DeSoto State Park Trail System

With over 30 miles of trails, De Soto State Park offers dogs and their owners a pawtastic place to explore nature together. Here, you can walk by streams, across boardwalks, through the woods, and past rock formations. There are several waterfalls on the property that you can enjoy during your travels. In the spring, the area comes alive with gorgeous wildflowers, and in the fall the trees are bursting with color. Most of the routes interconnect with one another, providing a range of hiking distances for you to choose from.

A well-loved pathway in De Soto Park follows the Orange and Blue loops. On this trek, you can cross a boardwalk and walk out to see Laurel Falls. The path leading to this six-foot cascade has some climbs and rugged spots. Further along the route, you can find Lost Falls. This site is easier to locate in the spring or winter, as it can dry to a trickle in the summer months. Birders enjoy walking on the Azalea Cascade Boardwalk Trail. This route features a 360-foot boardwalk and a deck that looks over the pool at the base of the falls. Here you can watch for woodland birds like warblers, tanagers, and vireos. At the end of the walk, look to the sky for hawks and eagles. 

Your four-footed friend is welcome to join you, as long as they stay on leash. Keep the pathway clear by immediately collecting your special pal's droppings. Remember to carry water with you, especially if you're planning a longer hike.

There are many different loops in this 3,502-acre facility. You can select easy paths that take you through the woods or on a boardwalk as you watch for resident wildlife. Other routes offer a more strenuous workout and lead you past scenic waterfalls. No matter what you choose, this is a furrific place to take a hike!