Last Minute Hiking! - Desoto Scout Trail + Desoto Falls + Little River Falls

This is an exploratory hike for me since I've never been on the Desoto Scout Trail, although I have been to Desoto Falls.  

If you Google the Desoto Scout Trail, many sites still list the distance as 4.6 miles (it's an out and back, so a total of 9.2 miles).  However, recent work and revitalization has made it a 16-mile scenic trail that follows the West Fork of Little River.  The DST starts at Comer Scout Reservation in the North, goes through DeSoto State Park and into Little River Canyon National Preserve, where the majority of the trail is located.  It traverses a varied terrain of ridges, valleys, fern glades, rock formations, waterfalls, beside deep pools, riffles, through rhododendron tunnels, creek crossings, swimming holes, and sandy stretches.

The DST is moderately difficult.  I'd like to hike at least 9 miles.   From the reports I've read, it is rocky in places and appropriate footwear is recommended. Due to all the rain we've had, it might be a good idea to bring either waterproof shoes or some solid hiking sandals in case there are water crossings.  We will go as far as we can.  If the group wants to move farther and we are hiking at a good pace, we'll get in some bonus miles.

I'd also like to take a peek at Desoto Falls and Littler River Falls if time permits.  They are both beautiful.

The trail has its own Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/desoto.trailproject?fref=ts

If time permits and if everyone wants to, we can grab dinner in the Ft. Payne area or maybe Rome, which has a lot of options.

Previous and recent D4 hiking experience is mandatory.  

From Kennesaw the Park n Ride:

Take I-75 N for 34.4 mi
Take exit 306 for GA-140 W
Turn left onto GA-140 W/Folsom Rd SE for 16.0 mi
Turn right onto GA-1 N/US-27 N for 13.9 mi
Turn left onto GA-48 W for 12.6 mi (Entering Alabama)
Continue onto AL-117 N for 4.6 mi
Turn left onto E River Rd for 0.3 mi
Turn left to stay on E River Rd 276 ft
Take the 1st right onto Co Rd 177/Co Rd 630/Alpine
Continue to follow Co Rd 177/Co Rd 630 for 1.1 mi
Take the 2nd right onto Co Rd 106 for 0.9 mi
Continue onto Wester Rd for 3.0 mi
Continue onto Co Rd 165 for 0.6 mi
Turn left onto Co Rd 115/Co Rd 89/Lookout Mountain Pkwy
Continue to follow Co Rd 89 for 0.7 mi
Take the 2nd left onto Blalock Dr

Continue to end of road near cabin 19 for the trailhead.