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DeSoto Falls Picnic Area: Alabama's Natural Masterpiece

Discover the beauty and history of DeSoto Falls, one of Alabama's tallest waterfalls, nestled in the scenic DeSoto State Park.

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DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, near Mentone, Alabama, is home to one of the state's tallest and most stunning waterfalls [7]. Named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, the area offers scenic views, hiking trails, and a glimpse into Alabama's natural beauty and history [7, 8].

A brief summary to Desoto Falls Picnic Area-DeSoto State Park

  • Monday 6 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-7 pm
  • Friday 6 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during winter or early spring for the most impressive water flow [7, 9, 18].
  • Arrive early on weekends, as parking is limited and fills up quickly [7].
  • Bring appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be slippery [5].
  • Consider bringing kayaks or canoes to enjoy the West Fork of the Little River [4, 7].
  • Check the official DeSoto State Park website for updates on fees and conditions [3].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Mentone, AL, head north on AL-117. Turn left onto County Road 89, then turn left onto County Road 613. Continue onto DeSoto Parkway to reach the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area. Parking is $4 per vehicle [4, 7].

  • Walking

    From the parking area, follow the paved path to the top of the falls. For a closer view, descend the staircase to the observation deck at the base of the falls [6, 20]. The trail to the base is approximately 0.25 miles [7].

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Discover more about Desoto Falls Picnic Area-DeSoto State Park

DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, a unit of DeSoto State Park, is a captivating destination centered around the magnificent DeSoto Falls [7]. Located near Mentone, Alabama, atop Lookout Mountain, the falls cascade 104 feet into a canyon, creating a breathtaking spectacle [3, 7, 10]. The picnic area provides easy access to both the top and base of the falls, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur from multiple vantage points [6, 7]. The area is steeped in history, named after Hernando de Soto, who explored the region in the 16th century [7, 8, 13]. Legend has it that artifacts from his expedition were discovered near the falls [5, 11, 15]. In the early 20th century, the falls powered one of North Alabama's first hydroelectric dams, supplying electricity to nearby towns [15, 20]. Today, DeSoto Falls Picnic Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts [7, 15]. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, swimming, and kayaking in the West Fork of the Little River [4, 7]. Several trails offer different perspectives of the falls and the surrounding forest [5, 6, 16]. The area's natural beauty and historical significance make it a must-see attraction in Northeast Alabama [3, 10, 13].

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