DeSoto Falls
Is it open? Open1.4 mi round tripModerate to strenuous
No closure posted by Alabama State Parks. Source: Alabama State Parks, checked October 28, 1:06 a.m.
A 107-foot waterfall on the West Fork of Little River, seven miles from the main part of DeSoto State Park. The easiest view is the side view, a short paved walk and about 50 steps from the picnic area. The River trail to the basin is 1.4 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous over rocky ground. The park doesn't say whether swimming is allowed in the basin. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
At a glance
The walk, the climb and how hard it is.
1.4 mi
Round trip to the basin
The side view is a short paved walk and about 50 steps from the picnic area.
Alabama State Parks, checked October 26, 2026The gorge in 3D
The pink line is the short walk from the picnic area to the side view. The park's River and Overlook trails aren't on the trail map yet. Drag to turn it.
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Shaded relief: USGS 3DEP lidar. Elevation: USGS via AWS Terrain Tiles. Trails © OpenStreetMap contributors.
The water right now
Live from the National Weather Service and NOAA radar. Check again before you get in.
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Good to know
The park's rules, fees and hours, each with where it came from.
- Rules
- Swimming: the park doesn't say for the basin below the falls. Wear close-toed shoes and bring extra water; the park says to hike at your own risk.Alabama State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
- Fee
- $5 per vehicle to parkAlabama State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
- Hours
- Daily during daylight; closes at duskAlabama State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
- Dogs
- Allowed on a leash on most Alabama state park trails; not in swimming areasAlabama State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
- Restrooms
- At the picnic areaAlabama State Parks, checked October 26, 2026
Parking and directions
Directions go to the parking lot, never to the falls.
DeSoto Falls Picnic Area
DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, DeSoto State Park, near Mentone, AL
Limited spaces; often full on weekends at peak times. No overflow or roadside parking, and no RVs or trailers.
Source: Alabama State Parks, checked October 26, 2026. Map pin: OpenStreetMap.Weather at the falls
The National Weather Service forecast for this spot.
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Nearby spots
Open and closed labels come from each land manager's own pages.
Open
Little River Falls
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Open
Cherokee and Hemlock Falls
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Photos on Unsplash: Loc Giang, Sam Dellaporta