Ecotraveler...

ALABAMA'S DESOTO STATE PARK:

A SOUTHERN STAR

When the stars fell on Alabama, they definitely fell in the northeast part of the state. Stunning Desoto State Park and much of Alabama's northeast shines brightly for ecotravelers searching for a getaway where the outdoors is the star attraction.

Located in rugged, yet quaint, DeKalb County, DeSoto State Park provides the perfect base for a wide assortment of activities. With more than 5,000 acres of well-managed wilderness, you'll never lack for something to do. The park is mostly comprised of terrain on Lookout Mountain, with lots of 15- to 25-foot sheer dropoffs and cliffs and some measuring more than 320 feet.

Though there are many accommodations options in DeKalb County, it's great to stay right at the state park. The choices include rustic log cabins, mountain chalets, and a 25-room stone lodge motel/restaurant. A new camping facility in the mountain forest sits away from traffic.

Once you have a place to sleep, don't plan on getting much of it. The state park offers a large information center, varied hiking trails, nature programs, scenic drives, a large bathhouse and pool, and many accessible waterfalls. You can't oversleep with so much to see.

There are approximately 20 miles of hiking trails within the park area. Rustic foot bridges span many rushing mountain streams and many unusual rock formations and rare forms of plant life can be found.

The Desoto Falls area is one of the most popular destinations for park visitors. In addition to a famous 100-foot waterfall, you'll find an historic dam and a serene mountain lake for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Little River Canyon is the deepest canyon east of the Rocky Mountains. It is approximately 16 miles long, has an average depth of 400 feet (600 feet at its deepest point), and is 3/4-mile wide at its widest point. The Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, a 22-mile scenic drive, follows the west rim of the canyon and provides many overlooks.

Little River is the only river in America that flows its entire length on top of a mountain. Little River forms in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama and flows down the middle of Lookout Mountain, leaving the mountain at Little River Canyon Mouth Park and flowing into Weiss Lake. It is classified as an Alabama Wild and Scenic River.

Peak fall foliage viewing is found from the end of September to the end of October, with peak viewing times usually occurring in the second and third weeks of October. The sumac's brilliant fire-red colors, the dogwood's burnt red hue, the hickory's yellow sheen, and the elm's orange paint the area for leaf-peepers.

Some top fall foliage spots include Little River Canyon, DeSoto Falls, the Lookout Mountain Parkway, and DeSoto Parkway. In the spring, take the Rhododendron Trails, when the blooming Catawabe Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel turn the area into a riot of color in May and June.

Other highlights in DeSoto State Park include: Little River Falls; Grace's High Falls; Umbrella Rock; and much more. Once you've seen it all, the rest of DeKalb County and northeast Alabama beckons.

One great resource for ecotravelers in the area is Adams Outdoors (Rt. 1, Box 191-X, Fort Payne, AL 35967, 205-845-2988). This Lookout Mountain company offers customized trips, including accommodations (huts, cabins, and camping); hiking; canoeing and rafting; cave tours; rapelling; rock climbing; fishing; and full guide services.

Along with visiting small and friendly towns like Mentone, there are many other possibilities in the area. Some highlights within 50 miles of DeSoto State Park include: the DeSoto Scout Trail; Cloudmont Resort (the region's southernmost ski resort); Sequoyah Caverns; and the Little River Wildlife Management Area.

Contact DeSoto State Park at Route 1, Box 205, Fort Payne, AL 35967, 205-845-5380. Contact the DeKalb Tourist Association at 2201 J Gault Ave. N., P.O. Box 1165, Fort Payne, AL 35967, 205-845-3957. Contact the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel at 532 South Perry St., Montgomery, AL 36104, 800-ALABAMA.