DeSoto State Park: Something for Everyone in October

October is packed with opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors at DeSoto State Park. From guided hikes and campfire talks to creative workshops and Halloween fun, there’s something for nearly every age and interest.

Oct. 1 — Junior Ranger Adventure — Kids ages 5–12 can explore nature and work toward their Alabama State Park Junior Ranger badge. 11 a.m., Benefield Nature Center. $2 per person; registration appreciated.

Oct. 2 — Hike with a Naturalist: DeSoto Scout Trail — A challenging 6.5-mile hike through varied mountain terrain. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free; registration appreciated. Weather-dependent.

Oct. 2 — Campfire Talk: Tales of Appalachia — Folklore, ghost stories and Appalachian legends around the campfire. 7 p.m. Free.

Oct. 3 — Autumn Brushstrokes Watercolors — Beginner-friendly watercolor class featuring fall-inspired artwork. 2–5 p.m. $55, supplies included; ages 12 and up. Registration required.

Oct. 3 — Hypertufa Leaf Casting Workshop — Create a decorative leaf casting for your garden or home. Noon–4 p.m. $40, supplies included; ages 14 and up. Registration required.

Oct. 4 — Kudzu Sphere Workshop — Turn invasive kudzu vines into a unique woven sphere. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $60, supplies included. Registration required.

Oct. 8 — Park Explorer: Snake Tales — Learn about Alabama’s snakes and how to distinguish venomous from nonvenomous species. 10–11 a.m. $2; registration required.

Oct. 9 — Campfire Talk: Journeys Through the Past — De Soto & De Luna — JSU’s Dr. Harry Holstein explores the expeditions and stories of two Spanish explorers. 7 p.m. Free.

Oct. 10 — Hike & Hammock: DeSoto Falls Basin — Hike to a scenic hammock spot, then relax before returning. 4–6 p.m. Free; RSVP required.

Oct. 10 — Campfire Talk: Viking Age Archaeology — Dr. Kathryn Catlin shares discoveries from archaeological work in northern Iceland. 7 p.m. Free.

Oct. 14 — Canyon Kids: Birding — Hands-on birding activities for children ages 3 through third grade. Two sessions at JSU’s Little River Canyon Center. Free; registration required.

Oct. 15 — Outdoor Observations Walk — Explore park wildlife and learn to use iNaturalist for species identification. 4 p.m. Free; weather-dependent.

Oct. 16 — Trail Trekker Hike: Along Little River — A roughly 1½-mile hike along the Aqua/Yellow Trail. 3–5:30 p.m. Free.

Oct. 16 — Campfire Talk: Hidden Worlds Below—Alabama’s Caves — Explore the geology and biology of Alabama’s underground ecosystems. 7 p.m. Free.

Oct. 17 — Hike with a Naturalist: Slant Rock Trail — Guided 1.5-mile hike in Little River National Preserve. 10 a.m. Registration appreciated.

Oct. 17 — Dutch Oven Campfire Cooking Demo —Learn about Dutch ovens and enjoy food prepared over the fire. 4–6:30 p.m. Free.

Oct. 17 — Campfire Talk: Alabama’s Amazing Glowworms — Discover the science behind Alabama’s fascinating bioluminescent glowworms. 7 p.m. Free.

Oct. 18 — Hypertufa Pumpkin Workshop — Create seasonal hypertufa pumpkins. Noon–4 p.m. $40, supplies included; ages 10 and up. Registration required.

Oct. 20 or 21 — Canyon Explorers: Young Scientists—Exciting Engineering — Hands-on STEM activities focused on engineering and building. 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Free; registration required.

Oct. 24 — Spookapalooza Pumpkin Carving Contest — All ages may enter. Pumpkins must be submitted by noon for judging.

Oct. 24 — Spookapalooza Campsite Contest & Trick-or-Treating — Decorated campsites, prizes and campground trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treating is 3–5:30 p.m.; public entry is limited to those hours.

Oct. 30 — Park After Dark Fireside Chat — Enjoy s’mores, conversation and nighttime exploration around the frog pond. 7 p.m. Free; weather-dependent.

Oct. 31 — Junior Ranger Adventure — A Halloween-day nature adventure for ages 5–12. 11 a.m. $2

For registration, weather updates or additional details: DeSoto State Park, 256-997-5025; Brittney M. Hughes, Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov; Alapark.com/Desotoresort. The park also lists Alabama State Park events at Alapark.com/events.