About De Soto Falls
De Soto Falls is a named waterfall in DeKalb County, Alabama, located about 10 miles northeast of Fort Payne. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Valley Head 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 34°32′56″ N, 85°35′26″ W (34.54897, -85.59052). Historical sources also record the name DeSoto Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Desoto State Park Lake (reservoir, under 0.1 mi), Tutwiler Gap (gap, 0.9 mi), and Little Mountain (summit, 1.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Little Falls, 2.3 miles to the southwest.
Waterfall on the West Fork of the Little River & named after the Spanish explorer, Fernando de Soto.
USGS gazetteer description: Vertical drop of 104 feet, Located in sec 4,T6S,R10E, Huntsville Meridian.
More Photos
1,943 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at De Soto Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at De Soto Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of De Soto Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
De Soto Falls holds a 4.8 average from 568 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of De Soto Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Desoto State Park Lake — reservoir, under 0.1 mi
- Tutwiler Gap — gap, 0.9 mi
- Little Mountain — summit, 1.4 mi
- Polecat Hollow — valley, 1.5 mi
- Moon Lake — lake, 1.6 mi
- Sunset Rock — pillar, 2.0 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 34.54897, -85.59052. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near De Soto Falls
- Swindell Falls, AL27 mi southwest
- Keown Falls, GA29 mi east
- High Falls, AL29 mi west
- Lula Falls, GA29 mi northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is De Soto Falls located?
De Soto Falls is in DeKalb County, Alabama, about 10 miles northeast of Fort Payne. Its coordinates are 34.54897, -85.59052 (34°32′56″ N, 85°35′26″ W).
What town is closest to De Soto Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Fort Payne, AL, about 10 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near De Soto Falls?
The closest is Little Falls (2.3 mi southwest). Others within reach include Little River Falls (11 mi), High Falls (20 mi), and Hemlock Falls (21 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows De Soto Falls?
De Soto Falls appears on the USGS Valley Head 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.