DeSoto State Park
Forest trails, the West Fork of Little River, boardwalks, small falls, CCC structures, and the separate DeSoto Falls area create a broad Lookout Mountain park.
Artwork inspired by Jimmie Lee Sudduth
Do not collapse every waterfall into one place. Indian Falls, Lost Falls, Laurel Falls, and DeSoto Falls respond differently to rain and require different trailheads; CCC architecture supplies a second story about recreation and public work.
The main park and DeSoto Falls are about seven miles apart, and GPS can route large vehicles onto unsuitable roads. Use the park’s written directions, especially with an RV or trailer.
- Talmadge Butler Boardwalk
- Accessible path through forest
- CCC lodge landscape
- New Deal design survives
- separate DeSoto Falls area
- Major waterfall requires separate drive
Quick guide
- Best first move
- Talmadge Butler Boardwalk: Forest trails, the West Fork of Little River, boardwalks, small falls, CCC structures, and the separate DeSoto Falls area create a broad Lookout Mountain park.
- Most revealing detail
- CCC lodge landscape gives the clearest route into waterfalls and ccc stonework reward a mapped, two-part visit.
Quick guide
- Start with
- Talmadge Butler Boardwalk — Forest trails, the West Fork of Little River, boardwalks, small falls, CCC structures, and the separate DeSoto Falls area create a broad Lookout Mountain park.
- Look closely at
- CCC lodge landscape — Do not collapse every waterfall into one place.
- Connect the story
- separate DeSoto Falls area — The main park and DeSoto Falls are about seven miles apart, and GPS can route large vehicles onto unsuitable roads.
- Plan around
- Allow 3–6 hours; plan around separate desoto falls area and current access conditions.
Good to know
Download the official map and directions; “waterfall trail” search results often mix different sites and private property.
Notice these
- Talmadge Butler Boardwalk
- CCC lodge landscape
- separate DeSoto Falls area