DeSoto State Park
Fort Payne, AL
A forested park on Lookout Mountain with waterfalls, creek trails and rocky overlooks along the West Fork of Little River. Visit after rain for the best flow at DeSoto Falls, and in autumn for the leaf colour.
DeSoto State Park lies on Lookout Mountain, about 13 km (8 miles) northeast of Fort Payne, and covers 3,502 acres (about 1,400 hectares). The Civilian Conservation Corps built it in the 1930s; it was established in 1935 and at its dedication on May 24, 1939 it was the largest state park in Alabama. The main attraction is DeSoto Falls, 104 ft (about 32 m) high, about 10 km (6 miles) north of the main area; they rank among the highest waterfalls in the state. The park borders the Little River, which flows toward Little River Canyon National Preserve.
There are more than 40 km (25 miles) of hiking trails, including more than 17 km (11 miles) for mountain bikes. The park has a lodge built by the CCC, cabins, chalets, campgrounds, a restaurant, a nature center and a pool. Allow half a day for the waterfalls and a walk. According to the park, GPS directions are not reliable; use the written driving directions (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Fort Payne, AL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.5017, -85.6136
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Desoto State Park Improved CampgroundCampsite1 mi from DeSoto State Park · 94 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterDogs allowed
- FoxCampsite2 mi from DeSoto State Park
- Camp Skyline RanchCampsite5 mi from DeSoto State Park
- Little River RV Park and CampgroundCampsite7 mi from DeSoto State Park · 42 pitchesTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Wills Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from DeSoto State Park · 43 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWi-Fi
- Backcountry 1Campsite24 mi from DeSoto State ParkTentsToilets
All campsites in Alabama · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is DeSoto State Park?
DeSoto State Park is in Fort Payne, AL, at GPS 34.5017, -85.6136. It is about 37 mi from Fort Oglethorpe.
Can you camp near DeSoto State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Desoto State Park Improved Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near DeSoto State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Little River Canyon National Preserve (8 mi), Cloudland Canyon State Park (24 mi), Cathedral Caverns State Park (35 mi) and Chickamauga Battlefield (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit DeSoto State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)