DeSoto State Park - Alabama

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DeSoto State Park - Alabama Official page of DeSoto State Park located in Ft. Payne, Alabama. DeSoto Falls, a 107 ft.
(1139)

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 State Park is conveniently located only 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama. 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

Spookapalooza 2027 Campsite Reservations Mark your calendars! Starting Monday, October 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM (CST), we’l...
10/23/2026

Spookapalooza 2027 Campsite Reservations

Mark your calendars! Starting Monday, October 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM (CST), we’ll begin accepting reservations for improved campsites for next year’s Spookapalooza!

This is one of our most popular events, and campsites go VERY FAST, so be ready!

To keep things fair for everyone, please check out the full reservation procedure and see an example request form on our website:

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

Photo: B. M. Hughes, Alabama State Parks

Wear your favorite costume if you dare and visit the candy stations located throughout DeSoto State Park's Improved Camp...
10/22/2026

Wear your favorite costume if you dare and visit the candy stations located throughout DeSoto State Park's Improved Campground where campers are participating in Trick-or-Treating on Saturday, October 24, 2026, beginning at 3:00 PM.

Parking for the public is extremely limited inside the campground. For those people not requiring accommodations, we highly recommend parking at the DeSoto State Park Country Store or Picnic Area and walking up to the Lower loop via the Gold Trail or the Silver Trail.

The gates to the Improved Campground will open at 3:00 PM. No public entry will be allowed before 3:00 PM or after 5:30 PM.
Please DO NOT park on the roadsides, and we kindly request that cars not line up at the gate before 3:00 PM.

Learn more: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/Spookapalooza-Trick-or-Treating

Photo: B. M. Hughes, Alabama State Parks

Fall Color Update (10/21/2026) Moderate (30-50% change)As much as half the vegetation has changed color. In the earlier ...
10/21/2026

Fall Color Update (10/21/2026)
Moderate (30-50% change)

As much as half the vegetation has changed color. In the earlier changing trees, the colors are bright. Late-changing trees remain primarily green. Late-changing trees remain primarily green.
Maples, Sourwood, & Dogwoods are some trees that are changing now, with blooms like gentians, lobelias, asters, goldenrods, ironweeds, & sunflowers showing off.
www.alapark.com/DeSoto-Fall-Color

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

Photo: B. M. Hughes, Alabama State Parks

Fall Color Update (10/16/2026) Low to moderate (10%-40% change)Some clearly defined color changes can be seen, but they ...
10/16/2026

Fall Color Update (10/16/2026)

Low to moderate (10%-40% change)
Some clearly defined color changes can be seen, but they are not yet at their brightest. About three fourths of the foliage is still green.

Maples, Sourwood, & Dogwoods are some trees that are changing now, with blooms like gentians, lobelias, asters, goldenrods, ironweeds, & sunflowers showing off.

www.alapark.com/DeSoto-Fall-Color

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

Photo: B. M. Hughes, Alabama State Parks

Coming up this Sunday, a fun workshop for the fall season!Pre-registration ends 10/16 at 5 PMLet’s roll up our sleeves a...
10/15/2026

Coming up this Sunday, a fun workshop for the fall season!
Pre-registration ends 10/16 at 5 PM

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get a little messy! In this fun, hands-on workshop, participants will create their own charming hypertufa pumpkins while learning how this lightweight, durable material can be used to make unique seasonal and garden décor.
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: 12:00-4:00 p.m. (CST)

More info: https://www.littleriverartscouncil.org/hypertufa-pumpkin.html

Please note: Miller's Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area is closed today, 10/10. The picnic area remains open
10/10/2026

Please note: Miller's Bend Paddle Shack in DeSoto Falls Picnic Area is closed today, 10/10. The picnic area remains open

Did you know that the Black Bear is Alabama’s state mammal? Black bears are native to Alabama, and their population is r...
10/07/2026

Did you know that the Black Bear is Alabama’s state mammal? Black bears are native to Alabama, and their population is rising. Historically found in the state's southwest, bears have also been migrating into northeast Alabama from northwest Georgia in recent years. Following them are myths, tall tales, and misconceptions.

Join DeSoto State Park staff to learn about black bears, test your knowledge, and discover how to live alongside them, including the consequences of a bear becoming a “nuisance.”

Free & open to everyone. No pre-registration required.
Info: https://reserve.alapark.com/register/DSP-Bear-Trivia

Please note: This campfire talk has been cancelled for 10/1 due to weather forecast
10/07/2026

Please note: This campfire talk has been cancelled for 10/1 due to weather forecast

Fall Color Update (10/6/2026) Low (10-30% change)Some clearly defined color changes can be seen, but they are not yet at...
10/06/2026

Fall Color Update (10/6/2026)

Low (10-30% change)
Some clearly defined color changes can be seen, but they are not yet at their brightest. About three fourths of the foliage is still green. Some leaves are falling due to drought conditions, but majority have stayed after last weekend’s rain. Black Gum, Sourwood, Dogwood are some trees that are changing now, with fall flowers like goldenrod, asters, & bonesets in full bloom.

www.alapark.com/DeSoto-Fall-Color

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


Photo: B. M. Hughes, Alabama State Parks

Address

7104 DeSoto Pkwy NE
Fort Payne, AL
35967

Telephone

+12568455380

Website

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