Spending a Summer Day at DeSoto Falls
Spending a Summer Day at DeSoto Falls
Written By and Photos By Emma Goggans
If you are looking for a great place to spend a summer day, then look no further than DeSoto Falls. Located atop Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama, DeSoto Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a 104’ drop. Though it may not seem like it, there is much more to do than just admire the magnificent scenery of this hidden Alabama gem. Here is your guide on how to spend a summer day at DeSoto Falls.
I recently enjoyed a day at DeSoto Falls myself, and couldn’t wait to share my experience of all this place has to offer. We started our day with a hike to the bottom of the falls. The 1.5 mile round trip hike is considered a moderate to strenuous hike due to the rocky terrain and elevation; however, if you are able to, it is totally worth the physical exertion! Once at the bottom, there is a breathtaking view of the waterfall. This is also a prime swimming spot among visitors and locals alike because the basin of the waterfall creates somewhat of a natural swimming pool. Many families with younger children were enjoying the water with floats and inner tubes.
I personally believe that a hike to the bottom of the falls is the best way to start your day at DeSoto Falls! To do this hike, pull into the trailhead parking lot on the right side of County Road 613 (also known as DeSoto Falls Road). Once finished with the hike, or if the hike is not for you, continue on to the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area. There is a larger parking lot at this location that requires visitors to pay a $4 fee per car.
After our hike we were hungry, so we decided to find a shaded spot in the picnic area to enjoy our lunch. There are several picnic tables & charcoal grills located around the parking lot. Some feature a beautiful view of Little River, and others are more secluded among the trees. Many families were enjoying sack lunches, but we decided to fire up the grill and cook some hamburgers and hot dogs. We had a great lunch under the trees among nature. There are no additional fees for the picnic area & charcoal grills: so utilize them!
One of the most popular activities among visitors at DeSoto Falls is kayaking along the West fork of Little River. From March through October, Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack rents sit-on-top kayaks that allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the falls through a leisurely flatwater paddle upstream. We had the most fun on our kayaking adventure. Every turn around the bend brought more beautiful scenery that left us in awe. The ride itself was incredibly peaceful, and we returned with plenty of new memories!
Miller’s Bend Paddle Shack is open by appointment-only Monday through Friday ($50 minimum for weekday reservations) & 10 AM to 6PM Saturday & Sunday. Single-person kayaks are $15.00 per hour and tandem (2 person) kayaks are $25.00 per hour. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip or as long as you want to make it! It’s the perfect excursion for individuals or groups. Life vests & paddles are provided with rentals, and park staff will help you launch the kayaks at the boat ramp above the A. A. Miller Dam. Small personal water crafts such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, jon boats, etc. can be launched at the boat ramp as well at no additional charge.
There is a beach area located by the boat ramp that is another great spot to set up your lawn chairs & enjoy the water. It is a great spot to swim, and a wonderful place for kids to enjoy playing in the sand.
We ended our day by walking down the mosaic staircase to enjoy one last look at DeSoto Falls from the top. It’s amazing to see this magnificent waterfall from all viewpoints: from the very bottom to the very top. The overlook provides the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities.
DeSoto Falls is more than just a quick stop along the Lookout Mountain Parkway, it is a great place to spend a day full of exploration, adventure and lots of fun!
