The Lost Falls and Cascade Falls waterfall is the hardest to find in DeSoto State Park, mostly because when no water is flowing, it is truly lost! There are two waterfalls which can be easily viewed along the DeSoto Falls trails. VISIT OUR SHOP ABOUT US OUR STORY CONTACT US. Our favorite fall foliage hikes in North Georgia, Our favorite spots to hang an ENO hammock, Amicalola Falls State Park: our favorite hikes, Arabia Mountain & Panola Mountain: our favorite hikes, Waterfalls in Georgia: our favorite hikes, Appalachian Trail: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap, NC, Cumberland Island camping, hiking, and backpacking guide, Lake Conasauga: Grassy Mountain Tower Trail, Slaughter Mountain and Lake Winfield Scott Loop, Hemlock Falls Trail at Moccasin Creek State Park, Blood Mountain summit on the Appalachian Trail. We have been hiking deSoto Falls Trail since the early 1980's, when the hike extended to a third falls on a tributary to Frogtown Creek. Trails lead to 2 different falls on Frogtown Creek. Lost Falls is situated in DeSoto State Park, home of many great views and several waterfalls. The DeSoto Falls are located in Lumpkin County in the Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto Falls Scenic Area. $5 per vehicle at the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. Follow the Bear Hair Gap Trail at Vogel State Park, climbing to a stunning overlook view and exploring a lush forest filled with tumbling creeks. Located in the Blue Ridge Ranger District, The DeSoto Falls Recreation area is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls. You will cross a wooden bridge just before reaching the multi-tiered upper falls. Directions to Desoto Falls Trail, Pages related to Desoto Falls TrailDesoto Falls TrailDirections to Desoto Falls TrailAdd a link to Desoto Falls Trail, Georgia HikesYour guide to hiking and walking trails in the state of Georgia All rights reserved. Developed by Golden Ink Legal NoticePrivacy Policy, Add link from your web site to Desoto Falls Trail. A beautiful forest filled with tumbling creeks and gnarly, leathery-leafed rhododendron. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. There are two waterfalls which can be easily viewed along the DeSoto Falls trails. The campground is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls. Huntsville, AL: DeSoto Falls. Hiking DeSoto Falls Trail: Quoting the TLC song Waterfalls, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.” Everyone loves waterfalls, right? Desoto State Park has over 28 miles of trails on park property. DeSoto Falls, the largest falls is easily accessible by car just a few miles north of the main park. Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall. DeSoto State Park is conveniently located only 8 miles northeast of Fort Payne, Alabama; and DeSoto Falls - also part of DeSoto State Park - is located about 7 miles north of the park … On the Lost Falls trail, you will have the opportunity to explore the boulders and CR caves. This hike’s relatively short, kid-friendly distance and moderate elevation change make it one of North Georgia’s most popular waterfall hikes. DeSoto Falls, DeSoto State Park, DeKalb County One of the state’s largest falls, especially after rain. The DeSoto Falls are named for Spanish explorer Hernando deSoto, who passed through Georgia around 1540. Alltrails John Datum With very minimal elevation gain, this hike through the forest is a true gem, especially within the spring and summer months. Contact us here, and thanks for helping us keep this site updated! Hiking the Trail. _____ Hike suggestion 3: Loop Hike on Family Bike Trail-Approx. This trio of trails tours the rim of a ravine down to a waterfall that plunges 104-feet into an aquamarine pool feeding DeSoto Falls Lake. Reaching the bridge, the hike turns east, crossing the bridge to return to the parking area and completing the hike at just over 2 miles. LOCATION:Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia, PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list, OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 777 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.). Desoto Falls: Rustic Trail - See 180 traveler reviews, 146 candid photos, and great deals for Blairsville, GA, at Tripadvisor. Lost Falls Trail Takes you to Laurel Falls, Lost Falls and Azalea Cascade Description: Located in DeSoto State Park, Lost Falls Trail is a combination of several different trails each marked with their own color. The waterfall’s viewing platform makes a great spot for a mid-hike rest or picnic, and a great place to soak up the waterfall’s beauty. According to a sign posted on the DeSoto Falls Trail , a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) in and out hiking trail to the falls, a plate of armor was discovered at the base of the falls in the 1880s. The two-mile out-and-back DeSoto Falls Trail packs a lot of punch in a short distance, crossing a beautiful rhododendron and mossy boulder-filled creek before hiking to two rushing waterfalls through a shady young forest. Lodge Falls drops about 25 feet and is very rainfall dependent. The green-blazed DeSoto Falls Trail follows the creek upstream to the larger of the two waterfalls, hiking through vibrant green vegetation on the stream’s banks. All photos are copyright Eric Champlin or Summit19 Studio LLC. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. Directions This easy to find waterfall is located just behind DeSoto’s Lodge. Desoto Falls, Mentone: See 190 reviews, articles, and 206 photos of Desoto Falls, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 11 attractions in Mentone. This is a great way to see beautiful waterfalls on a short, family-friendly hike in … DeSoto Falls Trail Report: I made this a a side hike to a hike I made up Blood Mountain. Trails are each marked with a color so you won’t get lost on your way. R/T Length of Trail: 2.3 Miles Duration of Hike: 1:40 Type of Hike: Two Out and Back Trails Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 10 Total Elevation Gain: 384 Feet Pros: The unofficial trail to the base of Desoto Falls receives good use, making it much easier to follow than one could imagine Cons: None Points of Interest: Desoto Falls (Base View) - 7 stars; Desoto Falls … Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. 2.5 miles, moderate. Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. © 2009 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia. This peaceful place is named after Hernando De Soto, a Spaniard conquistador and holds a legend. The DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is located off Highway 129 just inside the National Forest boundary. The hike departs the lower falls, retracing the trail to return to the Frogtown Creek bridge. Trailful Outdoor Co. and the Atlanta Trails logo are registered trademarks of Summit19 Studio LLC.Privacy Policy | Terms of Use No photo, illustration, data, or text on this website may be reproduced, published, or distributed without prior written permission and license. The hike turns left, veering southbound to first visit the lower falls. Cherokee The falls and park facilities are at the end of DeSoto Falls trail, and there is even picturesque DeSoto State Park Lake to enjoy above the falls with a small fall over its dam. This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Start at Lost Falls Trailhead (also a mountain biking trail) From Lost Falls Trailhead parking, enter the Family Bike loop to the … The trail begins a rolling climb through a mixed deciduous, pine, and rhododendron-filled forest as it hikes to the upper falls. Article Links Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! DeSoto Falls is well worth the visit. Take the pathway down to the falls themselves and continue down to the end of the railed section on the right for a truly harrowing view of the falls overhanging … There are five beautiful waterfalls along the 3-mile section of the DeSoto Falls Trail located in the 650-acre recreation area. Just ahead, Lower DeSoto Falls cascades over a nearly sheer rock outcrop, tumbling into a pool of water framed by large, lichen-covered boulders. Our office is open, but please remember to wear a mask and social distance in the lobby area. The best view point of this waterfall is reached by hiking down into a small ravine and then getting on the yellow trail for a short distance and coming back out next to the Lodge. Reaching the creek’s opposite bank, the hike meets a signed intersection. Most of these smaller falls are located within a few feet of the trail heads so they are … It’s a short easy hike to both falls and can be easily be done by even younger children. "The Storm of the Century" a snowstorm that occurred in the Easter United States in March, 1993, a super-cell of tornadoes generally called "The Palm Sunday Killer Tornadoes" and … Thank you so much for 220 subscribers! The lower falls is .3 miles down stream from the trail head, the second is … ... From here you park your car then head towards the power line clearing area and can follow multiple trail routes down to the base of the falls depending on how many miles you want to go or different things you want to see. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. The campground is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls. The campground is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls. Lodge Falls. Overlooks provide views of the beautiful falls. The DeSoto Falls Trail departs a paid parking area at the trailhead (view maps and driving directions), hiking through a shaded picnic area equipped with tables and grills, and then turns left for a short hike on a paved road. Desoto Falls is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi, Georgia TrailsGeorgia Trails IndexToolsAdd link from your web site to Desoto Falls Trail, Georgia Trails Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. DeSoto Falls trail is a beautiful 2 mile trail alongside a stream of flowing water leading to two beautiful waterfalls. Camping at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is open. The lower falls … The hike crosses a wooden bridge spanning a small, waterfall-filled creek before reaching the main attraction at just over a mile: the enormous, multi-tiered cascades of Upper DeSoto Falls. You can start at the Boardwalk trail head or the Laurel Falls/Lost Falls trail head. Out-and-back to both falls is just over 2 miles. Hikers can access three of the falls, designated as the lower, middle, and upper DeSoto Falls. The trail reaches a wooden viewing platform at just under .25 mile. The campground is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls. The DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is located off Highway 129 just inside the National Forest boundary. The DeSoto Falls Trail departs a paid parking area at the trailhead (view maps and driving directions), hiking through a shaded picnic area equipped with tables and grills, and then turns left for a short hike on a paved road.Reaching a wooden bridge spanning the boulder-filled Frogtown Creek, the … And, legend holds, the site where a piece of armor was found, thought to be from the epic expedition of explorer Hernando de Soto in the mid 1500s. Hiking trails, biking trails and scenic driving in Georgia Two gorgeous waterfalls. Please always practice good trail etiquette. The DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is located off Highway 129 just inside the National Forest boundary. This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. There were plenty of people camping at the park, but there was not much traffic on the trail itself, although it was close to 7 PM, so it may have been … Within the park, there are more than four other falls which can be accessed by short hikes. Birmingham Trails. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. A fee is required for … DeSoto Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in the town of Mentone near Fort Payne, Alabama. The trail rolls elevation through a shady forest and meanders through wide switchbacks, veering westbound to follow a small tributary upstream. You will come out from neverland trail on to the orange trail-to your left and just ahead is the Lost Falls Trailhead. To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. The best time to see this small 5 foot waterfall is in the Spring or Winter seasons. Check out this guide for more. DeSoto Falls Trail: the hike. DeSoto Falls is perfect for a family day trip or even a camping trip. Hike the two mile Desoto Falls Trail near Helen to a pair of waterfalls where, legend holds, a piece of armor was found from DeSoto’s expedition in the mid-1500s. More than 100 feet high, the waterfall flows year round and is part of DeSoto State Park. One of the most popular hikes is the Orange and Blue trail loops that take you to Lost Falls and Laurel Falls. Chase some more North Georgia waterfalls, and hike the just-over-half-mile to the nearby Helton Creek Falls. Hike along the two mile DeSoto Falls Trail or fish for trout in Frogtown Creek. For my hike I started at the Laurel Falls/Lost Falls trail … Lost Falls is located about 1.5 miles from DeSoto’s Country Store and terrain can be moderate to … DeSoto Falls Recreation Area, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, offers a couple of trails to view two different waterfalls along Frogtown Creek. Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! For a more private an intimate view, there is a pull off on the side of the road and trail access. Follow the Trahlyta Lake Trail at Vogel State Park to beautiful lakeside views of a tumbling waterfall. The park shares a name with DeSoto Falls, a spectacular 107 foot waterfall located less than 6 miles from the main part of the park. We'd love to know! Finished the hike with daylight and energy to spare? This is the larger of the two falls. The trail hikes through several large exposed rock outcrops and treks under the shade of several enormous old-growth pine trees, their wide trunks reaching high into the forest canopy above. There are two waterfalls which can be easily viewed along the DeSoto Falls trails. Desoto Falls Trail is right outside of Helen, GA in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Visitors wanting to catch a glimpse of the Lost Falls or Laurel Falls have several trailhead options to access these points of interest. Well, spring is normally a great time to chase waterfalls due to the abundance of water from spring showers rushing down the falls. Reaching a wooden bridge spanning the boulder-filled Frogtown Creek, the hike turns left, crossing the creek and catching upstream views of its rhododendron-lined banks. 34.706596, -83.915254     //     N34 42.396 W83 54.915. DeSoto Falls is separate from DeSoto State Park for anyone wondering. The trail to the upper falls travels through the forest (lots of rhododendrons) and runs alongside the creek. Your journey starts with a hike through the wooden footbridge that leads … We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! We are open from late April until late November. Or grab some seriously beautiful vistas from the Blood Mountain summit on the Appalachian Trail, located just north of DeSoto Falls on Highway 19. Most of the other trails in the park focus on Little River, Lost Falls Trail explores the Boulders and CR caves. Hernando deSoto Find the park’s main entrance at 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, 256-845-5380. © 2009 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia. Check out more of our favorite. The DeSoto Falls Trail outside of Dahlonega, Georgia is a 1.9 out-and-back hike that is dubbed great for all skill levels. Be sure to follow LCS and DeSoto Trail on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information about school reopening. Departing the falls, the hike retraces its outbound route to return the Frogtown Creek bridge. His mission? Come commune with Mother Nature as DeSoto State Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere that holds wonders for people of all ages! Birmingham: Desoto Scout Trail. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. There are also many smaller falls located along the hiking trails inside of DeSoto State Park.