DeSoto Falls: Alabama's Majestic Cascade

DeSoto Falls, located near Mentone, Alabama, is a stunning 104-foot waterfall on the West Fork of the Little River. The falls are named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who led an expedition through the area in 1540. The waterfall's powerful cascade has carved a small canyon over time, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. Historically, the falls were the site of Alabama's first hydroelectric dam, built in 1925. The dam provided electricity to nearby towns, marking an important milestone in the region's development. Today, the dam remains a visible part of the landscape, offering a glimpse into the area's past. Visitors can experience DeSoto Falls in several ways. The DeSoto Falls Picnic Area provides easy access to the upper falls and the A.A. Miller Dam, with paved pathways suitable for all visitors. For a closer view of the main falls, a short walk down 50 concrete stairs leads to an overlook. Several hiking trails offer different perspectives of the falls and the surrounding canyon. The Overlook Trail is a moderate 0.45-mile path to a cliff overlooking the front of DeSoto Falls. The River Trail (0.7 miles) and Bluff Trail (0.3 miles) lead to the basin below the falls, offering a more challenging hike with impressive scenery. The amount of water flowing over the falls varies depending on rainfall, with higher water levels in winter and early spring. In the summer and fall, the water level may be lower or even dry.