Directions: From Interstate I-59, take Exit 2118 and travel south on AL Hwy 35 for 1.2 miles to US Hwy 11. Turn left onto Hwy 11 and head north for 1.2 miles to Hwy 35/5th Street. Turn right onto Hwy 35/5th Street and drive south 2.3 miles to the DeSoto Parkway. Turn left onto the parkway and drive north 5.5 miles into the park. The Azalea Cascade Trail is just a bit farther along the parkway.

Description: DeSoto State Park offers an unequaled display of multiple woodland bird species found in the southeastern United States as well as a staff naturalist and great trails to lead you to them. Species to look for include Pileated, Red-headed, Red-bellied, Downy and Hairy woodpeckers, as well as White-breasted and Brown-headed nuthatches. This mosaic of habitats is home to a great variety of warblers including Hooded, Kentucky, Black-and-White, Blue-winged and even Golden-winged on occasion. In spring and early summer, the forest resounds with the calls of Scarlet Tanagers, Wood Thrushes, and Yellow-throated Vireos, while winter brings flocks of American Goildfinches and Purple Finches from farther north. A clear view of the sky could reveal migrating raptors in spring and fall, such as Red-tailed and Broad-winged hawks, and perhaps even Golden eagles in winter.