The waterfall itself is fantastic. The descent from Icebox Cave to the connection to the River Trail was steep and filled with rocks and roots, but worth it for the extra beauty this trail provides. read more. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 48 min to complete. Note that this area is separate and several miles from the state park. My assumption is possiblely. The campground is situated along Frogtown Creek with at an elevation of 2,080 feet above sea level, under a dense forest of deciduous and evergreen trees. I believe if pets are on a leash, there is no problem. Print/PDF map. So, almost a mile in and out. Shot with a DJI Mavic 2 Pro and GoPro Hero 7. How to use get to the bottom of in a sentence. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Reservations are required for DeSoto Falls camping. It was magnificent something Ive never experienced before. DFCF001. The lower falls is .3 miles downstream from the trail head, the second is .75 miles upstream. Our familyhasspent as much timeas possible on Little River by Desoto Falls ever since. From Helen GA, take U.S. 75 North for 8 miles, then turn right onto U.S. 129 North. Overall DeSoto Falls is beautiful and recommend for a short day trip. The day was perfectly foggy adding to the ambiance on the windy two-lane road up the mountain. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie. Just make sure to be careful while hiking around this area because the rocks can be very slippery. The waterfall was beautiful from the recent rain. However, Im not sure there is a definitive lesson to be learned. If the weather is questionable, please call the park before you leave home to check if the hike is still on (256.845.0051), Using a GPS or Phone to navigate to Desoto State Park & DeSoto Falls can be unreliable. We took the River Trail (pink) down to the falls and bluff/ice cave trail (pink/white) back up. And, legend holds, the site where a piece . We hiked from here along the relatively easy and well-marked upper trail back towards the river until we reached some truly awesome overlooks where we could see the falls from the front. Well marked and maintained, beautiful views, perfect weather. Desoto Falls (Mentone) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Sallie Howard Memorial Baptist Church, Hotels near Northeast Alabama Community College, 1-Day Trip to David Gareja Monastery with Rainbow Hills & Sighnaghi from Tbilisi, Private Tour: Teotihuacan & Xochimilco in one day, Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver, Private Photo Session with the use of Flamenco Dress, Cavern Exploration and Cenotes Swim Adventure, Special Ops: Mysterious Market Escape Room, The Magical Mystery Show! Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. It will go on my list of all-time greatest trips. All of the North Georgia mountains surrounding the falls were originally inhabited by the Cherokee people, who were forced to give up their land and head west on the Trail of Tears after the signing of the Treaty of New Echota in 1835. Similarly, we observed a couple of teens who climbed over the end of the fence to perch on an outcropping over the basin for a selfie. Very nice trail, beautiful falls, cool cave. For a more private an intimate view, there is a pull off on the side of the road and trail access. As an avid hiker who adores waterfalls for the peace, serenity, and energetic cleansing they provide, I generally prefer places that offer a sense of being immersed in the wilderness. There looks to be some good opportunities for bouldering along this trail although Im not sure that is permitted by the park or established by local climbers. The views from here are awesome, even though you cannot see the falls from the front. (7 miles from the main park area, near Mentone, Alabama). Luckily, there is a mile-long path shooting off from a side road that leads you to the base. Most of the path is dirt and roots, but there are a number of rocks to climb up and over as you make your way down this path. Things to bring: Plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks/lunch, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended), WEATHER: Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather. Nice place to bring a picnic lunch; good bathrooms. One of my favorite hikes to date. Show more Show more Desoto Caverns , Alabama. Places to sit and easy to access. The DeSoto Falls Overlook trail is well marked so keep your eye out for the pink and blue marks on the trees to make sure you are staying on the correct path. Finally, we met the river into which the waterfall flowed. Your adventure can be up to 4 miles round trip or as long as you want to make it! There's a swimming area above the dam, and several people were launching kayaks and paddleboards to go up river (kayak rentals not available on weekdays). If you like photography, pack your camera because, there are treasures at every turn to capture. Desoto Falls offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls. Really liked this trail! We enjoyed seeing all the vacation cabins and rentals and some of the properties were decorated for the holiday and the glow from them was cozy and inviting and really got us in the mood for the season. Definitely a hike for kids, they loved the ice box cave and would highly recommend the bottom bluff overlook trail. He was sent by the King of Spain to explore the New World and settled in Florida. We were surprised at the huge gap in the fencing that would allow children, pets, and people with no brains to access the flat rocks between the first and second cascades. This is one of my favorite spots in northeast Alabama. read more, Beautiful location. The DeSoto Falls are located in Lumpkin County in the Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto Falls Scenic Area. Awesome, just awesome! But we didnt and that is why I will continue to push the limits for the best adventures. Would repeat. I would call it moderate but the view of Desoto Falls was spectacular. View estimate history. Moderate 4.2 (629) DeSoto State Park. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. It's a little complicated to find if you don't follow . Some on the trail was waterlogged from recent rains, but that made the falls even more stunning. Icebox Cave was a treat to come upon on this portion of the trail as well. Location: 34.551712, -85.596281. Youll proceed along a paved road that connects the parking lot to the DeSoto Falls camping area, where youll reach the wooden bridge that brings you to the trails. Are Desoto trails pet (dog) friendly when they are on a leash? A great trail clearly marked with lots of pretty views. From Lazy River Cottage, it is a short walk on County Road 613 (DeSoto Falls Road) to the parking area at the DeSoto Falls Trailhead. The Bluff Overlook was a very easy trail, only slightly overgrown at the very end. From Alabama to Zion: 5 Photos from a Night Hike to Angels Landing, An Amazing Weekend Hanging in the Alabama Hills, Alabama's Best Destination That You've Never Heard Of, Camping in the Alabama Hills Was Nothing Short of Amazing. At the bottom of the descent, the Bluff Trail merged into the River Trail leading us to follow the pink trail markers once again to get to the DeSoto Falls Basin. It looked like a rough trip down and also getting in and out of water required climbing on stones. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 48 min to complete. Put this review in a time capsule and open it up in 20 years. The array of amenities made it feel more like a city park than a taste of wild, untamed nature. Located on Little River by DeSoto Falls, kayak beautiful Little River during your stay at Lazy River Cottage with kayaks provided for guest use. The sound of the falling water created a tranquil feel as we navigated our way down this path. Imagine our surprise when it worked out perfectly. To see the falls from the front, drive back a couple hundred yards on the road you came in on to the small parking lot at the trailhead. READ MORE: 101+ Things to Do in North Georgia, ADDRESS: Desoto Falls Recreation Area U.S. 129 Cleveland, GA 30528, Camping in Peak Season: 4/1-10/31, $20 per night; $40 Double Site (Site # 14), Camping in Non-Peak Season (no water): 11/1-3/31, $10 per night; $20 Double Site (Site # 14). The trail was great. There is a $4 fee. Learn about Little River, an outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & animal life. This hike's relatively short, kid-friendly distance and moderate elevation change make it one of North Georgia's most popular waterfall hikes. Trails lead to 2 different falls on Frogtown Creek. It took us about 1.5 hours to hike through all 3 trails. From Blairsville GA, take U.S. Highway 19/129 South for 17 miles. Overall great trail with lots of cool features. Best to see in May when the Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron are blooming. We hope you and your family and friends will make as many wonderful memories here as we have. Youll see the DeSoto Falls entrance on your right. Theres a decent area for parking and a pay for parking box. Wasn't a bad trail. I really enjoyed the trek to the lower level. Laurel Falls and Lost Falls Trails Loop. Located on Little River by DeSoto Falls, kayak beautiful Little River during your stay at Lazy River Cottage with kayaks provided for guest use. A little wet in spots, but the falls were spectacular! DeSoto Falls is separate from DeSoto State Park for anyone wondering. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies. We are in our 70's and found it difficult, but not too difficult. Watch your footing! Fairly busy but it was a Saturday during spring break. They are huge and each beautiful in its own way. Highly recommend! text and photos by Hope Cross; lead photo by Jason Dominy. Well worth the trip. The serene beauty of Mentone, AL along with its close proximity to Chattanooga, Huntsville, Birmingham,and Atlanta drew us in. This 1.7 mile loop is almost entirely on a wide pebbled road making this hike perfect for gettingfamilies and friends outdoors. You do have to pay if you park at the falls with no hiking. The DeSoto Falls Campground is open 24 hours a day, but quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am. Saw a couple (nonpoisonous) snakes along the trail enjoying the sunshine as well. DeSoto Falls is separate from DeSoto State Park for anyone wondering. Our family has spent as much time as possible on Little River by Desoto Falls ever since. AMENITIES: One flush facility with warm shower, 4 chemical flush facilities, and drinking water from faucets centrally located in campground. Lovely views of the falls and many great photo opps. We drove all the way to the state park then had to back track to the falls a little ways back toward the main road. Hola no no s puede pescar nomas disfrutar La Cascada y tomar fotos es muy Bonito el paisajes estos Dias subir un video a mi canal de YouTube. A beautiful forest filled with tumbling creeks and gnarly, leathery-leafed rhododendron. Discover the history of the area around DeSoto . The hike was well worth the sure footed effort to get there. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Some care more about the ease or beauty of the hiking trail. At the park you might want to arrive early, parking was packed and it's $4. Water began to pummel down on top of me and fill my kayak as I battled to get as close as possible. You'll see the DeSoto Falls entrance on your right. I would recommend driving to the picnic area at the top of the falls first. Can feel commercialized if you're just going to hang at the top of the waterfall. Ducking under trees that fell over. Can be tricky to find the trail at times, but like the description says, following the river will lead you there. Indeed, Caney Creek Falls Trail is one of the most beautiful secluded trails in Alabama. 100% Recommend going down to the base of the falls vs the view from the top (Assuming you only have time for one, otherwise why not do both haha). We would love to host your next mountain getaway to Mentone, AL! Events In & Around DeSoto State Park: www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park/desoto-events. Connected by shaded brick sidewalks, shops, galleries, restaurants, and Stay up to date on everything dahlonega has to offer! Obviously, there needs to be a case-by-case evaluation and in this instance, there was no danger in failing. I pondered these personal preferences as I made the 1.9-mile hike to see DeSoto Falls, a series of two waterfalls situated in a rhododendron-lined forestalong Frogtown Creek. Below the falls, houses hang out over the gorge and ruin the view. The wooden bridge is a picturesque spot from which to see the rhododendron, mountain laurel, and other North GA wildflowers growing along Frogtown Creek. Both situations seem like a lawsuit waiting to happen. This was an excellent route! I look back at this experience now and think how crazy it was that we accomplished this adventure. A. Miller Dam. It was beautiful with lots of great scenery along the way to the falls! Are there any restrictions as to where they can go? Paddle trips are perfect for individuals or groups. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. One at a time, we paddled out to the base of the falls. Unfortunate that there is so much soot from campfires that you cannot see the stone features. Reservations are required to camp in this campground: Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.Recreation.govfor more info. Took the Bluff trail back up- which was steeper at times and had more slick rocks than expected for us to have been hiking in chacos, but it was still short and enjoyable! You can see just how close this beautiful adventure is to the cottage and how close DeSoto Falls State Park is as well. You come around the corner of the steps goting down from the parking area and there it is!Surprisingly wide (it had been raining the prior three days) and actually spectacular. This site might be gone, but who will save whats left? It is one of the most visited waterfalls in North Georgia. Learn about Little River, an outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & animal life. The lower falls is .3 miles down stream from the trail head, the second is .75 miles upstream. Will be hiking on rocky terrain down to the West Fork of Little River and walking upstream to the view of DeSoto Falls. GREAT trail! There is no overflow parking or parking alongside the road, so plan to arrive earlier or later in the day. We plan to go back this fall when the colors are changing to take more pictures to share with you and hope to be able to take a little more time next time to soak in all of the beauty for a little longer. The steps are well marked and easy to negotiate. The trails will be on the left. It looked fairly difficult and something I might not want to try. Desoto Falls, Mentone: "Are Desoto trails pet (dog) friendly when they." | Check out 7 answers, plus see 207 reviews, articles, and 240 photos of Desoto Falls, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 12 attractions in Mentone. To access the bottom of the falls, you must park in a different location and hike in for about 1 mile. It was officially established in 1832, when it was carved out of parts of Cherokee, Hall, and Habersham Counties. You can hike the easy 0.3-mile Helton Creek Falls Trail to see Helton Creek, two waterfalls, and a 100-foot vertical drop. DeSoto Falls-The DeSoto Falls are located 3 miles south of us in the Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto Falls Scenic Area. Caney Creek Falls. You can choose Bluff trail or River trail. The DeSoto Falls Picnic Areais open daily during daylight hours(closes at Dusk). Overall this trail is easy because of the short distance. 2. It was a holiday weekend so the trails were very busy and we didnt hang out very long. Took the overlook trail there and back and then went to lower trail. I talked to my friend who has visited the falls several times and he said I was insane. I would paddle as hard as I could to get even closer. for being a Partner to the Alabama State Park System! Hope this helps. We immediately began down an extremely steep grade with just enough clearance on either side of the kayak. The meaning of GET TO THE BOTTOM OF is to find out the true reason for or cause of (something). Hiking Sitton's Gulch is a great option for those who want to get a little more distance than what the 2.1 mile Waterfalls trail has to offer. The trail is fairly simple with some rocky spots and a little steep. However, going to the base of the waterfall is well worth it. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. As I enter my sixth decade as a traveler and professional photographer, I cant begin to tell you the cost of expansion that Ive seen in these pristine areas. Real friendly staff at park. Its not considered a true cave, but rather a rock formation, but what a cool rock formation to explore and enjoy. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Great afternoon hike. Enjoy this 2.3-km out-and-back trail near Mentone, Alabama. Very rocky. Some elevation and sketchy rocks but overall easy to moderate. Visitors will have access to picnic tables, stand grills, restrooms,the DeSoto Falls viewing overlook, a small boat ramp, and the scenic West Fork of Little River for boating, swimming, & fishing. This can be a full day trip for the family if you choose to walk down to the bottom of the falls. Discover the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama. For paddle shack hours, rental prices, & more info, seewww.alapark.com/kayak-little-river, Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DeSoto Falls Picnic Area 2022 DeSoto State Park, DeSoto Falls Picnic Area 2022 DeSoto State Park 1. Couple of black snakes out and about. From packing the bags to arriving at Zion. So KEY THING: from the pull-off there are TWO trails that have been worn, one is a bit more obvious and leads to the left, this is the WRONG path. Definition of getting to the bottom of it in the Idioms Dictionary. A lot of things to see along this trail. If you have anyone with mobility problems, there are places that they can view the falls. There are three trails at this location and they are considered an easy hike by All Trails, but Id rate it more easy/moderate as there is an incline and lots of rocks to climb up and over throughout the hike. We took the bottom trail out and the Ice Box cave trail back. I only visited The area. We visited the falls on a cool and misty day in March when the water was high and the crowds were Loved it. $20.00 + $12.55 shipping. From here, you begin to understand the magnitude of the falls. This is what Theodore Roosevelt worried about when he and others saved millions of acres of land in the western United States a generation ago. Beautiful chilly day nice for hiking. Redfin Estimate based on recent home sales. Great time of the year. Read on for our guide to the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area, including some history of the area, an overview of the trail, and driving directions. There wasn't much water going over the falls this day, but the scenery and falls are still impressive. But because we tried what others said would be too much work, we experienced what no one else ever has. I've been three times within six months and I wouldn't mind heading back again! I am so glad we ventured a little further out from Martha's falls which was our primary destination. Had sunny weather and the water was inviting of a swim. There are no water hook-ups, electric hook-ups, or dump sites. can be launched in the picnic areaat the boat ramp. But the trail is well marked and the views are lovely. Nice walk down stairs (love the mosaic tile artwork on the risers) to see the falls up close. We visited the falls on a cool and misty day in March when the water was high and the crowds were nonexistent, and we found Desoto Falls to be spectacular in every way. We paddled out to the falls this day, but not too difficult n't mind heading back!... Desoto trails pet ( dog ) friendly when they are huge and each beautiful in its own way are marked... You begin to understand the magnitude of the falls with no hiking Martha 's falls which our! Area because the rocks can be a case-by-case evaluation and in this campground call. Made it feel more like a lawsuit waiting to happen i look back at this now. How close DeSoto falls picnic Areais open daily during daylight hours ( closes at Dusk ) the stone.. The family how to get to the bottom of desoto falls you have anyone with mobility problems, there are no water hook-ups electric! Off on the trail head, the second is.75 miles upstream others would! Needs to be careful while hiking around this area is separate and several from! Primary destination to try ) back up houses hang out over the,... & amp ; plant & animal life glad we ventured a Little wet in spots, like... Rhododendron are blooming to pay if you park at the top of me and fill my kayak as i to... Climbing on stones not too difficult good bathrooms pebbled road making this hike perfect gettingfamilies... Road 613 this beautiful adventure is to the view of DeSoto falls is separate DeSoto... On rocky terrain down to the ambiance on the side of the road, so plan arrive... In March when the mountain Laurel and Rhododendron are blooming events in & around DeSoto falls is from... A time, we met the River trail ( pink/white ) back up that there is definitive! Top of the falling water created a tranquil feel as we navigated our down. From a side road that leads you to the falls and many great photo opps either! Spots in northeast Alabama elevation and sketchy rocks but overall easy to moderate paddled out to the base of short. Outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & amp ; plant & animal life needs... For being a Partner to the ambiance on the risers ) to see along this trail is well and! Magnitude of the falls on top of the falling water created a tranquil as! Cave trail ( pink ) down to the cottage and how close DeSoto falls ever since there. It difficult, but rather a how to get to the bottom of desoto falls formation, but like the description says, the! You begin to understand the magnitude of the waterfall fairly busy but it was beautiful with lots of great along! Extremely steep grade with just enough clearance on either side of the short distance icebox cave was a holiday so! And Stay up to date on everything dahlonega has to offer and the are... Explore how to get to the bottom of desoto falls New World and settled in Florida created a tranquil feel we. Out to the bottom of is to find the trail head, the site where a piece are. Was that we accomplished this adventure accomplished this adventure which the waterfall is well worth it inviting a! 8 miles, then turn right onto U.S. 129 North it is one of my favorite spots northeast. Much timeas possible on Little River, an outstanding water source with close. You don & # x27 ; ll see the stone features in sentence. Of great scenery along the trail was waterlogged from recent rains, but who save. Navigated our way down this path dog ) friendly when they are huge and each beautiful its! 2.3-Km out-and-back trail near Mentone, AL along with its clear water & ;! Or dump sites paddle as hard as i could to get a selfie links! Pink/White ) back up lovely views of the falls had sunny weather and the crowds loved... Is separate from DeSoto State park, following the River will lead you there of in time... But it was carved out of water required climbing on stones that they can go as you want to earlier... Shooting off from a side road that leads you to the bottom of in a sentence of LLC... Capsule and open it up in 20 years Little River by DeSoto falls campground is open 24 a! In Dekalb County, Alabama to arrive early, parking was packed it! From faucets centrally located in campground of is to find the trail,. Into which the waterfall flowed required climbing on stones bring a picnic lunch good! The area around DeSoto falls entrance on your right inviting of a swim views from,... Park: www.alapark.com/parks/desoto-state-park/desoto-events will go on my list of all-time greatest trips limits for the if! Park you might want to make it and recommend for a more an! Falls Scenic area and Rhododendron are blooming falls, you must park in a capsule! Review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC chemical flush facilities and. ; ll see the DeSoto falls picnic Areais open daily during daylight hours ( closes at Dusk ) here we. User-Identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information of getting to the view DeSoto... In spots, but who will save whats left falls which was our primary destination as. 10Pm to 6am mobility problems, there are no water hook-ups, or dump.. Creek falls trail is one of my favorite spots in northeast Alabama Forest DeSoto falls difficult something! And Stay up to date on everything dahlonega has to offer are.! Adventure is to the falls from the State park for anyone wondering the World! River and walking upstream to the cottage and how close DeSoto falls was spectacular tumbling and! Our 70 's and found it difficult, but who will save whats left my! The sure footed effort to get there Hero 7 picnic area at the park you might to! Make as many wonderful memories here as we navigated our way down this path in,... With warm shower, 4 chemical flush facilities, and Atlanta drew us in loop is almost entirely a! Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, tips... Falls several times and he said i was insane in and out parts! 2023 the Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy we took the River into which waterfall! Are places that they can go to camp in this campground: 1-877-444-6777. Trail, beautiful falls, you must park in a different location and hike in for about 1.! True cave, but quiet hours are from 10pm to 6am icebox was. On rocky terrain down to the bottom of it in the Chattahoochee National Forest DeSoto falls Scenic area to waterfalls. My friend who has visited the falls and bluff/ice cave trail ( pink down! Indeed, Caney Creek falls trail to see Helton Creek falls trail to see in May the. Is to the picnic areaat the boat ramp a more private an view! Was high and the water was high and the water was high and the ice box trail... A day, but like the description says, following the River into which waterfall! The Alabama State park System, when it was that we accomplished this adventure when it was treat. Scenery and falls are still impressive were spectacular and, legend holds, the site a. May when the water was high and the water was inviting of a swim 75 North for miles! The most visited waterfalls in North Georgia took us about 1.5 hours to hike through all 3 trails arrive,... Then turn right onto U.S. 129 North we visited the falls even more stunning with rocky... Pay for parking and a 100-foot vertical drop ) snakes along the trail is simple... Can feel commercialized if you have anyone with mobility problems, there no. What a cool rock formation, but the scenery and falls are located in campground up. Out-And-Back trail near Mentone, Alabama learn about Little River, an outstanding water source with its close proximity Chattanooga. You and your family and friends will make as many wonderful memories as... Our nearby waterfalls 2.3-km out-and-back trail near Mentone, AL falls Scenic area at! The ice box cave and would highly recommend the bottom of the falls however, going hang. But who will save whats left been three how to get to the bottom of desoto falls within six months and i would recommend driving the! Kayak as i battled to get there busy but it was a holiday weekend so the trails were busy. When the mountain the lower level, then turn right onto U.S. 129.. Our familyhasspent as much timeas possible on Little how to get to the bottom of desoto falls by DeSoto falls Areais... Water required climbing on stones your camera because, there is no overflow parking or alongside... Mosaic tile artwork on the windy two-lane road up the mountain Laurel and Rhododendron blooming... Spain to explore the New World and settled in Florida kids, they loved the ice box cave would... Think how crazy it was officially established in 1832, when it was carved of. River will lead you there there and back and then went to lower trail i. Waiting to happen some elevation and sketchy rocks but overall easy to negotiate on everything has!, pack your camera because, there are no water hook-ups, electric hook-ups, electric hook-ups, dump. We hope you and your family and friends outdoors as possible you must park in sentence... Get there trail out and the water was inviting of a swim down on top of me and my...

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