DeSoto Falls Picnic Area in Mentone, AL is a daylight-to-dusk waterfall picnic spot with tables, grills, and an easy family hike nearby.
If you’re searching for a low-effort, high-reward nature outing in Northeast Alabama, DeSoto Falls Picnic Area is a great pick. It’s part of the DeSoto State Park system and sits a short drive from the main park area, near Mentone. The headline moment is the waterfall: a scenic overlook and nearby paths make it possible to enjoy big views without needing a long, technical trek. Add picnic tables and grills, and you’ve got the ingredients for a full family day—breakfast under the trees, a short waterfall walk, a simple cookout lunch, and a calm afternoon surrounded by birdsong and rushing water.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Mentone, AL 35984 |
| Phone | (256) 845-0051 |
| Hours | 06:00–19:00 (daylight hours; closes at dusk) |
| Facilities | Picnic Tables, Grills |
| Important Notes | No potable water and no trash service listed for this area—bring your own drinking water and pack out all trash. |
DeSoto Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Alabama, and the picnic area is set up so families can enjoy the scenery with minimal hassle. According to Alabama State Parks information, the picnic area is open during daylight hours and includes picnic tables, stand grills, and restrooms, with the falls’ flow changing significantly based on rainfall. In winter and early spring, the water is typically higher; in summer and fall, it can be lower or even dry during very dry periods. Planning your visit after rainfall often delivers the most dramatic waterfall views.
One practical heads-up: popular weekends can feel busy. Arriving earlier helps you claim a shaded table and enjoy quieter trail moments. Also, bring good footwear—after rain, rock and concrete surfaces around waterfalls can be slick, and kids move faster than you think.
The easiest way to keep a family picnic smooth is to prep the night before. Assemble your breakfast and lunch items, portion snacks, and pack a small “cleanup kit” (trash bags, wet wipes, paper towels). If you want to cook, bring charcoal and a fire-starting tool (and always follow day-of fire guidance). In the morning, load everything into a Tara Explorer 2+2. The large storage box fits food, a picnic mat, and extra layers, while the mini fridge keeps cold drinks ready—so your family can enjoy chilled refreshments even during a warm afternoon.
Arrive around 9:00, park, and do a quick gear check: water bottles, camera/phone, and shoes with good grip. If it rained recently, expect stronger waterfall flow—great for photos—but walk carefully and remind kids about slippery areas.
After a short walk (about 30 minutes at a relaxed family pace), you’ll reach shaded picnic tables where you can settle in. Keep breakfast simple, tasty, and easy to clean up:
This is the “quiet hour” of the day—perfect for letting kids slow down, listening to birds, and enjoying the sound of moving water in the distance.
Next, head toward the DeSoto Falls Trail area for a gentle hike. Keep the pace comfortable for kids and grandparents, and treat it like a “discovery walk”: notice plants, small rock formations, and the way the sound of the falls grows louder as you approach viewpoints. At the scenic overlook, take a few family photos—waterfall backgrounds make even simple snapshots feel special.
Return to the picnic area and use the grills (subject to any fire restrictions). A no-stress family menu:
Keep kids in a safe zone while cooking. Once lunch is done, wipe down the table, cool the grill area appropriately, and pack all waste into your trash bags—since services may be limited, plan to take everything with you.
This hour makes the afternoon feel easy. Lay out a picnic mat and reset:
After resting, take a slow stroll on nearby paths. Look for small streams, interesting rocks, and forest details—kids love “mini missions” like spotting three different leaf shapes or finding the loudest bird call.
Eat a light snack, hydrate, and do a final sweep: table, ground, and surrounding area. Make sure nothing is left behind—especially small wrappers and bottle caps.
Plan to leave before dusk so the drive back feels relaxed. A clean exit and good timing are the finishing touches on a successful family day trip.
With early arrival, smart footwear, and a simple meal plan, DeSoto Falls Picnic Area becomes an easy “repeatable” family outing— scenic, calm, and packed with the kind of memories that don’t require a complicated itinerary.
