DEKALB COUNTY-Alabama State parks has events for April in Desoto State park that will get you out into the fresh air, build your knowledge of Alabama wildlife and wild flowers, and get your creative juices flowing.
Early Spring Hike in DeSoto State Park
One of the most beautiful times of the year at DeSoto State Park! Join DSP Staff on a moderate meandering hike along the Little River trail to see what species of plants is starting to grow and bloom after a long winter season. We will learn some natural history of the plants, and some medicinal and historical uses as well.
Wonderful views of the West Fork of Little River, Indian Falls, and Lodge Falls along the route. Will stop and eat at the Mountain Inn Restaurant in the park to eat lunch (outside seating, bring your own or order), then head back towards the Country Store. Approx. 2 miles round trip, moderate along rocky terrain.
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Where: DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at the Benefield Interpretive Center (Next to DeSoto’s Country Store)
Fee: Free and open to everyone. Free, pre-registration is required so to know how many to expect. Hike is open to ages 8 to adult. We will be social distancing on the trail as much as possible. Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for more info or to pre-register.
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Things to bring: Plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks/lunch, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended)
WEATHER: Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather. As with all outdoor events, if it is stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please call the park before you leave home to check if the hike is still on (256.845.0051)
Directions to Desoto State Park:
Using a GPS or Phone to navigate to Desoto State Park can be unreliable. Please see www.alapark.com/DSP-Plan-Your-Trip for directions to DSP.
Serious Skills Series: Art of Woodburning- Door Signs
Hosted by DeSoto State Park. The Serious Skills series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests, and park visitors.
Pyrography or woodburning is the art of decorating wood or other materials, the term meaning “writing with fire” dating back to the 17th century. Participants in this class will learn the basic techniques of decorative wood burning and painting designs from artist April Blanks, and will work on a 10 inch circle piece with wording of their choice. This class is for ages 14 to adult.
Date: April 16, 2022
Time: 2 class times available: 9:00-11:30 OR 12:30-3:00 pm
Where: DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama (Location disclosed at time of registration)
Fee: $25.00 -includes all supplies. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov to sign up or for more info. Examples of April’s work: www.facebook.com/Aprils-Woodburnings-310733302340332/
Yoga on the Mountain: Neverland Trail Yoga Hike
DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama
Interested in starting your day in a positive way? Experience yoga while enjoying the beauty that is Desoto State Park! Join instructor Destin Padgett for a great outdoor experience of strengthening yoga poses AND hiking along beautiful trails. This hike will be a mix of trail hiking with an outdoor yoga session. Combining hiking and yoga practice in the great outdoors confers benefits unmatched in any other setting. You get the light cardio and strength-building that hiking offers, the toning, flexibility, and relaxation that yoga offers, and the powerful connection to Mother Nature that being outdoors offers.
What to know: Yoga poses are alignment based which makes them perfect for those beginning or continuing their yoga practice. Wear closed-toe shoes & weather appropriate clothes; bring a hike-friendly yoga mat or towel if you wish (most poses will be standing poses), water and a snack.
About the hike: This hike is approximately 3 1/2 miles round trip, moderate. Trail weaves thru hardwood forest with sandstone outcroppings, streams, wetlands, and an old homeplace along the trail. Great time of year for wildflowers!
Date: April 21, 2022
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Meet at DeSoto’s Country Store on Co. Rd. 89-will caravan to Lost Falls Trailhead
Fee: $5.00 per person. Pre-registration is required, so we know how many to expect. Hike is open to ages 8 to adult. Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for more info or to pre-register. If weather is questionable- check with DSP Lodge before coming: 256.845.5380.
See www.alapark.com/DSP-Yoga for class dates
Serious Skills Series: Leaf Pounding Class
Hosted by DeSoto State Park. The Serious Skills series is a variety of classes and workshops that provide opportunities to discover a hidden talent or learn a new skill for personal enrichment. Classes are open to local residents, overnight guests, and park visitors.
Leaf pounding is a simple, stunning technique, historically used by Cherokee women to decorate fabric. Pounding with a rock or a hammer transfers the natural dyes of a leaf to fabric while retaining the design of the original leaf. In this class, join DeSoto State Park Naturalist Brittney Hughes on a quick walk to ID leaves that can be used for leaf pounding, then get a chance to unleash your creativity to make a beautiful and unique piece of fabric to take home. Participants can also bring their own fabric like t-shirts, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, etc. as long as it is 100% cotton. This class is for ages 8 to adult.
Date: Friday, April 22, 2022 (Earth Day)
Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Where: DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama (Location disclosed at time of registration)
Fee: $10.00 -includes all supplies. Class space is limited, pre-registration is required for attendance in this class. Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov to sign up or for more info. This class will be held outside under a covered pavilion, be prepared for whatever weather conditions are present.
Adventure Hike-DeSoto Falls Basin
DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama
Set out on an adventure hike with DeSoto State Park staff to the bottom of one of Alabama’s tallest waterfalls, DeSoto Falls! Learn about Little River, an outstanding water source with its clear water & plant & animal life. Discover the history of the area around DeSoto Falls in Dekalb County, Alabama.
About the hike: This hike is approximately 1.5 miles total but considered moderate to strenuous due to the mountainous terrain and elevation. Will be hiking on rocky terrain down to the West Fork of Little River and walking upstream to the view of DeSoto Falls.
Date: Saturday, April 23, 2022
Time: 9:00-11:30 am
Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama. Location given at time of registration.
Fee: Free, pre-registration is required so to know how many to expect. Hike is open to ages 8 to adult. Email Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov for more info or to pre-register.
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Things to bring: Plenty of water and/or sports drink, snacks/lunch, hiking poles/staff (optional), sturdy shoes (open toe shoes are not recommended)
WEATHER: Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather. As with all outdoor events, if it is stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel. If the weather is questionable, please call the park before you leave home to check if the hike is still on (256.845.0051)
