DeSoto State Park
Also known as De Soto State Park
- Status
- Status not postedOpen 24 hours
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins, lodge or inn rooms
- Official site
- alapark.com(256) 845-5380
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 1,460 acres, DeSoto State Park lies in DeKalb County, about 5 miles northeast of Fort Payne.
Visitors come for horseback riding, mountain biking, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming. The official site lists about 35 miles of trails. For overnight stays there are 2 camping areas (tent sites and primitive or hike-in sites). If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins and lodge rooms.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Open 24 hours | ||
| Store | Not stated | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | — |
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
Official wording
Lodge Front Desk: 24/7 All Year
Country Store Hours: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM Open 7-Days a week
Park Trails/Picnic Areas are open dawn to dusk
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Alabama State Parks reservations (reserve.alapark.com)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer Camping Cabin PreviousNext
Book Your Reservations Here | — | — | |
| Pioneer Camping Cabin Located in DeSoto State Park’s quiet, peaceful Primitive Campground, this down-to-earth and rustic cabin faces the forest and offers an opportunity to stay in the Great Outdoors with more than just a tent wall to protect you from the elements. During the winter, views of Lookout Mountain can be seen through the trees. | — | — |
Camping details from the park
DeSoto State Park is conveniently located only eight miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama. It is nestled atop beautiful Lookout Mountain and accented by many rushing waterfalls and fragrant wildflowers that will take your breath away. We offer a family-friendly atmosphere that holds wonders for people of all ages!
GPS directions are NOT reliable for travel to DeSoto State Park. Please see our written driving directions under Plan Your Trip.
Pioneer Camping Cabin
PreviousNext
Pioneer Camping Cabin
Located in DeSoto State Park’s quiet, peaceful Primitive Campground, this down-to-earth and rustic cabin faces the forest and offers an opportunity to stay in the Great Outdoors with more than just a tent wall to protect you from the elements. During the winter, views of Lookout Mountain can be seen through the trees.
Rules and regulations
- Pack out all you packed in. Do not leave any food or equipment.
- Take all trash with you.
- Empty any water out of the basin.
- Sweep out the cabin.
- Close and lock all windows.
- LOCK THE DOORS BEHIND YOU.
Additional Information
- The camping cabin sleeps up to 5 people and is outfitted with a bunk bed with an upper twin and a lower full, plus a trundle twin. There is also a twin daybed.
- You will need to bring your own linens or sleeping bags.
- There is a dining table and benches, living-area chairs and rockers on the porch, and a food-preparation area with a sink/basin. (Please no pets & no smoking.)
- The camping cabin does NOT have electricity, heat, or water. The cabin has lights powered by a solar kit on the roof.
- For water, a community water spigot is located several yards away near the vaulted toilet. You will be given access at registration to the improved campground's comfort stations for showers & flush toilets.
- The primitive area is secured by a padlocked gate. A key to the Camping Cabin and the Primitive Campground gate will be issued at check-in.
- Turn in the issued key at the Country Store on check-out; after hours, use the key drop box outside the Country Store door.
RATES VARY DEPENDING ON SEASON AND HOLIDAYS. CALL 256-845-5075
- A deposit equal to one night's rent, plus resort and transaction fees, is required to hold a reservation. 13% Lodging Tax and 4.25% Resort Fee applied to each night. One-time convenience fee for all overnight accommodations- $5.25 (non-refundable). All rates are subject to change without notice.
- A reservation must be canceled at least 72 hours before arrival.
- Check-in time is 2:00 PM on the day of arrival, and check-out time is 11:00 AM on the day of departure.
- We recommend making reservations for holiday weekends at least 3 months in advance.
- Please note that cell service may be spotty throughout the park, and wifi does not reach the primitive campground.
CONTACT US!
- For more information or to make a reservation by phone, please call the Country Store at 1-800-760-4089 or 1-800-ALAPARK.
- On arrival in DeSoto State Park, check in at DeSoto's Country Store & Information Center
- Country Store Hours: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM Open 7-Days a week
- For camping check-in after hours, stop by DeSoto State Park's Lodge or call 256.845.0051 for assistance.
- Driving Directions
When traveling to the park, please be advised that GPS directions are NOT reliable (especially when pulling a large rig). Please see our written driving directions on the webpage Plan Your Trip.
FREE WiFi Hotspots
*Campground Comfort Stations
- Lodge Lobby
- Motel Rooms
- Restaurant
- Park Office
- Country Store
Please note, cell service may be spotty through-out the park, and wifi does not reach to the primitive campground.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Cabins and Chalets
- Historic Lodge
- Pioneer Camping Cabin
- Wall Tent Campsite
No matter what type of lodging you might prefer or need, we have it! Our 3,502-acre park provides lodging facilities ranging from chalets and cabins to lodge rooms, plus an Improved Campground with 94 full-hookup tent and RV sites. For the more adventurous, there are also Primitive Camping sites for tents and two Backpacking Campsites with shelters.
Other amenities include our Mountain Inn Restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions, and a picnic area with a playground.
Things to do
Historic sites and toursPicnickingFishingGeocachingHorseback ridingCanoeing and kayakingSwimmingHikingBikingMountain bikingCamping
Trails
Hiking
PreviousNext
Hiking
Pack a picnic lunch and head out for a day exploring the ridges, waterfalls, and river in beautiful DeSoto State Park. Located on Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park has over 35 miles of hiking trails, including 11 + miles of mountain bike trails in the main area of the park. Most interconnect with each other, while others take you into more remote areas. DeSoto State Park’s trail system boasts interesting rock formations, small seasonal waterfalls, a variety of diverse plant communities, plentiful animal life, and beautiful views of the West Fork of Little River, which flows downstream into interconnecting Little River Canyon.
Trail Information
Terrain on the trails can vary from 'easy' to strenuous.
Read more from the park
Alabama State Park printable maps, interactive maps & Google Earth files can be found here
Please be sure to find out what type of terrain a trail might have before setting out; they might be more difficult than you think. Printed trail maps can be found at the Lodge, Country Store, & Nature Center.
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)
DeSoto Falls Picnic Area & Trailhead Map (PDF)
DSP Hike/Walk Suggestions (PDF)
DSP See & Do Brochure/Area Map (PDF)
Waterfalls
For more info on any of the trails, call 256.997.5025 or email us. Dogs are allowed on DeSoto State Park's Trails as long as they are on a leash at all times.
DeSoto State Park Scavenger Hunt
Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail Tree Scavenger Hunt (PDF)
Hiking Tips
1. Whether you are a day-hiker or a more adventurous one, being informed is the best way to stay safe on the trail.
2. Wear appropriate clothes for the season, AND footwear. Tennis shoes & hiking boots are recommended no matter what terrain. Open-toed shoes are not appropriate for DeSoto State Park’s mountainous terrain.
3. Take plenty of water and snacks, depending on length of hike. Hiking takes up a lot of energy, so even if you are not going out for long it is better to be prepared.
4. Be informed. Whether it is just taking a trail map from DeSoto State Park's Lodge or Country Store, or asking for directions, it is important to 'know before you go'. It is also important to consider your limits when it comes to the physical aspect of the trails.
5. Stay on the trail- all of DeSoto’s trails are marked with a color blaze along the way denoting where the path goes.
6. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before sundown to finish your hike. The trails close at dusk.
7. Watch your step- watch out for obstructions in the path and be careful of where you place your feet & hands. Have fun & be safe!
The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail
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DSP Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail BMH
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DSP Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail BMH
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DSP Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail BMH
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DSP Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail BMH
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DSP Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail BMH
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DSP Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail BMH
The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk trail was planned and built through a community effort headed by former park superintendent Talmadge Butler. Grants and donations paid for the materials used to build the trail. It was constructed by the Alabama State Parks Maintenance Crew.
The Boardwalk is a 360-yard trail that can be enjoyed and traveled by people of all abilities. No matter what the season, the boardwalk gives the hiker a unique perspective of the surrounding habitat.
A 20-foot octagon deck at the end of the trail places you over the pool created by the Azalea Cascade.
Wildflower Blooming Season usually ranges from March-November. Fall Color peak is historically sometime from the first of October thru the middle of November. The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail (at Azalea Cascade) is also part of the North Alabama Birding Trail!
The H. Stanley Sims Native Plant Area
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DSP H Stanley Sims Native Plant Area
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DSP H Stanley Sims Native Plant Area
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DSP H Stanley Sims Native Plant Area
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DSP H Stanley Sims Native Plant Area
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DSP H Stanley Sims Native Plant Area
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DSP H Stanley Sims Native Plant Area
A restoration project by DeSoto State Park & Dekalb County Master Gardeners.
Located near the Lodge on Blalock Drive-Fort Payne. An easy 1,000 foot walking loop
This native plant area is a restoration project to return the area to its natural state. In the early 2000s, a combination of an ice storm and Southern Pine Beetle damage caused most of the trees to be taken out. Over time the area grew up quickly and needed some attention. In the middle 2000s, then-Park Superintendent Tim Whitehead asked Stanley Sims, a staff member on the maintenance crew to develop a plan for the rehabilitation of the area. Stanley being a member of the Alabama Master Gardeners and a plant enthusiast was eager to help. Over the years many hours have been dedicated to this area by DeSoto park staff, master gardeners, and volunteers. A gravel path was created, an overgrowth of pine trees and sweet gums were continuously thinned out, & other native trees & plant species were put in place.
With the help of Stanley and the Dekalb County Master Gardeners several grants have been obtained over the years for this project. The partnership with DeSoto State Park continued with a mosaic glass bench project in 2022. Concrete garden benches were turned into works of art and installed along the gravel path providing points along the way for rest and reflection.
This area continues to grow with educational signage coming and will be used for continued environmental education into the future. This small piece of DeSoto State Park has over 200 individual plant species to be seen in different seasons of the year.
Trail Trekker Hiking Club
Can you say “I Hiked Them All”? DeSoto State Park challenges you to become a DeSoto State Park Trail Trekker! We have designated 23 miles of DSP's Hiking and Biking Trails, all you have to do is start! Whether it takes you a week or 75 years, get a trail log, hike them all, and collect your prize, a Trail Trekkers Patch. Hike (or bike designated trail) and record the date for each trail listed. Sign completed form and turn in to DeSoto State Park Country Store or Lodge to receive your patch.
Established March 1, 2014, hike dates prior to March 1, 2014 can not be counted toward the Trail Trekkers Program. Good luck and Good hiking!
Trail Trekker Logs can also be obtained at the Country Store or Lodge in DeSoto State Park.
Trail Trekker Log (PDF)
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Trail Trekker Hike Suggestions-Personal suggestions & directions on each trail at the link below (They are on facebook, but no log-in required to view)
Blue Trail
Orange Trail
Silver Trail
White Trail
Red Trail/Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail
Family Bike Loop
Never Neverland Trail
Vizzneyland Trail
Chalet Trail
Gilliam Loop Trail
'Unfinished' Bridge Trail
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DSP DeSoto Scout Trail
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DSP DeSoto Scout Trail
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DSP Desoto Scout Trail
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DSP Desoto Scout Trail
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DSP Desoto Scout Trail
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DSP Desoto Scout Trail
DeSoto Scout Trail
Want a more challenging hiking experience? Check out the DeSoto Scout Trail! This historic trail starts at Comer Scout Reservation, continues through Desoto State Park, and into Little River Canyon National Preserve. It follows the beautiful West Fork of Little River and continues downstream to Highway 35. Currently, the DST can be accessed from DeSoto State Park's north border downstream to the backcountry trailhead on road 5 in the Little River Canyon Wildlife Management Area. This trail is marked with yellow blazes in DSP and changes to brown & white metal signs as pass over the border between DSP & the Little River Canyon Management Area. Historically the Trail is about 16 miles long, but due to flooding and overgrowth; only certain sections are clear. It had even been detoured onto backcountry roads in some places.
DeSoto Scout Trail Info
Maps of Bac
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Nature center or museum
- Group facilities
Camping
- Tent camping
- Primitive or backcountry camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Lodge or inn rooms
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE Fort Payne, AL 35967
AL - Nearest town
- Fort Payne — about 5 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 34.4932, -85.6164
- Phone
- (256) 845-5380
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Alabama State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Alabama State Parks 'All Parks' list
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology