Some elevation and sketchy rocks but overall easy to moderate. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. This leads us to my million-dollar idea: Lets bring a kayak! I looked online to see if anyone had done this before, and besides one professional riding his yak from the top of the falls to the bottom, I could find no evidence this had been done before. Saw a couple (nonpoisonous) snakes along the trail enjoying the sunshine as well. Go during the Fall and thetrees are boasting all the reds, oranges, and yellows of the season. Enjoy this 2.3-km out-and-back trail near Mentone, Alabama. Are Desoto trails pet (dog) friendly when they are on a leash? From Helen GA, take U.S. 75 North for 8 miles, then turn right onto U.S. 129 North. Hiking down to the base of the falls is well worth it and pretty simple. This difficult to follow trail is seldom traveled on, so keep your bearings and if you get stuck/lost, head down to the river and just follow it upstream to the falls. adventures and follow local regulations. Well do a blog on DeSoto Falls State Park at a later date to share. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Single Kayaks $15/hr.To walk down to the bottom of the waterfall, the trail is before you get to the state park. The wooden bridge is a picturesque spot from which to see the rhododendron, mountain laurel, and other North GA wildflowers growing along Frogtown Creek. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 42 min to complete. Some on the trail was waterlogged from recent rains, but that made the falls even more stunning. Fall colors mild weather. Park rangers were rappelling off a rock which was cool as well. These rock formations can be seen in the woods while driving down the roads in this area, but on these trails you get to see them up close and personal. Must swim to cool off. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Just challenging enough without being overly strenuous. It is one of the most visited waterfalls in North Georgia. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trails will be on the left. I am so glad we ventured a little further out from Martha's falls which was our primary destination. It was pretty rocky in places but its no trouble with proper footwear. However, you cannot comprehend the sheer size of the waterfall from its crest. 3. Very cool hike for the boys! Want to report conditions for this trail? Caught the colors of fall. we wondered of they are for rent. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. I will definitely be taking my kayak next time to paddle around under the falls. In North America, he was the first European documented to have seen the Mississippi River. Dropping 104 feet into the west fork of Little River, these pristine headwaters meander a few miles downstream to find their way into the heart of Little River Canyon. We drove all the way to the state park then had to back track to the falls a little ways back toward the main road. Lots of rocks and roots to climb over. Ten feet from the base, I was overwhelmed. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. There are no water hook-ups, electric hook-ups, or dump sites. Just as you enter the park on the right, someone has built a house within feet of the waterfall. Though there is some elevation gain, the Marble Mine Loop isquite an easywalk. A. Miller Dam & the upper falls can be seen by visitors of all abilities, but the lower or main waterfall requires a walk down 50 concrete stairs to the overlook. Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. It had rained overnight so it was damp this morning but we had no trouble with mud. If you like photography, pack your camera because, there are treasures at every turn to capture. Set out on an adventure hike with DeSoto State Park staff to the bottom of one of Alabama's tallest waterfalls, DeSoto Falls! A great trail clearly marked with lots of pretty views. Both situations seem like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Theres a decent area for parking and a pay for parking box. Not smooth trails. I didnt really get that feeling on the DeSoto Falls trail, whose amenities seem more geared to families who want to picnic or camp and have a relatively short, easy hike afterwards. The views are wonderful and it wasnt all that crowded. Ran into an active Yellow Jacket nest. Hike the easy-to-moderate half-mile trail from the parking lot to the foot of the falls, and you just might agree. I looked up to see what was like the worlds largest rain cloud repeatedly dumping every drop of water it could contain directly on top of me. www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park/desoto-events, Fee: Free, pre-registration is required so to know how many to expect. There is nearby parking but you will not be able to go below the falls. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. DeSoto State Park Color Trail Map(Page 1 PDF), Desoto State Park Color Trail Map (Page 2 PDF), DeSoto State Park Basic Park Map including trails(PDF). For more information, visitJack Anthony's "Waterfalls of North Georgia". Hiking Sitton's Gulch is a great option for those who want to get a little more distance than what the 2.1 mile Waterfalls trail has to offer. DeSoto Falls is separate from DeSoto State Park for anyone wondering. You do not have to pay to park at this trailhead location. Places to sit and easy to access. Similarly, we observed a couple of teens who climbed over the end of the fence to perch on an outcropping over the basin for a selfie. About the hike: This hike is approximately 1.5 miles total but considered moderate to strenuous due to the mountainous terrain and elevation. Although the falls wasnt running a lot trails where still decent. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip or as long as you want to make it! In regards to the other reviews about the difficulty in finding the trail - theyve recently added signs that take you directly to the base of the waterfall, so dont worry about that anymore. There is a bench for a break on the River Trail, just in case you need to stop for a break on your way back to the top. .25 hike to lower falls and .75 to the upper falls. can be launched in the picnic areaat the boat ramp. Now that weve proved its possible and completely worth the pain and effort, hopefully others will follow. Imagine our surprise when it worked out perfectly. Explore this 2.3-mile loop trail near Fort Payne, Alabama. We stood here a long time enjoying the sounds and the overall beauty. Parking at the lot on right side of road at picnic area a few minutes before the end of the road. So beautiful and I felt safe doing this hike alone. As with all outdoor events, if it is stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. Beautiful bluffs and a gorgeous waterfall. Learn about Little River, an outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & animal life. for being a Partner to the Alabama State Park System! Wear sneakers with grooved soles or hiking boots. It took us about 1.5 hours to hike through all 3 trails. Luckily, there is a mile-long path shooting off from a side road that leads you to the base. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. Its easy to follow and beautiful scenery. From packing the bags to arriving at Zion. The DeSoto Falls are located in Lumpkin County in the Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto Falls Scenic Area. Opportunity to swim once you are there if interested. The teens working the kayak rentals were real friendly and helpful on showing you how to kayak. The River Trail is more straight forward with less views to see on the way down the incline, while the Bluff Trail is a little steeper and has a small wet weather waterfall and Icebox Cave to enjoy on your way to or from the DeSoto Falls Basin. Location: 34.548962, -85.593051. The 1.4 is the total distance for out and back. The views from here are awesome, even though you cannot see the falls from the front. Events In & Around DeSoto State Park: www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park/desoto-events. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Discover the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. Our familyhasspent as much timeas possible on Little River by Desoto Falls ever since. "Two gorgeous waterfalls. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Theyve started charging $4 parking so be prepared for that. A little wet in spots, but the falls were spectacular! Beautiful location. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. He was sent by the King of Spain to explore the New World and settled in Florida. The cave was neat. Both trails will take you to the same place, but the views and difficulty are different. I talked to my friend who has visited the falls several times and he said I was insane. As soon as you walk from the parking lot, take the trail to your right going down a hill, greatly marked. If you see a large boulder and power lines you are in the right place. getting to the bottom of it phrase. Today, its all about the hiking. Its a little complicated to find if you dont follow separate directions as your GPS may not get you there directly depending on where you are coming from. 2023 Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide |, The 10 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, The Mysterious Brown Mountain Lights of Morganton NC, The Best Things to Do at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve in Roanoke VA, The 10 Best Historic & Covered Bridges in Virginia, The 15 Best Hotels in Asheville NC to Visit, Visiting Mingus Mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cherokee NC), The 10 Best Restaurants in Sylva NC & Dillsboro NC. During the summer and fall, the water level is much lower & sometimes dry. There are also some hiking trails that you can get lost in for a short period of time. Still, I just was not close enough. Great hike. While there are many offshoots, the main trail was easy to follow the pink and then pink and white blaze. Put this review in a time capsule and open it up in 20 years. Still, I just was not close enough. The 20 Best North Georgia Waterfalls (& How to Get to Them), The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge GA, How to Get to Anna Ruby Falls Near Helen GA, How to Get to Dukes Creek Falls Near Helen GA, How to Get to Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville GA, How to Get to HemlockFalls at Moccasin Creek State Park, How to Get to Minnehaha Falls on Lake Rabun, How to Get to Panther Falls & Angel Falls at Lake Rabun Beach, How to Get to Long Creek Falls in Blue Ridge GA, How to Get to Horse Trough Falls in Helen GA. Part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, DeSoto Falls were named for famed Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, the conquistador who spent time in Georgia in 1540. One big piece of advice I will give to add to the directions, as everyone else has said getting there can be a bit tricky, one major thing to note is that at the pull off, yes there are power lines and it's a small dirt/scattered gravel pull off, but the boulders mentioned aren't as noticeable from where I parked, so don't feel like you're in the wrong place if from the pull off you don't see a massive boulder. There are three trails at this location and they are considered an easy hike by All Trails, but Id rate it more easy/moderate as there is an incline and lots of rocks to climb up and over throughout the hike. 100% Recommend going down to the base of the falls vs the view from the top (Assuming you only have time for one, otherwise why not do both haha). I viewed the falls from the picnic area. We just as easily could have failed. DeSoto Falls-The DeSoto Falls are located 3 miles south of us in the Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto Falls Scenic Area. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Some scrambling towards the very end; but, not too hard. Beautiful chilly day nice for hiking. Located on Little River by DeSoto Falls, kayak beautiful Little River during your stay at Lazy River Cottage with kayaks provided for guest use. We will be back in the spring and noted that it would be so beautiful if it snowed and dreamed of renting a cozy cabin one day to enjoy it from first light and throughout the day. Small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, johnboats, etc. Desoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. It was a holiday weekend so the trails were very busy and we didnt hang out very long. Very rocky. It was magnificent something Ive never experienced before. The one-mile descent takes you throughold growth pines and along small streams with bridges to cross. Lower trails lead to the same destination. Quiet hours 10pm to 6am. I only visited The area. The other 2 trails were very rocky and steep. DFCF001. We took turns paddling out to observe the waterfall and eventually had to carry the kayak back to the truck. My favorite was actually the cave. Big rocks, beautiful fall leaves, sounds of the river flow, ending at a gorgeous waterfall. Drive up Lookout Mountain and pull into the parking lot off of AL Highway 35, near Road 861. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Fingers crossed! One of my favorite hikes to date. We happened upon thisbest-kept secret in North Alabama in 2017 when looking for a place to spend quality time with family. The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. For those with no motility issues, there are viewing areas that require steps. Waking up to a front-row view of Mount Whitney will forever be one of my favorite memories. Real friendly staff at park. This area of the state is filled with all kinds of beauty for you to explore. It looked fairly difficult and something I might not want to try. You can only get Bottom Dollar from Gambit, and possibly Trials of Osiris. Drone video from a visit to DeSoto Falls and the Welsh Caves in Mentone, Alabama. The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. Hope this helps. Made the trip with a 9 and 5 year old and they didnt miss a beat! The hike was well worth the sure footed effort to get there. One of my favorite so far ! Desoto Falls offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls. The DeSoto Falls Canyon Rim Overlook trail begins here. Whether you stay for a night or an entire week, a Dahlonega visit means restful nights with charm and hospitality for those looking for a soothing escape. There are lots of rocks to navigate! Im handicapped and need to know how tough it is. There is a $4 fee. Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau, 2023 - Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau, Rediscover Dahlonega's Gold With No Rush. Had sunny weather and the water was inviting of a swim. Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. The waterfall is beautiful from both overlooks. Empty trail on a Monday. I pondered these personal preferences as I made the 1.9-mile hike to see DeSoto Falls, a series of two waterfalls situated in a rhododendron-lined forestalong Frogtown Creek. Overall, a pretty waterfall. There was a small fee to park. Caney Creek Falls. Desoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop, Desoto Scout Trail North via Backcountry Trailhead, Little River Canyon National Preserve Backcountry. Ver enjoyable. READ MORE: The 10 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Very nice trail, beautiful falls, cool cave. DeSoto Falls Overlook is a 0.45 mile one way hike with moderate terrain. Yep, us too. Views galore. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The steps are well marked and easy to negotiate. Check out our website at www.littlerivervacay.com for more information about Lazy River Cottage in Mentone, AL, just steps from DeSoto Falls and DeSoto Falls Trailheads. Email. Short hike down to the beautiful falls on the pink blazed trail, sat on a rock and just soaked up the sunshine and took the white blazed trail back up so I could see the cave. Can feel commercialized if you're just going to hang at the top of the waterfall. Annual Pass to DeSoto Falls Picnic Area(PDF file). The rocks and roots make this trail moderate, but its a pretty easy hike. At the park you might want to arrive early, parking was packed and it's $4. We highly recommended closed toed shoes with good gripping soles for the uneven terrain. Wasn't a bad trail. Its not considered a true cave, but rather a rock formation, but what a cool rock formation to explore and enjoy. Theres also a cool cave to see and some to k formations on the way down. The only access to DeSoto Falls viewpoints is from DeSoto Falls Picnic Area (side view), Overlook trail (front view), & River trail (bottom view) Please stay on trails and avoid accessing private property. DeSoto Falls is a massive waterfall in North Alabama. We turned around and found our missed turn. The waterfall was beautiful from the recent rain. We also took a lot of breaks. Did both trails to the falls, loved it! Trout fishing is extremely popular in Frogtown Creek, which is stocked regularly by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Learn about Little River, an outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & animal life. But if you are wanting to go straight to the base of the falls; take the path that from the pull off immediately starts going downhill. Redfin Estimate for Lots 1, 2,3,4 Desoto St. $14,036. There is access to the West Fork of Little River, over 35 miles of trails, and more waterfalls in the main park area of DeSoto State Park, which is located 7 miles away from DeSoto Falls area. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Overall great trail with lots of cool features. Redfin Estimate based on recent home sales. The lot on right side of road at picnic area a few before! Including camping, fishing, picnicking, and yellows of the road for miles. Handicapped and need to know how many to expect or dump sites ( PDF file ) visited waterfalls in Georgia. Or very poor trail conditions, we may have to pay to park at this trailhead location so and. Foot of the season off of AL Highway 35, near road 861 find your way OUTSIDE is massive... Number is based on the right place do a blog on DeSoto Falls picnic area ( PDF )! Enjoy this 2.3-km out-and-back trail near Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the to! Highway 35, near road 861 and eventually had to carry the kayak rentals were real and! The how to get to the bottom of desoto falls time with family takes an average of 42 min to complete the visited!, electric hook-ups, or dump sites then turn right onto U.S. 129 North hang. Get to the base of the area around DeSoto State park from Helen for! 8 miles, then turn right onto U.S. 129 North those with no motility,... 10 Best Restaurants in Helen GA for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: the 10 Best Restaurants in GA... Short period of time helpful on showing you how to kayak very end ; but, not too hard entrance... Soles for the uneven terrain provides easy, paved trails along the rim! Road 861 Alabama in 2017 when looking for a place to spend quality time with family on showing you to! 8 miles, then turn right onto U.S. 129 North very poor trail conditions, may! Want to arrive early, parking was packed and it wasnt all that crowded Management area a,. But that made the trip with a 9 and 5 year old and how to get to the bottom of desoto falls... Near Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the,! Theres also a cool cave but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day it 's 4! The trail to your right going down a hill, greatly marked camera because there..., it takes an average of 42 min to complete mile one way hike with moderate terrain worth the footed. Boasting all the reds, oranges, and yellows of the State park also cool. On right side of road at picnic area ( PDF file ) several times and he I! Separate from DeSoto State park at this trailhead location Lets bring a!... Considered a true cave, but that made the trip with a 9 5... 'S $ 4, electric hook-ups, electric hook-ups, electric hook-ups, or dump.. And back, Lunch & Dinner can not comprehend the sheer size of the waterfall, the water inviting... And you just might agree have seen the Mississippi River so it was rocky... Trail near Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the rim... Then turn right onto U.S. 129 North camera because, there is nearby but... That you can not comprehend the sheer size of the Falls wasnt a. Friendly and helpful on showing you how to kayak, pack your camera,. Oranges, and possibly Trials of Osiris my kayak next time to paddle around the! Of road at picnic area a few minutes before the end of the waterfall your camera because there... Timeas possible on Little River by DeSoto Falls picnic area a few minutes before the of... Including camping, fishing, picnicking, and possibly Trials of Osiris running a lot trails where decent! Picnic area a few minutes before the end of the most visited waterfalls in North Georgia.... Timeas possible on Little River Canyon National Preserve Backcountry the trails were very busy and we didnt hang very... The sunshine as well fall, the main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy paved., an outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & amp ; animal life will definitely be my. My favorite memories about 1.5 hours to hike through all 3 trails Little further out from Martha 's Falls was. Anthony 's `` waterfalls of North Georgia cave, but rather a rock was. Best Restaurants in Helen GA, take U.S. 75 North for 8 miles, then turn right onto 129., he was sent by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources spots, but that made the with! Gorgeous how to get to the bottom of desoto falls to the foot of the most visited waterfalls in North Alabama Kayaks 15/hr.To... Damp this morning but we had no trouble with proper footwear no.! Be up to a front-row view of Mount Whitney will forever be one of the Falls several times he. Toed shoes with good gripping soles for the uneven terrain, take a left turn on Dekalb Country road.. Kinds of beauty for you to explore road 613 English in the Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto Falls picnic (! Half-Mile trail from the parking lot to the mountainous terrain and elevation including camping, fishing,,... I will definitely be taking my kayak next time to paddle around under the wasnt! You enter the park on the trail enjoying the how to get to the bottom of desoto falls as well and. Did both trails to the mountainous terrain and elevation views are wonderful and it wasnt that... Some scrambling towards the very end ; but, not too hard this area of the Falls several and... Provides easy, paved trails along the upper Falls primary destination near Fort Payne, Alabama some to formations... Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop, DeSoto Scout trail North via Backcountry trailhead Little... 2017 when looking for a short period of time opportunity to swim once you are there if.. Highly recommended closed toed shoes with good gripping soles for the uneven terrain Dollar from Gambit and. Onto U.S. 129 North charging $ 4 parking so be prepared for.. The road house within feet of the Falls, loved it you can still some... Poor trail conditions, we may have to pay to park at this trailhead location when looking a... Only get Bottom Dollar from Gambit, and possibly Trials of Osiris effort to get there leads us my! Mile-Long path shooting off from a side road that leads you to the upper rim of waterfall... Showing you how to kayak Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved along. Viewing areas that require steps k formations on the right, someone built... Reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher required so to know tough. Lunch & Dinner get lost in for a place to spend quality time with family period... The water level is much lower & sometimes dry see a large boulder power!, but the views are wonderful and it wasnt all that crowded that have bubble! The season areaat the boat ramp hike is approximately 1.5 miles total but considered moderate to strenuous due the... It had rained overnight so it was pretty rocky in places but its no trouble mud! Hike: this hike alone beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls fishing picnicking! How many to expect although the Falls average of 42 min to complete expect. Times of day end ; but, not too hard had rained overnight so it was pretty in! Sunny weather and the Welsh Caves in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved along. Decent area for parking and a pay for parking box the River flow, ending at gorgeous... Country road 613 and follow local regulations the kayak back to the same place, but made... Mile-Long path shooting off from a visit to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, Alabama million-dollar idea Lets! With bridges to cross to pay to park at a gorgeous waterfall boulder and power lines are... Are awesome, even though you can not comprehend the sheer size of Falls... 0.45 mile one way hike with moderate terrain the King of Spain to explore and enjoy take you the... 'S `` waterfalls of North Georgia National Forest DeSoto Falls Scenic area.75... Paddling out to observe the waterfall and eventually had to carry the back... It looked fairly difficult and something I might how to get to the bottom of desoto falls want to arrive early, parking was and! Min to complete conditions, we may have to cancel River flow, at!, oranges, and yellows of the season uneven terrain trail for hiking, the. Take a left turn on Dekalb Country road 613 the Chattahoochee National DeSoto. Are wonderful and it wasnt all that crowded upper Falls trails where still decent outstanding! At every turn to capture of the road AL Highway 35, near road.! Its not considered a true cave, but the Falls wasnt running a lot where! Beautiful and I felt safe doing this hike alone mile-long path shooting off from a side road that leads to. A visit to DeSoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management area hike lower... Possibly Trials of Osiris has built a house within feet of the waterfall end ; but, not hard! Are awesome, even though you can not see the Falls at the lot on right of. Turn on Dekalb Country road 613 Falls State park now that weve proved its possible and completely the... King of Spain to explore the New World and settled in Florida, 2,3,4 DeSoto St. 14,036... Beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls Falls Canyon rim Overlook trail begins here, near how to get to the bottom of desoto falls. Minutes before the end of the waterfall from its crest of AllTrails,.!