DeSoto State Park: Waterfalls, Wilderness, and Wallet Friendly Fun

Looking for an affordable family getaway filled with fresh air, forest trails, and stunning waterfalls? We recently spent a weekend exploring DeSoto State Park in Northeast Alabama, and it quickly became one of our favorite budget-friendly destinations.

Perched atop Lookout Mountain, this beautiful park offers a perfect mix of hiking, waterfall views, and peaceful spots to relax. Whether you're looking for adventure or just a quiet escape into nature, DeSoto State Park is a great pick.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the DeSoto State Park Lodge, which was clean, comfortable, and conveniently located right by the trailheads. From the lodge, we hopped on the Blue Trail, one of the park’s most scenic hikes. This trail follows along the West Fork of Little River and winds past several beautiful waterfalls and natural features, including:

1. Lodge Falls just steps from the lodge
2. Azalea Cascade, tucked in a peaceful wooded nook
3. Indian Falls, with its unique rock formation
4. Laurel Falls and Lost Falls, both well worth the walk especially after a recent rain

The trail is well marked and family friendly, though there are a few rocky sections along the river that make good shoes a must.

Don’t Miss: DeSoto Falls

Of course, you can’t visit without seeing the park’s namesake — DeSoto Falls. Located about seven miles north of the lodge, this waterfall is one of the tallest and most impressive in Alabama. You can enjoy a view from above at the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area, where a short paved path leads to an overlook.

But for a real adventure, we recommend hiking to the base of the falls. To find this trail, look for the trailhead on DeSoto Falls Road, just before the road ends at the picnic area. The hike is beautiful and includes a stop at the Ice Box Cave, a naturally chilled spot that feels amazing on a warm day.

Know Before You Go

There’s no general entrance fee for DeSoto State Park, which is great news for frugal families. However, there is a $5 parking fee at the DeSoto Falls Picnic Area — unless you are staying overnight at the park (like we were), in which case the fee is waived. Just display your lodge or campground pass on your dash.

What to Pack

If you’re planning to hit the trails, don’t forget to bring plenty of water and bug spray. The trails are gorgeous but the bugs can be active, especially in warmer months. There are lots of picnic areas throughout the park, so pack lunch or snacks and take time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Frugal Family Tips

1. Free park access to trails and scenic areas, except for the small fee at DeSoto Falls Picnic Area. However, this fee is waived for park overnight guests.  
2. Affordable lodging at the park lodge or campground
3. Bring your own picnic or snacks to cut down on dining costs
4. Visit in spring or fall for the best weather and fewer crowds
5. Consider also visiting the Little River Canyon and Falls while in the area.  

Our weekend at DeSoto State Park was everything we hoped for — beautiful, peaceful, and easy on the wallet. If your family loves waterfalls, forest trails, and spending time together in nature, we highly recommend adding this spot to your travel list!!

Chasing Waterfalls at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Even though our little Frugal Family Travelers are grown, we still love our frugal family adventures!  Cloudland Canyon State Park delivered a full day of beauty, challenge, and waterfall magic without breaking the bank.  Located in Rising Fawn, GA and with a $5 entry fee for day use, this northwest Georgia gem gave us a whole day’s worth of exploration and stunning scenery.  While we didn’t stay overnight, the park offers a variety of lodging options including cabins, cottages, yurts, and tent campsites for those looking to extend the fun. 

Cherokee and Hemlock Falls – A Stairmaster with a View

We began our day tackling the waterfall trail, which is home to Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls.  Be aware, it’s a descent (and climb) of around 600 steps and approximately 2 miles round trip.  But every single one is worth it.  Cherokee Falls is the first you’ll come to, and it’s the kind of place that stops you in your tracks.  The clear water tumbles into a shaded pool that’s perfect for a quiet moment contemplating life, reading a book, or even a family photo!   Further down the trail, and another descent, via steps, is Hemlock Falls, which feels a little more hidden.  The sound of rushing water and the cool canyon air was the perfect reward after all that stair-stepping.  You may even want to tarry a bit on the bridge and let the hurriedness of life melt away for a bit!!  We’d definitely recommend packing plenty of water and snacks and even suggest finding a safe spot to dip your feet in the chilly stream below.  Just be sure to research ahead of time as most of the hikes in the park are strenuous, especially for younger children and small dogs!  Though don’t be discouraged, simply complete smaller portions of the longer trails.  

Western Loop Trail – Forest Views and Canyon Peeks

After conquering the waterfalls we headed back up the canyon (hello, quad workout).  Then we continued our journey on the 4.7 mile Western Loop Trail, a moderatly strenuous trail that loops through forested terrain and offers views of the scenic canyon overlooks along the way.  It’s a great way to stretch your legs without the intensity of the waterfall steps.  

Sitton’s Gulch Trail – A Peaceful Walk Along the Water

After completing the Western Loop Trail we took a break for lunch at the picnic pavilion in the day use area.  Shady and clean, it was a great spot to rest, refuel, and rehydrate before our final adventure for the day on the Sitton’s Gulch Trail.  We drove to the trailhead and were glad we saved this one for last.  It’s approximately 4.2 miles, but a little less strenuous, following the creek through a lush, rocky gorge. The sound of the water and the cooler temps in the shade made for a peaceful wrap-up to our adventure. We even saw a few families with children on this trail, which seems like a more approachable option if you're bringing little ones.

Final Thoughts:

Address and Driving Directions: Click Here

Cloudland Canyon State Park is a dream for nature lovers and waterfall chasers. Whether you’re coming for a day like we did or planning a weekend getaway, there’s no shortage of trails and views to enjoy. Just remember: most hikes here are on the tougher side, so come prepared with good shoes, plenty of water, and an adventurous spirit. And maybe a few snacks for motivation.

Extend Your Visit:

Cloudland Canyon is also conveniently close to other great spots we've explored, like DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve (check out our previous posts for more on those day trip ideas or combine them with other activities in the blog to create a whole vacation itinerary).  Blue Hole in Soddy Daisy is not far and a relaxing swimming hole for the young and old alike.  

Our Frugal Family Travelers wish you well on your frugal family adventures!