Wildflower Saturday
All hikes are rain or shine, only cancelled in the event of storms in the area
#desotostatepark #DSPwildflowersaturday
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34th Annual Wildflower Saturday
Friday, May 1st & Saturday 2nd, 2026
Spring at DeSoto is truly something special. As Lookout Mountain comes alive with vibrant blooms, fresh greenery, and the sounds of rushing waterfalls, the park becomes a showcase of North Alabama’s natural beauty. Wildflower Saturday celebrates the season with guided hikes, educational programs, and opportunities to learn about the many native plants and wildflowers that make this area so unique.
Wildflower Saturday was founded by former Park Naturalist—and later Superintendent—Ken Thomas. Over the years, it has grown to include even more hikes and knowledgeable leaders, transforming it into a full weekend celebration of plants. Join your fellow “nature nerds” for the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore—whether you’re an experienced hiker, a devoted nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing day immersed in breathtaking scenery.
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Join DeSoto State Park staff and a diverse lineup of guest hike leaders for a fun, relaxed weekend all about the amazing plants found on Lookout Mountain. Guest speakers come from a wide range of backgrounds—including wildcrafting, botany, ethnobotany, gardening, grasslands restoration, and more—offering something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting to learn.
Friday Night Program: Nature's Harmony: Relationships Between Plants & Insects
Saturday Night Program ( To be announced)
Come for the whole weekend or just spend the day—it’s up to you. The weekend kicks off Friday night with a welcome social and guest speaker program. Saturday is packed with 9 guided hikes to choose from, plus an evening speaker to wrap up the day.
Whether you’re passionate about native plants, curious about traditional plant uses, or simply love a good spring hike, Wildflower Saturday is a great way to experience DeSoto in full bloom.
Schedule at a glance:
Friday, May 1st~
6:00-7:00-Nature's Harmony: Relationships Between Plants & Insects
Saturday, May 2nd~
7:00 am-DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant begins serving breakfast buffet
9:00 am-Hikes start at DeSoto’s Country Store (3 separate hikes heading out)
11:30 am-DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant begins serving lunch
1:00 pm-Hikes start at DeSoto’s Country Store (3 separate hikes heading out)
3:00 pm-Hikes start at DeSoto’s Country Store (3 separate hikes heading out)
5:00 pm-DeSoto’s Mountain Inn Restaurant begins serving dinner buffet
7:00 pm-Presentation (Speaker to be announced)
Fee: Free & Open to everyone. No pre-registration required. We do ask that groups over 10 please RSVP to help us make everyone's wildflower experience better!
Saturday Hikes: DeSoto's trails can vary from fairly flat terrain to slightly steep inclines & rocky ground. Each hike is marked for its difficulty level. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear & bring along water & snacks along on the hikes. Throughout the course of the day you will be able to choose from 3 separate hikes during the day, each hike with different leaders. 9:00, 1:00 & 3:00 hikes
The Azalea Cascade Hike:
Starts on DeSoto's Azalea Cascade Boardwalk and ends at the Country Store.
Meets at DeSoto's Country Store on the deck
Hike Times: 9:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Easy to Moderate
This hike has the easiest terrain, suitable for people with limited mobility or younger children. Starts out along the Talmadge Butler ADA-Accessible Boardwalk Trail & continues along for both an elevated & ground-floor view of the hardwood forest. Ends at Azalea Cascade, with an option to venture off of the boardwalk on a trail that ends back at the country store.
Various plants to see: Pink Lady Slipper, Mountain Laurel, Wild Ginger, Catesby’s Trillium, Galax, Trout Lilly, Sweet Shrub, Mountain Honeysuckle, Yellowroot, Dwarf Iris, New York Fern, Wild Geranium, Cucumber Magnolia, Wild Azalea, and much more.
The Rhododendron Trail Hike:
Goes from Country Store towards DeSoto's pool area and down the yellow trail, ending at Indian Falls. Approx. 1 1/2 miles total. Meets at DeSoto's Nature Center
Hike Times: 9:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Moderate to mildly strenuous
Classified as Moderate to mildly strenuous because of the length and slightly rocky terrain; this hike is great for walking under the forest canopy & among flowing creeks. Follows along the bluff line overlooking the West Fork of Little River, and ends at scenic Indian Falls.
Various plants to see: Catawba Rhododendron, Wild Camellia, Rosebay Rhododendron, Yellowstar Grass, Wild Huckleberry, Mountain Laurel, Trailing Arbutus, Bluets, Solomon’s Seal, Catesby’s Trillium, Galax, Sweet Shrub, Fringe Tree, Partridgeberry, & much more.
The Little River Hike:
Starts at Indian Falls, follows the yellow trail and circles back to Indian Falls. Approx.1 1/2 miles total. Meets outside DeSoto's Country Store on grass.
Hike Times: 9:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Moderate to mildly strenuous
Also classified as moderate to mildly strenuous, this hike starts at Indian Falls & goes down a slight incline to follow along the West Fork of Little River. Terrain is rocky with some minor rock-hopping next to the river. Trail curves around & starts a gradual curve up to the bluff above Little River & ends back at Indian Falls.
Various plants to see: Mountain Honeysuckle, Mountain Laurel, Catawba Rhododendron, Nuttall’s Rayless Goldenrod, Yellowroot, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Indian Cucumber Root, Wood Sorrel, Tag Alder, Ashy Hydrangea, Oxeye Daisy, Coral Honeysuckle, Flatrock Onion, Neverwet, Royal Fern, Joe Pye Weed, Cinnamon Fern, Rattlesnake Plantain and much more.
Trail Maps & Wildflower Checklists can be found at the Lodge, Country Store and Nature Center.
All presentations & hikes are free to the Public and no registration required!
Contact Info:
Brittney M. Hughes,
Park Naturalist at DeSoto State Park
7104 DeSoto Parkway NE Fort Payne, AL. 35967
Office: 256.997.5025 OR Fax: 256.845.8286
Email
