A 104-foot waterfall reached from its own dedicated day-use area in DeSoto State Park.
De Soto Falls drops about 104 feet, one of the signature waterfalls inside DeSoto State Park near Fort Payne in DeKalb County. Unlike most of the park's trail-accessed waterfalls, it sits in its own day-use area roughly seven miles from the main park, with dedicated parking and a picnic area facing the falls. The park's other hiking trails run for more than 35 miles total, but De Soto Falls itself is set up as a short, dedicated stop rather than a backcountry hike.
Access is via the De Soto Falls Picnic Area and trailhead off County Road 613; Alabama State Parks warns that GPS directions to the falls are unreliable and recommends using its own written driving directions, with trailers and RVs advised to approach via Alabama Highway 35 from Interstate 59 instead. A $5 per-vehicle fee applies to park at the falls, separate from the main park, which has no general entrance fee. Check with the park office for current conditions and the printable trailhead map before visiting.
Know before you go
De Soto Falls Picnic Area, DeSoto State Park, off County Road 613, about 7 miles from the main park (Fort Payne, DeKalb County). GPS directions are unreliable; use the park's written directions.
Open dawn to dusk year-round; check with the park office for current conditions.
Short walk from the De Soto Falls Picnic Area parking to the falls view; exact distance not published on the official page.
$5 per vehicle to park at De Soto Falls; the main park has no general entrance fee.
Not specified on the official page; contact the park office for current accessibility details.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Alabama State Parks — DeSoto State Park ↗
- Alabama State Parks — DeSoto State Park, Plan Your Trip ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
