Points of Interest
Points of Interest
In addition to all the fun things to see and do in DeSoto State Park, there are many things to see and do in DeKalb County, Alabama.
Dekalb County's Tourism Office: www.visitlookoutmountain.com
Mountain Lakes Tourism Association: www.northalabama.org
Little River Canyon National Preserve
One of DeSoto State Park's partner agencies, Little River Canyon National Preserve is located about 10 miles south of DeSoto State Park on AL Hwy 35. Known as one of the deepest canyons East of the Mississippi, numerous small waterfalls and creeks dot the landscape along with massive sandstone bluffs, large expanses of rocks, rapids and rock outcrops. JSU's Little River Canyon Center is the headquarters/visitor center of Little River Canyon
Fort Payne, Alabama
Fort Payne, the largest town along the Alabama portion of the Lookout Mountain Parkway, boasts an intriguing history – from the famed Sequoyah, who developed an entire alphabet for the Cherokee Nation, and the tragic Trail of Tears Indian removal to a great industrial boom era, subsequent bust and thriving hosiery industry. Located 8 miles from DeSoto State Park-boasts shopping & dining opportunities.
Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce
Dekalb County Landmarks, Inc (Historical association)
Mentone, Alabama
Nestled in the woodlands atop the western brow of Lookout Mountain, the historic and scenic village of Mentone hosts antique stores, arts and crafts shops, galleries and restaurants. Located 10 miles away from DeSoto State Park on Lookout Mountain.
Mentone Area Preservation Association
The Groundhog (Mentone's local paper)
Large Waterfalls in our Area
DeSoto Falls
DeSoto Falls is one of the tallest and most visited waterfalls in Alabama; Named for Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, the 107 foot waterfall is part of DeSoto State Park on Lookout Mountain.
Located just off the Lookout Mountain Parkway, the waterfall is reached via a paved pathway that leads a few hundred yards from the parking lot down approx. 50 steps to the railed overlook. The historic A. A. Miller Dam & the upper falls can be seen by visitors of all abilities, but the lower or main waterfall requires a walk down concrete stairs to the rock overlook.
The DeSoto Falls Picnic Area is open daily during daylight hours. Visitors will enjoy a beautiful lake, picnic area, grills, and other facilities as well as the waterfall. There is access to the West Fork of Little River, over 35 miles of trails, and more waterfalls in the main park area of DeSoto State Park, which is located 7 miles away from DeSoto Falls area.
The amount of water going over the falls depends on the amount of rainfall. In the winter and early spring the water level is high. During the summer and early fall, the water level is much lower. Driving Directions to DeSoto Falls(PDF file)
Little River Falls
Located in the Little River Canyon National Preserve 10 miles South of DeSoto State Park, 45-foot Little River Falls is located off Alabama Highway 35 in Fort Payne, Alabama. The most popular way to see Little River Falls is via the falls parking lot across the Al Highway 35 Bridge. A 100-foot ADA-accessible boardwalk leads from the parking lot to an overlook near the falls. The Little River Falls parking area is open daily during daylight hours
The amount of water going over the falls depends on the amount of rainfall. In the winter and early spring the water level is high. During the summer and early fall, the water level is much lower.
GRACE'S HIGH FALLS
Located in the Little River Canyon National Preserve a several miles South of DeSoto State Park, this 133 foot waterfall is one of the tallest in the state. The Graces Falls Overlook can be reached by taking the Canyon Rim Drive (AL Hwy 176) off of AL Highway 35.
The amount of water going over this seasonal waterfall depends on the amount of rainfall. In the winter and early spring the water level is high. During the summer and early fall, the water level is much lower.
