A sign at the trailhead explains the name is based on the discovery of a plate of armor in the 1880's, about the time lumber companies began overforesting the area. Although many scholars mock the idea of finding a breastplate intact after 300 years, the story persists to this day, and in fact, Hernando deSoto did venture near the area on his way further north. The trail has been significantly shortened due to recent natural damage to the trail to the highest falls.
Water flow over the falls is heaviest in the spring.
The lower falls trail is quick and easy and returns to the trailhead. The upper falls, which are the actual deSoto Falls, are about a mile and a half, total trip. The ascent is easy, rolling up and down, broken by long flat stretches. This trail is a personal favorite, mostly because the occasionally visible creek makes a soothing gurgle all the way to the falls and the falls themselves are lovely. Just before you reach these falls you cross a bridge, then turn into the side cove containing the falls.