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The park is open year round. The following areas are day use only: Little River Falls, Overlooks on Scenic Drive, Little Falls, Blue Hole, Backcountry Area and the Canyon Area. There are few visitor facilities within the Little River Canyon National Preserve though a visitor center is planned in the future. Currently the Preserve has a Headquarters at 2141 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, Alabama, open Monday – Friday 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM CST and Saturday’s 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, where you can get brochures and information about the park. In March of 2009, the headquarters will be moving to the Little River Canyon Center adjacent to the Preserve where visitors will be able to obtain more information. The Canyon Mouth Park Unit is a day use area.

The Preserve was established in October of 1992. It encompasses approximately 14,000 acres, stretching from DeSoto State Park to Canyon Mouth Park, and is administered by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. DeSoto State Park and Little River Wildlife Management Area are inside the boundaries of the National Preserve. These continue to be cooperatively managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation, DeSoto State Park and the National Park Service.

Little River’s long history of human habitation and use and sequences of recorded events that occurred here make it significant as an archeological and historical link to this Nation’s history. It should be noted that the earliest human presence at Little River and the surrounding area most probably resulted from an appreciation of the abundant natural resources to be found there. It may be possible that significant Paleo materials (12,000 BC-8000 BC) may be found within Little River Canyon because of finds to the north in the Tennessee River Valley and to the south on the Fort McClellan Military Reservation. Fluted projectile points are occasionally reported by Cherokee County collectors. Most scholars place Hernando de Soto’s army in the Coosa River Valley at the juncture of the Little River in Cherokee County. With white expansion into Indian territory, together with subsequent industrial development based on coal and iron resources, the area prospered.

The canyon is one of the longest and deepest in the eastern United States, dropping at times more than 500-600 feet from the bluffs down to the river. Dominated by cliff and gorge walls cut into the sandstone, limestone and shale rocks, this unit has a biological component influenced strongly by the steepness of the slopes. The plateau-like surface of Lookout Mountain, which forms the eastern boundary of the Cumberland Plateau section of the Appalachian Highlands, results from an erosion-resistant layer of sandstone on the mountain’s top. Soils are generally very shallow along the cliffs and outcrops making the vegetation mostly second growth trees with a mix of hardwoods and pines.

Flowing approximately 30 miles in a southwesterly direction, Little River drains an area of approximately 200 square miles (130,000 acres) in northeastern Alabama and northwestern Georgia. It is unique in that it flows atop Lookout Mountain at 1,900 feet above sea level for nearly its entire length before emptying into Weiss Lake, a major impoundment of the Coosa River, at 650 feet above sea level. Because there are no dams to regulate its flow and few man-made developments to pollute its waters, the river is among the cleanest and wildest waterways in the South. Streams tend to cut vertically in such hard rock leading to the formation of canyons along the joint structures followed by such streams as Little River and its tributaries. The natural resources of Little River Canyon National Preserve reflect the intense nature of the relationship between the river and the surrounding landscape and, as a result, the characteristics of Preserve resources change dramatically from one area to another. The Riverine Unit includes the area delineated by the 100 year floodplain of Little River and its tributaries. The Canyon Unit encompasses the 12 mile length of the canyon, including the canyon rim but not the river and its associated floodplain. The Upland Plateau Forest Unit comprises most of the Preserve from the vicinity of Highway 35 northward with the exception of Little River and its floodplain.

The Preserve is a biologically diverse area with a number of rare plants such as the green pitcher plant and Kral’s water plantain. An impressive one thousand sixty-nine vascular plant species are found at Little River Canyon National Preserve. The natural resources of Little River Canyon National Preserve reflect the intense nature of the relationship between the river and the surrounding landscape and, as a result, the characteristics of Preserve resources change dramatically from one area to another. For management purposes, the Preserve has been subdivided into three resource units–each intended to represent the distinct structure and function of the landscape.

The Riverine Unit includes the area delineated by the 100 year floodplain of Little River and its tributaries. The river itself exhibits a wide range of conditions, changing dramatically as it goes over Little River Falls and enters the canyon. Above the falls, the river is surrounded by low wooded hills and is characterized by pool zones with sandy bottoms interrupted by riffles where the rocks are scoured by the stream. The Canyon Unit encompasses the 12 mile length of the canyon, including the canyon rim but not the river and its associated floodplain. The vegetation is mostly second growth trees with a mix of hardwoods and pine, and natural succession is evident in areas where hardwood forests are gradually replacing the pines. Soils are generally very shallow along the cliffs and outcrops making the vegetation mostly second growth trees with a mix of hardwoods and pines. With the exception of Little River and its floodplain, the Upland Plateau Forest Unit comprises most of the Preserve from the vicinity of Highway 35 northward. Topographically, the area is mostly gently sloping, with most of the variation in elevation associated with drainage slopes towards Little River. The soils characteristic of the forested uplands support a mixed oak-hickory/heath community in areas with deeper soils, while shallower soils tend to support a pine/heath community.

Photography and sight-seeing from overlooks located along the Canyon Rim Parkway are popular activities. Picnicking, hiking, wading, class III+ to a VI white water paddling (recommended only for experts), canoeing, mountain bike riding, horse back riding (you bring the horse) and rock climbing (sheer cliffs) are popular activities. Hunting, fishing and trapping are permitted in designated areas. A day-use area, ideal for family picnics is located at Canyon Mouth Park. We do not allow overnight backpacking in the canyon.

The diverse character of the river provides exceptional river related recreation opportunities. Kayakers and canoeists of all skill levels can enjoy different sections of the river; however, the upper portion of the canyon is considered dangerous at all water levels and other areas can quickly become hazardous as water levels rise. Rafters, kayakers and canoeists float the waters about 6 months a year. The river is easily accessible in the northern end of the park above Little River Falls. However, there are only a few access points to the deep canyon on the south end of the preserve. Kayaking is difficult and only recommended for the experienced, on a scale of I-VI Little River is a III+ to a VI. Fishing and swimming are also popular activities at some of the more accessible areas of the river. The upper stretches of the river are calm enough for swimming and canoeing, and the riverbank is easily accessible.

A rim road (Hwy. 176) on the western side of the canyon allows the visitor a scenic 23 mile drive to view the splendor of the canyon from a series of overlooks. The Blue Hole is a popular area; turn on the first dirt turn-off on your left past the falls on Highway 35 going toward Rome, Georgia. The water is deep, and popular for fishing. Little Falls is the first overlook and is another popular area; park on the first dirt pull-off on the right past the falls on Highway 35 going toward Rome, Georgia. A word of caution, the trail down to this area is difficult and very challenging. It is recommended to only the fit and/or the young! There are easier places to go and play in the water that are just as nice.

The Little River Falls and Canyon Mouth Day Use Area are great to visit at the Preserve. Little River Falls is located by the bridge on Highway 35. It has a plastic lumber boardwalk with a wayside exhibit that gives information about the Preserve and a fantastic view of the 45 foot Little River Falls from afar. There is a paved 50-car parking lot, barbecue grills and a rest room. Picnic tables are located along the side of the overlook. This is a great place for people with disabilities to view the waterfall. It is a short walk on the flat walkway to the overlook. Visitors swim at their own risk. The water is swift over the falls and the rocks are slippery. Hiking down below the falls to swim can also be hazardous due to unstable rocks. Fishing is allowed anywhere on the river inside the preserve if you have an Alabama fishing license. The most daring kayakers start their trek here (Suicide Run, class VI rapid) in the fall/winter/early spring when the water is high enough.

Lynn Overlook is the second overlook that has a wooden split rail fence and picnic tables. This is a favorite site for rock climbers, and is a great place to watch kayakers in the fall/winter/early spring. Just past Lynn Overlook is Beaver Pond Trail. This three-quarter of a mile trail is a favorite for bird watchers. It leads you to a pond where beavers have made several dams and a variety of birds have made their homes.

Needle Eye Rock/Mushroom Rock is a natural rock formation found in the middle of Highway 176. The rock is shaped like a giant mushroom, but also has a “needle eye” at the bottom. Just before Hawks Glide, the third overlook, you will see the Lower Two Mile Trail sign on your left. This trail is used primarily by kayakers to get down to the river to put in their kayaks. At Canyon View, the fourth overlook, you can view Wolf Creek Overlook directly across from you and you will see a fantastic view of the canyon. Wolf Creek is the fifth overlook and is the best overlook for outdoor pictures. Rock Climbers can often be seen here. The view is spectacular! Lizard Wall is a popular rock climbing area found just before Crow Point. At Crow Point, Boy Scouts created the trail down to the overlook. From the overlook you can see the fork in the river where Bear Creek joins Little River. This is a great place to have a picnic. Grace’s High Falls is a beautiful seasonal waterfall. Fall, winter and spring are the best times to view the falls. It has a platform with a bench to sit on to enjoy the view, and a new split rail fence.

Eberhart Point is the seventh overlook. This area has picnic tables, a rest room and a barbecue grill. The overlook has a great view of the cliffs and a trail. The trail is three quarters of a mile long, leading down to the bottom of the canyon. Kayakers use this as a take-out or as a put-in. Once down in the canyon, a visitor can hike along the edge of the water. This is a rugged hike; you will climb over and under boulders, over and under trees, cross a narrow ledge, and cross the water twice. You can hike as far as you like, but keep in mind that you have to turn around and come back up the three-quarter miles to the top of the canyon. It is much harder to hike up than it is to hike down. Powell Trail is where a lot of visitors start or end their hike from Eberhart Point Trail. The eighth overlook is Weaver Overlook. This a non-developed overlook at this time. Experienced rock climbers like this one because it is the highest climbing point in the canyon.

Canyon Mouth Day Use Area is a favorite area for families. There is a restroom with running water, a covered picnic area, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a beach area and a nice trail. The trees keep the sun off in the summer, and a nice cool breeze comes off the water. The water is crystal clear and is a great place to cool off in the water. The trail is almost a mile long. You are at the bottom of the canyon so the trail is not difficult. It’s a great place for children and pets on a leash. Johnnie’s Creek cuts you off at the end of the trail. The boulders at the end of the trail are a great place to sit and have lunch while the water sprays you with a fine mist to cool you off. Fishing is allowed if you have an Alabama Fishing License. This is the place to go when you want to pack a picnic basket, take the family sunbathing, wading, hiking, barbecuing and enjoying nature at its best.

The Preserve has a section open for hunting deer, turkey, squirrel, quail, rabbit, dove, raccoon, opossum and fox. Trapping is also allowed. Please contact the Preserve for dates and regulations. The legislation provides that the times and places for hunting within the Preserve will be established by the National Park Service (NPS) in consultation with the State of Alabama and adjacent land owners. Public safety and resource protection are the primary considerations of such consultation.

This area has approximately 19 miles of multi-use trails where all-terrain-vehicles (ATV’s) are allowed to ride (with a free permit issued by the Preserve). Horseback riders are allowed to use the same trails (no permit required, but bring your own horse). For horseback riders, High Rock is a wonderful place for a picnic. These are popular multi-use trails so you may encounter 4-wheel drive vehicles, mountain bicycles, dirt bikes, horses, ATV’s or people walking, so please drive slow. There are many blind curves so caution is advised.

The climate is described as mild, having four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Average annual rainfall for the Little River region is approximately 54 inches. January is the wettest month (6.7 inches) with more than twice as much rain as October–the driest. Snowfall averages about 3 inches per year. Snow is not common. Usually the snow melts quickly but at times the ground is covered for more than a week.

It is humid, mild and temperate but there has been a fairly wide range in temperatures over a period of years. The summers are usually long and have moderately hot days and fairly cool nights. In general the winters are mild and pleasant. The temperature frequently falls below freezing during the night and occasionally remains below freezing for 1 to 3 days or more.

Current Park Weather

Please plan ahead so that you can have a safe and enjoyable visit at Little River Canyon National Preserve. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a picnic lunch or snacks, and carry drinking water. Use bug repellent, sunscreen and wear a hat. Take plenty of water and some food when you go hiking. Wear boots and take an extra pair of socks in case you fall into the water. While exploring the park, be careful on slippery and uneven surfaces (trails, rocks, parking lots, etc). Use caution when around the swift water and cliffs. Be aware of how strenuous the hike is before you take one. The Canyon Mouth Day Use Area has the easiest hike for people with small children as you will already be on the canyon floor. Cell phones do not work in the canyon. Remember that all activities in the Preserve are at your own risk. Your safety is important so watch children closely. High bluffs, fast water, and waterfalls can be dangerous. Canyon trails are steep and strenuous. Stay on the trails and watch for poisonous snakes and poison ivy. Be aware of hunting seasons and regulations before you go into the Preserve’s backcountry. Lock your valuables out of sight or in your trunk. Do not disturb any plants, rocks, relics, artifacts, or animals. Remember that these are all protected here.

It is your responsibility to be aware of the rules of the national preserve. Be safe and responsible. ATV riders, 4-wheel drive vehicles, horseback riders and hikers all share this area.

Operators of All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATV’s) must have a permit. User’s must be at least 16 years old and have a picture ID. The permit is free and must be obtained in person from any Law Enforcement Ranger or at Park Headquarters. Off-road vehicle use within Little River Wildlife Management Area has seen a dramatic increase during the past several years. Three-wheelers, four-wheelers, dirt-bikes, dune buggies and a variety of other motorized conveyances regularly utilize Management Area roads to access the area for recreational riding, hunting, fishing, etc. While most of the use is by responsible operators, a number of impacts can damage wildlife habitat, accelerate erosion and affect water quality. The National Park Service is implementing an Off-Road Vehicle management program designed to keep the area open to safe and responsible off-road vehicle use, while simultaneously protecting the wildlife habitat and other resources in and around Little River.

Operators of any motorized vehicle can help protect riding areas by staying on designated roads and operating vehicles in a responsible manner. “Mudding,” riding up and over embankments, operating in flowing streams, or operating on excessively wet or muddy roads creates unnecessary erosion, damages roads and causes an increase in silt flowing into waterways. By following a few safety and conservation rules, each operator can help keep this area open for a variety of users, while also helping to protect and conserve the area. While inside Little River Canyon National Preserve, the operator of any unlicensed motor conveyance must possess a signed Off-Road Vehicle Permit at all times. The operator must also possess a state-issued photographic identification at all times. No person under 16 years of age shall at any time operate any motorized conveyance. The maximum number of passengers of occupants in or on any motorized conveyance shall not exceed the manufacture’s recommendation and/or the total of individual seats on the conveyance. All motorized conveyances must remain on the signed and posted roads at all times. The only permitted crossings of Little River are at Billy’s Ford and Hartline (Jack’s) Ford. Crossing the river or creeks when the water level is high is unsafe. High water increases the chance that your vehicle will tip over or be carried downstream. If this happens, you could face severe penalties for damage to the natural resources.

There are 23 miles of primitive roads. The roads are narrow. Many have uneven surfaces and sharp turns. The surface of the road is dirt and chert. Several roads have creek crossings. Go slow and use caution while driving these roads. There are many blind turns and you never know when you will meet a horseback rider, ATV rider or another vehicle. If you meet another vehicle, one of you will have to backup or pull to one side.

All vehicles must remain on numbered roads at all times. There are endangered species in this area. Driving off the numbered roads may kill the plants and destroy the habitat. Fines will be severe if the endangered species are harmed.

The following are prohibited for climbing: the installation or replacement of bolts or any permanent climbing hardware without a written permit from the Superintendent, the use or possession of motorized equipment, powered drills or tools for the placement or replacement of any climbing equipment without a written permit from the Superintendent, the leading of commercial climbing activities within the Preserve without a written permit from the Superintendent, camping anywhere within Little River Canyon without the permission of the Superintendent, the collection or disturbance or any natural, cultural or archeological resource, the cutting or pruning of any trees, shrubs or other vegetation, and disposing of human body waste without burying or within 150 feet from any water source. All new or replaced equipment must be of a color that blends with the natural environment.

Lock all valuables in the trunk of your vehicle or carry them with you. Do not leave any items of value visible anywhere in your vehicle, due to the potential for break-ins.The wearing of helmets during all high-risk activities is encouraged. Stay on established and traditional trails and down-climbs to help reduce erosion. Carry collapsible, reusable “cheater sticks” or “maypoles” in lieu of cutting branches or saplings. The canyon is home to a number of rare, threatened and endangered species. These areas should be avoided.

For backcountry camping consider bringing these items: tent, backpack, hiking boots, sleeping bag and mat, food, water, water filtering system, collapsible water container, 2 quart water bottle, camp stove, fuel, matches, cooking utensils, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, first aid kit, snake kit, repair kit, rain gear, appropriate layered clothing for the season, compass, topographical map, GPS unit, multipurpose tool or knife, toilet kit, sun glasses, sunscreen , wide brimmed hat, and garbage bags to pack out what you pack in. Remember to use the Leave-No-Trace principles.

Pets are welcome at Little River Canyon National Preserve as long as they are on a leash at all times.

Little River Canyon National Preserve is home to a variety of animals. Turkeys, squirrels, whitetail deer, raccoons and opossums are common. Birds are plentiful for bird watching opportunities. Even bald eagles have been seen here as well as Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and American Woodcocks. Large-mouthed Bass as well as other bass and sunfish are found in the river, and Little River is one of only a few places in the world where blue shiners live. You’ll also see Spotted Salamanders, Barking Treefrogs, Eastern Glass Lizards,several Skinks,Stripe-necked Musk Turtles, Eastern Painted Turtles, several bats, beavers, moles, shrews, Eastern Cottontails, gray fox, bobcats, and several snakes including the Timber Rattlesnake. As mentioned, there are a number of birds located in the Preserve, with the Beaver Pond Trail the best for bird watching of the numerous birds that have made their nests there, as well as a number of beaver dams.

Some fish in the Preserve include Bullhead Catfishes, Silver Redhorse, Black Redhorse, Coosa Darter, Greenbreasted Darter, Blackbanded Darter, Logperch, Shadow Bass, Bluegill, Longear Sunfish, Redeye Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappies, Stoneroller, Mimic Shiner and Coosa Shiner.

Respect the wildlife; do not harm or provoke them. This is their home, we are the guests. Be aware of various wildlife habitats including hornets’ nests, poisonous snakes, bats etc., which climbers may encounter.

There is a $3.00/vehicle fee for the Canyon Mouth Day Use Area. A season pass is available for $10.00. There is no charge to camp or see the Falls in the Preserve.

DeSoto State Park offers 78 sites located in a beautiful setting and is open year round. Campsites are well spaced with natural flora for privacy. The campground has 58 water and electric sites, and 20 water, electric and sewer sites, 10 of which are pull-thru sites. Comfort stations with restrooms and hot showers are located in the campground. There is a fee of $3.00 to $20.00/night, depending if it is tent or RV camping, with an additional fee for over four people. Reservations are needed. (256-845-5075)

There are three primitive campsites located in the Backcountry Area (not the canyon) of the Preserve at no charge. The campsites are open February 1 through September 30 (when gun-hunting is closed). The campsites are Slant Rock, Billy’s Ford and Hartline Ford. All three of the campsites are located near the river and accommodate one group per site. Each campsite includes a rock fire ring, picnic table, trash can, tent pad large enough for two tents, and an outhouse (no running water). For a small fee, DeSoto State Park will let you use their showers. Reservations are not taken as it is a first-come first-serve basis. There is no overnight stay allowed in the canyon for safety reasons.

Weiss Lake, Guntersville Lake, Bucks Pocket State Park, Russell Cave National Monument, Talladega National Forest, and Canyon Mouth Park are all nearby.

The Preserve is easily reached by car and is located off Hwy 35 approximately 20 miles south-east of Fort Payne, Alabama.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Little River Canyon National Preserve:

By Car:

Huntsville, AL – 71.28 miles

Birmingham, AL – 97.91 miles

Decatur, AL – 95.56 miles

Tupelo, MS – 237.55 miles

Rome, GA – 44.33 miles

Chattanooga, TN – 52.30 miles

Little River Canyon National Preserve, Superintendent

2141 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967

(256) 845-9605

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