DeSoto Park Never Never Land Loop

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The Never Never Land Loop is a great option for runners looking for a more adventurous outing or for campers wanting to give an overnight stay at a small backcountry campsite a try. The loop is right around three miles long, and passes through some of the scenic hardwood forests of DeSoto State Park. The Vizzney Land Trail and Never Never Land Bypass / Shortcut give runners the option to extend or shorten the loop as desired.

This is a multi-use trail. You may encounter mountain bikers so be aware and courteous to other trail users.

This is a favorite run at DeSoto State Park. From the small parking area off Desoto Parkway, pick up the start of the trail on the south side of the road. If you are running the loop counterclockwise as mapped, you'll actually run briefly on the Knotty Pine Trail before turning south on to the Never Never Land Loop.

This loop features two creek crossings that even during heavy rains are passable. There are also two wooden bridge water crossings along the route. The trail is hard packed in the summer with a couple of wet spots in the winter, but overall, the footing is good.

At 0.5 miles, you'll pass the Never Never Land Bypass / Shortcut. This bypass trail is clearly marked. The bypass is best used to either shorten the mileage or your run, or if you are planning to spend the night, it accesses the backcountry campsite available in this part of the park.

Continuing along the Never Never Land Loop, be sure to look for the old home place where you can spot a well and a chimney in the middle of nowhere. This area is covered with buttercups in the spring. You'll pass to junctions with the Vizzney Land Trail. Continue on the Never Never Land Loop to make the loop as mapped here.