The Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail was built through a community effort headed by former park superintendent Talmadge Butler. Grants and donations paid for the materials used to build the trail. The Alabama State Parks Maintenance Crew constructed the trail.

A 360-yard trail, the Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail provides access and enjoyment for people of all abilities.  No matter what the season, the boardwalk gives the hiker a unique perspective of the surrounding habitat.

A 20-foot octagon deck at the end of the trail places you over the pool created by the Azalea Cascade.

Wildflower Blooming Season usually ranges from March-November.

Fall Color peak is historically sometime from the first of October thru the middle of November.

Part of the Alabama Birding Trails

DeSoto State Park ‘s Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail (previous name-Azalea Cascades Trail) is also part of the Alabama Birding Trail’s North Alabama Trail (Site #47, Northeast Loop). Birders enjoy the trail for both woodland songsters-Kentucky and Hooded Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Yellow-throated Vireos. One can also see displays of native wildflowers and blooming shrubs.

360 yards long, the boardwalk offers a path through wooded slopes and moist forest floor. The Boardwalk ends with a 20’ octagon deck over the pool formed by Azalea Cascades, one of the many waterfalls in the Park.

Overall, 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.