DeSoto Falls Trailhead

From here, there are trails leading to an overlook and the base of the falls, which are better views than the one at the top of the falls, plus, you're not charged for parking if you park at this trailhead. Whereas, if you follow this road all the way to the end and park there, you will be charged for parking (big tip).

This is definitely where it’s at. This was beautiful. We had a lovely picnic lunch down in front of the Falls. It was spectacular. You must do this one lower and upper trails and then on your way back from the falls do the upper part of the lower trailhead and that way you’ll see the cave.

This is an amazing waterfall! It's a beautiful place! I would say it's a medium for difficulty. Most of it is fairly easy, but there are a few spots that are tougher. The sight at the end is so worth it! You can even swim there, too! I would suggest having water shoes with you and a float (keep it deflated until you get there) and you will have a blast!

DeSoto Falls is a beautiful place to visit and is tucked away by a good hike. One route allows you to go to the overlook area and see above the quarry, and the other takes you down towards the water itself. Once you arrive to your destination it's definitely worth it. The water deep and colder the farther out you get which is nice during a hot summer day. I highly recommend swimming or tubing to the waterfall and going under the waterfall before you leave!

The hike is moderate, and definitely has you crawling over some rocks here and there so beware of that if you aren't able to do so it may be a tough hike but for most it's definitely do able.

One of the best nature wonders in Alabama. It's worth seeing both the top and bottom area. The bottom trail that leads to the bank of the fall, take one trail down the riverside and the way back up take the cave trail. Both very worth the hike.

While camping in Desoto State Park (May 2021), we made a trip to the Desoto Falls. As we heard it was busy on the weekends, we chose Tuesday to go to avoid the crowds. The picnic area at the top of the Falls does not open until 9 am, so we decided to hike the Desoto Falls Overlook Trail located outside the park first. The short, but rocky trail to the overlook was well worth the effort. At the end of the trail was a small rock outcrop that formed a smooth platform, just barely big enough for two adults to stand side by side. From this rock, you can view Desoto Falls from above. The Falls sit nearly center in a bowl of jagged rock cliffs and drop 104 feet into a large lake in the canyon below. The view was humbling.

After our hike on the overlook trail, we headed to the Desoto Falls picnic area to view the falls from the top. The picnic area has three levels to view the falls: From the top, looking over the dam, is the historic, but now defunct, A.A. Miller Dam built in 1925 for the first hydroelectric power in Alabama. Above the dam is a lake where visitors can swim, kayak, and canoe.

There is a set of concrete steps leading down from the top to the middle overlook. Each step is decorated in colorful reflective tiles, some spelling words of a famous naturalist, John Muir, a reminder that “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” In the middle are a series of broad falls whee the water pools and channels before its final descent. Follow the path around the rocks and down to the lower overlook where you can see a ribbon-like side view of the 104-foot drop of the falls into the canyon. There is a trail that takes you to the bottom of the falls, but we did not do it this trip.

Great, hiking trail, well marked and very clean! Lots of huge boulders in and even a cave.

It’s an amazing place. The trail isn’t hard to walk and the end of the walk is worth it. Absolutely breathtaking.

This trail may be short, but it is challenging. The teraine is steep and very rocky in a lot of areas.

If you have bad knees, I recommend the upper trail. The upper trail is also pretty and has a view of the falls

Nice trail that is somewhat steep at one point, but overall a fairly easy hike. Short too - less than a mile, with more than half of it along the water. And at the end, you're rewarded with a pretty view of the falls, and a nice place to sit and rest.

We only did the upper trail (the overlook). The trail was well marked till you get near the end only because there are a couple of offshoots. View was good, but not close...that's what the lower trail is for. We weren't dressed for being out longer in the cold.

Beautiful scenery, if you’re going for the waterfalls make sure it’s rained recently!

Great experience with a beautiful waterfall at the end

Use this trail to get to the bottom of the falls. It is a 1.4 mile round trip, pretty easy hike and a very clearly marked trail. Just park on the beaten down dirt that is just off the road. Plenty of parking spots. This is really the best way to see DeSoto Falls

Great trails, gravel parking with only a few spots available

Well marked with pink paint. Lots of roots, but overall easy trail to base of falls. This point takes you right to the parking area off the main road.

Hidden gem! Highly recommend. It’s a short hike but lots of rocks and roots.

Nice place to hike with a rewarding ending by the water

Nice hiking trails for those with steady feet! Large portions of river trail are rocks with elevation changes. Go on the lookout trail for a differnt perspective of the falls, which is easier.

The hike to the bottom of the falls was not difficult and very diverse. We took the pink and white path and found a cool cave. Wish we had brought tubes for floating in the basin. Would love to come back sometime.