a good spot to see it in full from above). Great place to go and spend a couple hours exploring. Also, if you like to kayak, there have been people above the dam kayaking both times we have been here.
Don't get this DeSota Falls confused with DeSota Falls in Georgia. This DeSota Falls is in Alabama! A few months ago after taking my friend to Cloudland Canyon since she's never been, we went to eat at Trading Post Smokehouse close by https://www.yelp.com/biz/trading-post-smokehouse-rising-fawn-2 The sweet lady suggested us to go to DeSota Falls in Alabama since it's 30 mins away. She says it's worth it. Because we were tired already, I said I would go back. And I did. I went to DeSota Falls in Alabama with my husband. On the way there, we passed James H. Floyd "Sloppy" State Park, which I have visited with the family before https://www.yelp.com/biz/james-h-floyd-state-park-summerville If you want to go straight to the waterfalls, follow your GPS cause it takes you there. You will see signs for the state park when you get closer but take a left instead of going straight. It is no fees to park and enter. There is a donation box. You can swim and kayak at the state park. Public bathrooms are also available. To get to the waterfalls, go pass the damn, follow the sidewalk, it will take you to the stairs to walk down to the waterfalls. Easy. Beautiful site. The damn is cracking though, you can definitely see it. The drive is worth it. If you want a much more challenging hike, go to Cloudland Canyon, which I think is moderate. 225/2019
It's $4 to park, and beware of using a card- it might tell you unable to read card....and charge you three times. lol~ oh well, it went to the parks. I ended up wandering away from John and climbed down a section I saw others climbing up and apparently wasn't supposed to be there... oh darn. John went the correct way and came down the stairs. Meanwhile I had the dam behind me for selfies and was standing next to the first set of falls. The big drop falls into a huge bowl. The rock face is simple stunning. There is a fenced off viewing section and a little path to the right- it doesn't go far, but you can get a better view of the big falls. The dammed area had beautiful reflections on the water of the fall leaves. But the actual falls were the show stopper. I also loved the artistic mosaic stairs. Simply gorgeous! I wish we had more time and could've hiked so many of the other local falls!
Amazing place right under or nose here in alabama. Great Alabama state park set up very nicely. This would be a great place to have a picnic and hang out all day very peaceful. A great day spent in a state park.
(Yes I am posting about past visits but this is a review nonetheless ) Chilly, crisp, but beautifully refreshing at Desoto Falls! Our picture is actually the start of the upper falls at the end of a dam outlet but the rush and glory of so much water was a sight to see, and very relaxing to listen to. The lower falls is accessible fifty or so steps down a staircase. You could feel the mist on your face at the lookout (which has two levels, the second right at the barrier that drops off to the Falls and the best shot for pictures, the first for the faint of heart and further away). read more
1 year ago
The most beautiful place to view a spectacular waterfall and breathtaking Fall foliage! Pictures don't do it justice. You have to see it for yourself! read more
5 years ago
More Cool Waterfalls Super easy almost no hiking required 2 waterfalls stop! This is a great spot for families or people who don't want to hike much to see some great falls. This was one of the pioneering hydroelectric stations at one time. They dammed up the river and made another waterfall and created a little lake area. read more
We went to Desoto state park and there's zip lining there but did not participate. The park mainly hiking trails. We headed to the falls. At first was upset because I thought it was just a dam but as you walk further in you see the falls! It was great! No hiking at the falls themselves so we drove back to the trailhead right before the falls. The hiking isn't the easy trail. It has lots of rocks and it's steep in areas but so worth it. Make sure you have proper shoes! The trail is marked nicely. read more
6 years ago
DeSoto Falls is a unique 104 foot three-tiered waterfall that looks like a hodgepodge of three falls scrapped and molded into one! The first "tier" is a man-made dam called A.A. Miller Dam that is about 20 feet tall. The water then flows horizontally over a large rock shelf to the upper fall which is roughly 12 feet tall. After that it immediately falls over a plunging 70+ foot final drop into a wide pool of water in what looks like a stone amphitheater. All around the waterfall are nothing but sheer cliffs, so making your way to the waterfall base requires a 2 mile hike. To reach the overlook for the falls you will first take a short path from the parking lot that leads to a staircase of about 50 steps. The steps lead you to the rock shelf between the dam and upper falls. Once there you can also follow the railing around to a side view of the lower falls. The view isn't ideal, but it's the best shot you are gonna get without hiking or a drone. IF YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN, be watchful as the overlook railing is not suitable for them. Lots of tripping hazards could send a small child through the large openings easily if they lose their balance. FINAL THOUGHTS Oddly the falls are not located in the main area of DeSoto State Park. It's actually about 7 miles away and requires a $5/vehicle parking fee. I can't imagine spending much time here other than to visit the waterfall, but there are picnic tables available and I believe I saw kayak rentals. We, however, only came for the waterfall. ENJOY! 2020 / 30 read more
**as seen on Tiktok @sydneyyrhodess** Desoto Falls was one of my favorite trips thus far! I was so shocked to see such a beautiful site so close to home. Desoto has a few points to make note of if you decide to visit. #1 Is the overlook view. If you're new to hiking or waterfalls it's good to know that most have an overview and sometimes that's all they may have. Desoto's overview is breathtaking and for some may be all you need however, it's good to know that you can drive out as though you're leaving and you'll end up passing a parking area which will put you directly by the trails that take you down to the floor of the falls. #2 would be to keep your eye out for the parking pad looking space that leads you to the trails. The hike is about 1 mile down and back but it's steep and in some spaces strenuous. It is NOT dog friendly so definitely be mindful of bringing pets. I've seen instagram pictures of people swimming, I personally went on a week day so it was not crowded nor where the people there swimming but you could definitely dip your feet in if you wish! Other than that I highly recommend visiting Little River Canyon which isn't too far from Desoto if you want to make a two in one day trip of these locations! read more
3 years ago
We did this as a day trip with kids aged 7-14 and adults aged 30s-40s. Parking (May 2023) was only $4. We had lunch before coming at Mentone Market. The kids swam on the river side and then we explored the area around the upper part of the falls. Afterwards we went back up into Mentone and had ice cream in the little cabin shops located on the main road. If you have knee or hip issues this can be challenging in parts due to the stairs and the uneven rocky edges. Take it slow and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. No flip flops, crocs type shoes would be a good idea. We did see people of all ages and abilities doing the area around the falls. For those who are unable to do that part the river side would be enjoyable. It has a wheelchair friendly ramp going down toward a small beach like section. Family friendly. Great for kids of all ages. We did encounter a few leeches so beware and check yourself over. It is nature so we expect to find things like that. Highly recommend. NOT IN THE MAIN AREA OF DESOTO STATE PARK which is located in Fort Payne. This is located 8 minutes from Mentone, AL. read more
We've been a few times now and have enjoyed it every time we've come. This most recent trip, there were tons of people out and several people were having a hard time coming up with a place to park. I think that a majority of the people there were there because, it had rained recently, which obviously impact the falls and they were hoping to get a glimpse of fall colors. The fall colors are just now starting, but not sure how much we will actually get since we went from really hot to really cool/cold. But the drive in is a great way to enjoy the fall colors if they are good. The water fall is impressive and starts at a dam level then flows to the first step of the falls - maybe a 20' - 25' drop - then hits the secondary fall that is easily 50'. Great back drops for some amazing pics. Would really like to come back and hike down below to get a good view of the secondary fall (not a good spot to see it in full from above). Great place to go and spend a couple hours exploring. Also, if you like to kayak, there have been people above the dam kayaking both times we have been here. read more
Don't get this DeSota Falls confused with DeSota Falls in Georgia. This DeSota Falls is in Alabama! A few months ago after taking my friend to Cloudland Canyon since she's never been, we went to eat at Trading Post Smokehouse close by https://www.yelp.com/biz/trading-post-smokehouse-rising-fawn-2 The sweet lady suggested us to go to DeSota Falls in Alabama since it's 30 mins away. She says it's worth it. Because we were tired already, I said I would go back. And I did. I went to DeSota Falls in Alabama with my husband. On the way there, we passed James H. Floyd "Sloppy" State Park, which I have visited with the family before https://www.yelp.com/biz/james-h-floyd-state-park-summerville If you want to go straight to the waterfalls, follow your GPS cause it takes you there. You will see signs for the state park when you get closer but take a left instead of going straight. It is no fees to park and enter. There is a donation box. You can swim and kayak at the state park. Public bathrooms are also available. To get to the waterfalls, go pass the damn, follow the sidewalk, it will take you to the stairs to walk down to the waterfalls. Easy. Beautiful site. The damn is cracking though, you can definitely see it. The drive is worth it. If you want a much more challenging hike, go to Cloudland Canyon, which I think is moderate. 225/2019 read more
6 years ago
It's $4 to park, and beware of using a card- it might tell you unable to read card....and charge you three times. lol~ oh well, it went to the parks. I ended up wandering away from John and climbed down a section I saw others climbing up and apparently wasn't supposed to be there... oh darn. John went the correct way and came down the stairs. Meanwhile I had the dam behind me for selfies and was standing next to the first set of falls. The big drop falls into a huge bowl. The rock face is simple stunning. There is a fenced off viewing section and a little path to the right- it doesn't go far, but you can get a better view of the big falls. The dammed area had beautiful reflections on the water of the fall leaves. But the actual falls were the show stopper. I also loved the artistic mosaic stairs. Simply gorgeous! I wish we had more time and could've hiked so many of the other local falls! read more
DeSoto Falls is separate from DeSoto State Park for anyone wondering. It's a little complicated to find if you don't follow directions as your GPS may not get you there directly depending on where you are coming from. We drove all the way to the state park then had to back track to the falls. We initially paid and parked at the dam area which is very nice and you can swim in it. It was moderately crowded, but everyone was spread out for the most part. There's a decent area for parking and a pay for parking box. 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. From here you park 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 miles you want to go or different things you want to see. It's not too far of a hike down, but can be a bit confusing if you don't have the Trail routes planned. We found ourselves hurdling downed trees and climbing over some rocks to get where the open view of the falls is. Once we got to the falls it's a great place to swim or just sit and relax. The views are wonderful and it wasn't all that crowded. Everyone was still spaced out pretty well. This is well worth the hike down if you're considering staying at the top or coming down to the bottom. read more
6 years ago
