The DeSoto Falls are named for Spanish explorer Hernando deSoto, who passed through Georgia around 1540. According to a sign posted on the DeSoto Falls Trail, a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) in and out hiking trail to the falls, a plate of armor was discovered at the base of the falls in the 1880s.

The Desoto Falls Trail is located in Lumpkin County in the Chattahoochee National Forest Scenic Area by the same name. The trail leads to 2 different falls on Frogtown Creek. The lower falls is 0.3 miles down stream from the trail head, the upper is 0.75 miles upstream from the trailhead. The trail originally to a third and larger falls has been closed because of the danger posed by slippery rocks. According to legend Spanish armor belonging to the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto or one of his men was found near here which led many to believe that the expedition passed through this region in 1540 in their attempt to find gold.

Desoto Falls can be reached by taking US 19 N from Dahlonega 4 miles past Turners Corner where Hwy 129 joins Hwy 19.