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DeSoto Falls Picnic Area: A Natural Oasis

Discover DeSoto Falls Picnic Area: Alabama's majestic 104-foot waterfall, offering hiking, boating, and scenic views in a historic state park setting.

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DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, nestled within DeSoto State Park near Mentone, Alabama, is home to one of the state's tallest and most stunning waterfalls. Named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, the area offers accessible views of the upper falls and the historic A.A. Miller Dam, with a path leading to the main 104-foot waterfall.

A brief summary to DeSoto Falls Picnic Area

  • 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 waterfall flow.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited and fills up quickly.
  • Bring kayaks or rent them nearby to explore the West Fork of Little River.
  • Take the short hike to the canyon overlook for stunning views of DeSoto Falls.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Mentone, AL, head north on AL-117 N/State Hwy 117 N. Turn left onto County Road 89. Continue onto DeSoto Falls Rd. The DeSoto Falls Picnic Area will be on your left. Note that GPS can be unreliable in this area. Parking at the picnic area costs $4 per vehicle. Parking is limited, especially on weekends.

  • Walking

    From the DeSoto Falls Trailhead parking area, walk approximately 1 mile along Highway 613 to the entrance of the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area. Be cautious of traffic along the road. Once inside the picnic area, follow the paved paths to the falls overlook and other attractions. There is a $4 per vehicle fee to park at the picnic area.

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Discover more about DeSoto Falls Picnic Area

DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, a scenic section of DeSoto State Park, is located approximately seven miles from the main park area, near Mentone, Alabama. The centerpiece, DeSoto Falls, is named in honor of the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who led an expedition through the region in 1540. The falls plunge 104 feet into the West Fork of Little River, carving a beautiful canyon. Visitors can easily access the historic A. A. Miller Dam and the upper falls. A paved path leads down approximately 50 concrete steps to a railed overlook, offering panoramic views of the main waterfall and the canyon below. The amount of water flowing over the falls depends on rainfall, with the highest levels typically occurring during the winter and early spring. During the summer and fall months, the water level is considerably lower, and the falls may even dry up completely during extended dry spells. In 1925, A.A. Miller constructed a hydroelectric dam just above the falls, the first such project in North Alabama. The electricity generated powered several nearby towns. Though the hydroelectric plant is no longer in operation, the dam remains a prominent feature. The picnic area has tables, grills, and restroom facilities. A small boat ramp provides access to the West Fork of Little River for boating, swimming, and fishing. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are popular choices. Several hiking trails also originate near the picnic area, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding forest and canyon.

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