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

9/26 4:00 PMPre-registration closes 9/25 at 5 PMPark Explorer Adventure Series: From Forest to Canvas- Leaf PoundingLeaf...
09/23/2026

9/26 4:00 PM
Pre-registration closes 9/25 at 5 PM

Park Explorer Adventure Series:
From Forest to Canvas- Leaf Pounding
Leaf pounding is a simple, stunning technique, historically used by Native American women to decorate fabric. Pounding with a rock or a hammer transfers the natural dyes of a leaf to fabric while retaining the design of the original leaf. In this class, join DeSoto State Park Naturalist Brittney Hughes on a quick walk to ID leaves that can be used for leaf pounding, then get a chance to unleash your creativity to make a beautiful and unique piece of fabric to take home. Participants can also bring their own fabric like t-shirts, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, etc. as long as it is 100% cotton. This class is for ages 8 to adult.
More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-SSS-LeafPounding

This Friday, 9/25Park After Dark Fireside ChatA laid-back evening around the campfire with s'mores, good conversation, a...
09/23/2026

This Friday, 9/25
Park After Dark Fireside Chat
A laid-back evening around the campfire with s'mores, good conversation, and the serene sounds of nature. Explore the frog pond, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire under the stars.
Join DeSoto State Park staff to get to know the park after dark, talk about any critters we wish, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the night.
More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/Park-After-Dark-Fireside-Chat

9/26: Campfire Talk: Native Alabama Wildlife From the forests and fields to our backyards and waterways, wildlife is all...
09/22/2026

9/26: Campfire Talk: Native Alabama Wildlife

From the forests and fields to our backyards and waterways, wildlife is all around us! Alabama is home to an incredible variety of native wildlife, from tiny bats and rodents to powerful predators and unique species like the nine-banded armadillo. Join Cecilia Johnson from Jacksonville State University, for an entertaining look at some of Alabama’s fascinating native animals.
Discover the wildlife that calls Alabama home and learn about their unique adaptations, behaviors, and the important roles they play in Alabama’s ecosystems.

8:00–9:00 PM
More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-CT-AL-Wildlife

Last chance to join this class!Saturday, September 19th-2:00 PMUnleash your creativity under the stars in this immersive...
09/18/2026

Last chance to join this class!
Saturday, September 19th-2:00 PM

Unleash your creativity under the stars in this immersive oil painting class focused on capturing the beauty of night skies! Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this course will introduce you to a variety of techniques to create breathtaking nocturnal landscapes. You’ll learn how to blend rich, luminous colors, create depth and atmosphere, and paint glowing moons, stars, and dramatic clouds that bring the night to life.
No prior art experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to experiment.

More info: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/nightskies.html

Coming up Saturday, September 19th!Campfire Talk: Cherokees: The Way We WereJoin guest speaker Mirandi Reese Watson to d...
09/17/2026

Coming up Saturday, September 19th!

Campfire Talk: Cherokees: The Way We Were
Join guest speaker Mirandi Reese Watson to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Cherokees of Lookout Mountain, Alabama, spanning across Etowah, Cherokee, and DeKalb counties. Discover the fascinating stories and traditions of the Tsalagi Tribes of Lookout Mountain, Alabama, to honor their legacy and delve into the depths of their past.

More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-CT-Cherokee

Coming up this Friday, September 18th!Campfire Talk: Wildcrafting and EthnobotanyJoin DeSoto State Park staff for an exp...
09/17/2026

Coming up this Friday, September 18th!

Campfire Talk: Wildcrafting and Ethnobotany
Join DeSoto State Park staff for an exploration of wildcrafting, the ancient practice of gathering and using wild plants for food, medicine, and crafts. Learn how different cultures have harnessed the power of plants throughout history, uncover the stories behind some remarkable native species, and discover how these traditional practices continue to influence modern life.

More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-CT-Wildcrafting

DeSoto's Civilian Conservation Corps Museum -open Saturdays 12-4 (or by appointment) Swing by while in the park to visit...
09/12/2026

DeSoto's Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
-open Saturdays 12-4 (or by appointment)
Swing by while in the park to visit this interesting little museum located at the 'contact station' which was originally the only entrance into the park. Take a step back in time to learn about this Depression-era program that developed DeSoto State Park and other parks all over the U.S.A.

Info: www.alapark.com/parks/DSP-CCC-museum

9/12 10 AM-4 PM (drop in anytime)DeSoto's Country Store on County Road 89Demo: Twining & Natural FibersArt & Education I...
09/12/2026

9/12 10 AM-4 PM (drop in anytime)
DeSoto's Country Store on County Road 89

Demo: Twining & Natural Fibers
Art & Education Inspired by Nature & History!

Join living historian Monica Newman Moore for an engaging demonstration of twining, an ancient finger-weaving technique with roots stretching back over 9,000 years. Using natural fibers, Monica brings history to life by sharing the cultural significance, practical uses, and timeless beauty of this traditional craft. Through hands-on insight and storytelling, all ages will gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and materials our ancestors relied on.

More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-SSS-NaturalFibers

9/12 10 AM-4 PM (drop in anytime)Demo: Twining & Natural FibersArt & Education Inspired by Nature & History!Join living ...
09/10/2026

9/12 10 AM-4 PM (drop in anytime)

Demo: Twining & Natural Fibers
Art & Education Inspired by Nature & History!

Join living historian Monica Newman Moore for an engaging demonstration of twining, an ancient finger-weaving technique with roots stretching back over 9,000 years. Using natural fibers, Monica brings history to life by sharing the cultural significance, practical uses, and timeless beauty of this traditional craft. Through hands-on insight and storytelling, all ages will gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and materials our ancestors relied on.
More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-SSS-NaturalFibers

Calling all Girl Scouts! Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend is almost here! Come and explore our State Parks to celebr...
09/10/2026

Calling all Girl Scouts!
Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend is almost here!

Come and explore our State Parks to celebrate the national event, Girl Scouts Love the State Parks! Over 25,000 Girl Scouts around the USA will be participating with their troops and families. Your troop or family can bring their own picnic style lunch to enjoy at the park.

DeSoto State Park ON your Own-There are many ways Girl Scouts can enjoy THEIR state park. Take a hike, go birding on a walk along the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail, kayak the river, go waterfall hunting, go mountain biking, take a dip in Little River.

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS:
9/12 Bartram's Wake Guided Paddle
9/12 DeSoto Scout Trail Guided Hike
9/12 Wildflower Watercolors-Fall Blooms

For more info and to register, visit the link below:
https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Girl-Scouts-Weekend

Address

7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE
Fort Payne, AL
35967

Telephone

+12568455380

Website

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