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Weekend of Friday, April 30th & Saturday May 1st, 2021:
Wildflower Saturday is an annual event held in DeSoto State Park atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama, always the first Saturday of May.
Springtime at DeSoto State Park is truly beautiful, with wildflowers & trees blooming around every corner. Join DeSoto State Park staff & guest speakers for a wonderful weekend of learning about the many species of blooming plants found on Lookout Mountain. Choose to stay the whole weekend, or just come for the day to enjoy the hikes and programs.
The weekend starts off with a welcome social and guest speaker program on Friday night, a day full of hikes to choose from and a guest speaker on Saturday night.
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Cahaba Lilies Presentation
Come hear the story of the Shoals Spider Lily, known in Alabama as the Cahaba Lily. Learn about its history, it's struggle to survive human interventions, and the prospects for its survival in our modern world. Presented by Mike Ezell- Naturalist emeritus, Alabama State Parks. Date: Friday, April 30, 2021. Time: 6:00 p.m. Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama-Lodge Deck with outdoor seating. In case of rain program will be held at the CCC Pavilion in the picnic area. Fee: Free & open to everyone; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household.
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The Azalea Cascade Hike
This hike has the easest 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. Participants will meet behind DeSoto's Country Store on the deck. Hike Times: 9:00 a.m 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
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The Rhododendron Trail Hike
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. Participants will meet at DeSoto's Nature Center. Hike Times: 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
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The Little River Hike
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. The trail curves around & starts a gradual curve up to the bluff above Little River & ends back at Indian Falls. Participants will meet outside DeSoto's Country Store on the grass. Hike Times: 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
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Native Azaleas & Rhododendrons Presentation
Join Patrick Thompson from the Donald D. Davis Arboretum in Auburn for a presentation about the native Rhododendrons & wild Azaleas that can be found throughout Alabama. Discover the differences between the Azaleas & rhododendrons and about the many species that can be found regionally. Date: Saturday, May 1, 2021. Time: 7:15 p.m. Where: DeSoto State Park-Fort Payne, Alabama-Lodge Deck with outdoor seating. In case of rain program will be held at the CCC Pavilion in the picnic area. Fee: Free & open to everyone; masks are respectfully requested when in proximity of others not in your household.
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