DeSoto State Park~Fort Payne, Alabama

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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.
(1148)

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

06/15/2026

New StoryWalk book on the Chalet Trail in DeSoto State Park!

Light the Sky, Firefly! by Sheri M. Bestor

If you’re not familiar, a StoryWalk is a fun, interactive way to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. As you hike along the Chalet Trail, you can read the story page by page while enjoying the scenery.

A simple, family-friendly way to make a hike even more enjoyable—stop by and check it out next time you’re in the park!

Come experience nature in person at DeSoto State Park:
www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park

06/10/2026

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Little River under the light of the full moon!

Join DeSoto State Park staff for a relaxing Moonlight Guided Paddle on the crystal-clear waters of the West Fork of Little River. As the sun sets and the full moon rises, you'll enjoy a peaceful evening on the water surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. There's nothing quite like experiencing the magic of the gloaming hours from a kayak!

Saturday, June 27, 2026, weather dependent
DeSoto Falls Picnic Area – Miller's Bend Paddle Shack
Pre-registration is required and closes June 22.

More info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Moonlight-Paddles

06/08/2026

Calling all young explorers! The Alabama State Parks Junior Ranger Program is a fun way for kids to discover nature, learn about conservation, and explore the outdoors.

Complete the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide, earn an official Certificate of Achievement and Junior Ranger Badge, then visit any Alabama State Park to make it official! Get started today: Alapark.com/JuniorParkRanger

DeSoto's upcoming Jr. Ranger programs: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Junior-Ranger

Photo Credit: Scottie Jackson, Alabama State Parks

06/06/2026

Discover the beauty of the tiny world around us on June 13, 2026!

Join artist Courtney Kinneman for Artful Entomology: A Lifelike Insect Workshop and create your own beautifully detailed moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and more using felt, paint, wire, and mixed-media techniques. No experience needed. Just bring your creativity and curiosity!

For more info and pre-registration, visit https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/lifelikeinsects.html

06/05/2026

Black bears are native to Alabama, and their numbers have been slowly increasing. However, it’s still very uncommon to see a black bear in DeSoto State Park, and if you do, it’s usually from a distance.

Discover how to become BearWise in your community: www.bearwise.org

For even more info, visit www.outdooralabama.com/black-bear/alabama-black-bears

06/04/2026

Wanting to arrive a few days before camp drop-off and wondering where to stay? Make it a fun kickoff by exploring the trails, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors together here at our park. Book your adventure today at https://tinyurl.com/ReserveDeSoto

It’s a great way for the whole family to unwind, settle in, and get familiar with the area. And by the time camp begins, everyone will already feel right at home!

06/03/2026

Learn the traditional art of bark basket making at DeSoto State Park on June 20, 2026.

In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how bark is removed, folded, and crafted into functional containers. Participants will begin creating their own bark basket to finish at home and will also receive a pre-dried, folded bark basket to decorate and complete during class. No experience is necessary, and all tools and supplies are included.

This adults-only class is limited to just 6 participants, so register early to reserve your spot!

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

06/01/2026

Calling all young explorers! Check out our Skills Series: Become a Nature Sleuth with Laura Grace Clark on June 13, 2026.

In this fun, hands-on class, kids ages 6–12, will become nature detectives as they explore the outdoors, sharpen their observation skills, and express their discoveries through journaling, sketching, and creative documentation. Participants will learn age-appropriate ways to use all their senses, ask great questions, and keep notes like true nature sleuths.

Learn more and register today:
www.littleriverartscouncil.org/naturesleuth.html

05/30/2026

The wait is over.This weekend kicks off DeSoto State Park's Campfire Talk Series!

Join us for an exciting season of educational and entertaining programs held under the stars at DeSoto State Park. From June through October, many Friday and Saturday evenings come alive with fascinating stories, wildlife discoveries, and outdoor adventures around our large campfire ring in the improved campground.

Throughout the season, you'll have opportunities to learn about some of the park's most interesting subjects, including snakes, frogs, butterflies, birds, owls, paleontology, local history, Hernando de Soto's journey through the Southeast, and much more.

Campfire Talks are open to all ages and free for all to attend. Bring a chair, gather around the fire, and experience the wonders of nature and history in one of Alabama's most beautiful parks.

Come make memories, learn something new, and discover the incredible natural and cultural heritage of DeSoto State Park.

Photo: B. M. Hughes

Learn more and plan your visit: www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park/park-events

Address

7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE
Fort Payne, AL
35967

Telephone

+12568455380

Website

https://www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park

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