Swim Underneath Desoto Falls

I began the day by driving up to the top of the waterfall. Desoto Falls Rd dead ends into a parking lot, essentially placing you at the top of the falls. At this point, there is little to no hiking involved. The top of the waterfall features some pretty cool cliff faces overlooking the falls. I went on a Saturday morning and I was the only person there for over an hour.

The highlight of the trip is getting down to the base and swimming right up underneath this monster of a waterfall. There are two ways to get down. The first is to drive back up Desoto Falls Rd about 1/4 mile to a SMALL gravel lot with a "No Camping" sign. Park here and follow the power lines down about 30 feet and look for a trail to your left. This is an unmaintained fisherman's path that will lead you straight down to the falls. Be prepared to fight through some brush if you decide on this route. This trail is about a mile in length. The other (recommended) route has been known to be much easier to follow by some friends that explored this area after me. There is apparently another trail across the dam at the top of the falls that quickly lead down to the base. Essentially, walk across the 3-4in of water right below the dam at the top and look for the trail on the other side.

Bring a bathing suit and swim to the base of these falls! It's a definite adrenaline rush. NOTE: the afternoon/evening is the best time to photograph the falls.