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DeSoto State Park's Mountain Bike Trails
DeSoto State Park has over 25 miles of hiking trails, including up to 11+ miles of mountain biking trails. Terrain on all trails varies from easy to strenuous.
Trail maps & more trail information can be found at the Lodge, Country Store, & Nature Center. All mountain bike trails are marked by diamonds on the trail map.
Some popular Mountain Bike Loops in DeSoto State Park:
‘Family Bike Loop’-2.5 mile loop Rated ‘Easy’ to Moderate
Can be accessed by the Lost Falls Trailhead
‘Never-Never Land Loop’-3.8 mile loop Rated Moderate to Mildly Strenuous
Can be accessed by Lost Falls Trailhead
‘CCC Quarry Bike Loop’ roughly 5 miles Rated Moderate to Strenuous (due to inclines)
Can be accessed by DeSoto State Park’s Country Store
‘Gillam Bike Loop’-3.5 mile loop Rated Moderate
Can be accessed by the Gillam Loop Trailhead or the DeSoto State Park Lodge (via the Chalet Trail-.7 miles)
Another popular bike ride is the CCC Road, which starts at the Gillam Loop Trailhead. This unpaved road was historically built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s-early 1940s and was originally intended to be a parkway to Little River Canyon. Remnants of the work of the CCC such as culverts, walls, and 'unfinished' bridges can be seen along the road. The largest ‘unfinished’ bridge that is easy to see is 1.75 miles from the Gillam Loop Trailhead gate.
Bikes are also allowed on the DST Exits, which have bike racks and benches located close to the DeSoto Scout Trail(The DST is not bike friendly) The exits are great places to access Little River.
(All DST Exits are rated strenuous due to elevation change)
PLEASE NOTE: The DeSoto State Park Property surrounding the Gillam Bike Loop, including the CCC Road, is a multi-user area that include the following activities:
Mountain Biking & Hiking - CCC Road & Gilliam Loop – All Year Around Bow Hunting ONLY - DeSoto Scout Trail Exit #1 South to the CCC unfinished bridge allowed from October 15th through January 31st.
Hikers and Biker are encouraged to wear bright colors or hunter orange during deer season. Be aware of Hunters on the CCC Road from - October 15th through January 31st
Hunters DO NOT have permission to access the Wildlife Management Area through the DeSoto State Park Cabin/Chalet Area.
YIELD TO HIKERS
Enjoy the beauty of nature and the gifts that it offers on the lovely trails of DeSoto State Park. Please remember that Alabama State Parks preserve land for the benefit of present and future generations. You can participate in this preservation effort by remembering that all plants and animals are protected in each Alabama State Park. Please leave all plants and animal life undisturbed for others to enjoy.
Upcoming events:
3rd Annual Dream Team Time Trial & 5K
DeSoto State Park- June 15, 2013 @ 9:00
11 miles of challenging mountain bike trails for any skill level OR an exhilarating 5K trail run through the beautiful nature of Lookout Mountain. All proceeds benefit Emma & Eli's Dream Team, a part of GREAT STRIDES, the official walk of the CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION. Help make CF stand for Cure Found! http://www.active.com/running/fort-payne-al/3rd-annual-dream-team-time-trial-and-5k-2013
DeSoto State Park is very fortunate to have a great bike club that volunteers their time & effort into making our mountain bike trails wonderful. Be sure to check them out on Facebook!
DeSoto State Park would like to extend a big thank you and acknowledge GH Metal Solutions's service to the community and the park.
Special thanks go out to Brad Scott, Alan Kilgo, & Edwin Stanley of GH Metal Solutions, located in Fort Payne Alabama. Brad Scott stands next to one of the many trails signs the company has donated to DeSoto State Park. These signs are laser cut and powder coated to withstand years of use and exposure to the elements. Many of the signs are constructed of stainless steel.
Access to Alabama State Parks and State Park Programs is available without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disabilities.
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