DeSoto State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids DeSoto State Park |
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DeSoto Falls
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 DeSoto State Park
Location in Alabama
DeSoto State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cherokee, DeKalb, Alabama, United States |
| Area | 3,502 acres (14.17 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,614 ft (492 m) |
| Established | 1935 |
| Operator | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | DeSoto State Park |
DeSoto State Park is a super cool place for outdoor fun! It's a public park found on Lookout Mountain, about 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama. This amazing state park covers 3,502 acres. That's like over 2,600 football fields! It's full of forests, rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and mountain areas.
The park is right next to the Little River, which flows into the nearby Little River Canyon National Preserve. One of the most famous spots is DeSoto Falls. It's 104 feet tall, making it Alabama's highest waterfall! You'll find it in a separate part of the park, about 6 miles north of the main area.
Park History: How It Started
This park is named after Hernando de Soto. He was a famous explorer from the 1500s. The park was built in the 1930s. It was created by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
The CCC was a program that helped young men find jobs during the Great Depression. They built many parks and trails. DeSoto State Park was first called State Park No. 5. It officially opened in 1935. On May 24, 1939, it was named DeSoto State Park. At that time, it was the biggest state park in all of Alabama! In 2013, a museum opened in the park. It celebrates all the great work the CCC did in Alabama's state parks.
Awards and Recognition
DeSoto State Park is really popular! In September 2020, it won a special award. It was one of eleven Alabama State Parks to get the Traveler's Choice Award from Tripadvisor. This award goes to places that get lots of great reviews from visitors. It means people really love coming here!
Fun Things to Do at the Park
DeSoto State Park has tons of activities for everyone! You can explore over 25 miles of hiking trails. More than 11 miles of these trails are also great for mountain biking. They are part of the National Recreation Trail network.
The park also has a lodge and cabins built by the CCC. There's a restaurant, campsites, and chalets. You can even stay in a motel room. If you want to cool off, there's a swimming pool. Plus, a nature center helps you learn about the local plants and animals.
