DeSoto Scout Trail map
The 16-mile DeSoto Scout Trail runs along the West Fork of the Little River from the Comer Scout Reservation (north of DeSoto State Park on CR 89) to the parking lot at the southern end of Road 5 at CR 295 in the Wildlife Management Area of Little River Canyon National Preserve. However, much of it is now overgrown or washed out by flooding. A Ranger (May 2025) suggested that I avoid it, but there are volunteer organizations that work on maintaining sections of the trail from time to time. Before setting out to hike any part of it, ask a park Ranger at the Little River Canyon Center for an update.
Within the Wildlife Management Area, a 4.5-mile segment runs along the West Fork of the Little River to Road 5 where the west and east forks of the river converge. At that point the trail simply follows Road 5, so there is little reason in hiking farther south since you would just be walking on a dirt road and not a hiking trail. Again, ask a park Ranger about where to start and end the hike within the Wildlife Management Area, or if this section is even navigable.
The National Park Service website calls it “moderate to arduous” in regards to difficulty.
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Last updated on June 2, 2025
