DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama

DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama Official page of DeSoto State Park in Northeast Alabama. DeSoto State Park is conveniently located only 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama.
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Continuing in the rustic tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), mountainous Desoto State Park is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain in scenic Northeast Alabama and accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will simply take your breath away. Developed in the late 1930s, the hard-working and dedicated men of the CCC made many natural enhancements to the park

that have withstood the test of time and will last for future generations. Come commune with Mother Nature as DeSoto State Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere that holds wonders for people of all ages! DeSoto Falls, a 107 ft. waterfall, is located about 7 miles north of the park heading towards Mentone, Alabama. Lodge Front Desk: 24/7 All Year

Country Store: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (CST) 7 Days a week



Park Trails/Picnic Areas are open dawn to dusk

Start your morning on the water with our August Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip! Join DeSoto State Park staff for a peace...
08/12/2026

Start your morning on the water with our August Daybreak Flatwater Paddle Trip! Join DeSoto State Park staff for a peaceful guided paddle on the beautiful, clear waters of the West Fork of Little River near DeSoto Falls.
Enjoy quiet morning scenery while learning about the area's unique wildlife, plants, and history.
Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 7:00 - 10:00 a.m.
DeSoto Falls Picnic Area - Miller's Bend Paddle Shack

What to know
• Approx. 4-mile round-trip guided paddle on flatwater
• Kayak, paddle, and life jacket included
• Ages 8+
• Must be able to paddle upstream and return
• Weight limits: 300 lbs (single) / 450 lbs (tandem)
• Bring water, snacks, bug spray, and weather-appropriate clothing

Pre-registration required: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Daybreak-Paddle

ADULTS: IT’S YOUR TURN TO PLAY IN THE CREEK!Think creek stomping is just for kids? Think again! Grab your boots and your...
08/11/2026

ADULTS: IT’S YOUR TURN TO PLAY IN THE CREEK!

Think creek stomping is just for kids? Think again! Grab your boots and your inner 10-year-old for the Creek Geeks Watershed Workshop at DeSoto State Park!

Wade into Laurel Creek & the West Fork of Little River and search for crayfish, tadpoles, mussels, snails & other aquatic weirdos!

Get muddy. Get nerdy. Have fun.

More info & registration: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Creek-Geeks

After scoring deals at the World’s Longest Yard Sale this week, head to DeSoto State Park to grab a delicious bite to ea...
08/04/2026

After scoring deals at the World’s Longest Yard Sale this week, head to DeSoto State Park to grab a delicious bite to eat, cool down, or simply breathe in a moment of rest!

Mountain Inn Restaurant Hours
https://www.alapark.com/DeSoto-Mountain-Inn-Restaurant

Miller's Bend Paddle Shack Hours:
https://www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

We’ll see you soon at the park!
https://www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park

Photos: B. M. Hughes/Billy Pope

For World's Longest Yardsale info, see: www.discoverlookoutmountain.com/yardsale.shtml OR www.127yardsale.com

08/04/2026
Looking for a great way to spend the day?Come paddle with us at the Miller's Bend Paddle Shack at the DeSoto Falls Picni...
07/29/2026

Looking for a great way to spend the day?

Come paddle with us at the Miller's Bend Paddle Shack at the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area! Enjoy a relaxing kayak trip on the beautiful West Fork of Little River, with amazing views of DeSoto Falls along the way.

We'll get you set up with a sit-on-top kayak, paddle, and life jacket, and our staff will help you launch from the boat ramp above the A.A. Miller Dam. Paddle as far as you'd like (up to 4 miles round trip), then simply turn around and head back—it's an easy, peaceful flatwater paddle that's perfect for all experience levels.
___________________________________________
Miller's Bend Paddle Shack is normally open on Saturdays & Sundays 10:00-6:00, but will be open a few extra days this week
We're open:
Today (7/29): 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tomorrow (7/30): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
More info: https://www.alapark.com/kayak-little-river

Did you know that the Black Bear is Alabama’s state mammal? Black bears are native to Alabama and their population is on...
07/28/2026

Did you know that the Black Bear is Alabama’s state mammal?

Black bears are native to Alabama and their population is on the rise. Historically found in the southwest area of the state, bears have also been migrating into northeast Alabama from northwest Georgia over recent years. Following in their wake are myths, tall tales, and misconceptions.

Join DeSoto State Park Staff to learn all about the Black Bear while testing your knowledge and discover how to live alongside them—including the consequences of a bear becoming a “nuisance.”

Location: Benefield Nature Center next to the Country Store
Time: 4:00 PM
More information: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Park-Explorer-Adventure-Bear1

Tonight's Campfire Talk has been moved to CCC Pavilion in the Picnic Area-8:00 PM
07/24/2026

Tonight's Campfire Talk has been moved to CCC Pavilion in the Picnic Area-8:00 PM

Join us for a fun campfire talk that is free and open to all! See how our understanding of Earth’s ancient past has grown over time while also diving into the ways fossils have leaped into pop culture.

Location: Improved Campground | Campfire Ring
Time: 8:00 PM

More information: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-CT-Journey

JSU Field School

Join us for a fun campfire talk that is free and open to all! See how our understanding of Earth’s ancient past has grow...
07/23/2026

Join us for a fun campfire talk that is free and open to all! See how our understanding of Earth’s ancient past has grown over time while also diving into the ways fossils have leaped into pop culture.

Location: Improved Campground | Campfire Ring
Time: 8:00 PM

More information: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-CT-Journey

JSU Field School

*Moved to CCC Pavilion in the Picnic Area*Free and open to all! Join us for a Campfire Talk this Friday, where we will e...
07/22/2026

*Moved to CCC Pavilion in the Picnic Area*

Free and open to all! Join us for a Campfire Talk this Friday, where we will explore and discuss some of the most significant discoveries and debates about Earth's ancient past.

Location: Improved Campground | Campfire Ring
Time: 8:00 PM (CST)

More information: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-CT-Paleontology

JSU Field School

Address

7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE
Fort Payne, AL
35967

Telephone

+12568455380

Website

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