DeSoto Falls
- Height
- 107 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
DeSoto Falls drops about 107 ft on West Fork of Little River in DeKalb County, Alabama.
Closures and warnings
Trails from the trailhead are moderate to strenuous on rocky mountainous terrain. Close-toed shoes recommended. Flow can be low or dry in summer and fall. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 107 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | One of Alabama's tallest waterfalls; flow depends on rainfall (high in winter/early spring; lower or sometimes dry in summer/fall). |
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | River |
Access
| Road | Paved |
|---|---|
| Road note | Picnic Area is about 7 miles from the main DeSoto State Park area near Mentone. |
| Parking | DeSoto Falls Picnic Area parking; limited spaces, no roadside or RV overflow. $5 per vehicle. |
| When it fills | Limited parking often fills to capacity on weekends; no overflow or roadside parking. |
| Fee | $5.00 per vehicle parking fee; annual pass $50 for DeSoto Falls Picnic Area only. |
| Hours | Open daily during daylight hours; closes at dusk. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Wheelchair access | Historic A. A. Miller Dam and upper falls open to visitors of all abilities; main lower overlook requires about 50 concrete stairs. |
| Managed by | Alabama State Parks (DeSoto State Park) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Picnic tables, stand grills, restrooms, small boat ramp for kayaks/canoes/paddleboards. |
Rules
| Camping | Not allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is DeSoto Falls open?
Trails from the trailhead are moderate to strenuous on rocky mountainous terrain. Close-toed shoes recommended. Flow can be low or dry in summer and fall. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Open daily during daylight hours; closes at dusk.
How tall is DeSoto Falls?
DeSoto Falls drops about 107 ft.
Can you swim at DeSoto Falls?
Yes, swimming is allowed at DeSoto Falls.
How do you get to DeSoto Falls?
The road in is paved. Picnic Area is about 7 miles from the main DeSoto State Park area near Mentone. Parking: DeSoto Falls Picnic Area parking; limited spaces, no roadside or RV overflow. $5 per vehicle. Limited parking often fills to capacity on weekends; no overflow or roadside parking.
Do you need a reservation for DeSoto Falls?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at DeSoto Falls?
The fee is $5.00 per vehicle parking fee; annual pass $50 for DeSoto Falls Picnic Area only.
When is DeSoto Falls flowing?
One of Alabama's tallest waterfalls; flow depends on rainfall (high in winter/early spring; lower or sometimes dry in summer/fall).
Nearby
Nearest camping
Sources
2
- https://www.alapark.com/AL-desoto-falls (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.fee / hours / parking / parkingPattern / amenities / wheelchairAccess / swimming, waterfall.flowNote / ephemeral false / hazardNote / rules.camping, waterbodyName / access.roadNote / access.permitRequired false, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / waterType river)
- https://www.alapark.com/sites/default/files/2020-08/DESOTO%20FALLS%20PICNIC%20AREA%20%26%20TRAILHEAD%20MAP%20FOR%20WEBSITE.pdf (accessed September 28, 2026; backs waterfall.heightFt)
More: Alabama waterfalls