Protected natural area featuring a deep sandstone canyon, scenic waterfalls, hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems ideal for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.
General Information
Canyon Mouth Park:
Spring/Fall: 8am to 6pm
Summer: 8am to 7pm
Winter: 8am to 5pm
Little River Canyon Center: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Annual Pass: $35
All other areas: Free
How to Get There
From Huntsville, AL (75 mi): Take US-431 S to AL-75 S, continue to Fort Payne, then follow signs to AL-35 and the preserve entrance on Little River Trail NE.
Overview
The Little River Canyon National Preserve is a geological marvel carved into the sandstone plateau of Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama. Known as one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi, the preserve is home to the Little River, which flows along the mountain’s crest before plunging into the canyon below. Visitors can explore dramatic overlooks, cascading waterfalls like Little River Falls, and miles of hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests and rocky outcrops. The preserve also features a scenic drive along Rim Parkway, offering panoramic views of the canyon’s rugged beauty.
Managed by the National Park Service, the preserve protects a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and backcountry exploration. The Canyon Mouth Park area provides river access, picnic facilities, and a family-friendly trail along the riverbank. With its blend of natural splendor and recreational opportunities, Little River Canyon is a year-round destination that showcases the wild heart of Alabama’s Appalachian landscape.
Things to Do
Explore Little River Canyon
Little River Canyon National Preserve protects one of the deepest river-cut canyons in the eastern United States. Visitors can enjoy spectacular overlooks, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic drives while experiencing the rugged beauty of northeast Alabama's Appalachian Plateau.
Visit Little River Falls
Little River Falls is the preserve's most iconic attraction. The waterfall plunges into the canyon below and provides excellent opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the area's unique geology. The falls can be viewed from several easily accessible overlooks.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventure
The preserve offers exceptional opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature photography. The Little River, which flows for much of its length atop Lookout Mountain before entering the canyon, creates a landscape unlike any other in the Southeast.
Top Trails
Eberhart Point Trail
Length: Approximately 0.75 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 250 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This short but scenic trail descends into the canyon and provides spectacular views of Little River, the surrounding cliffs, and one of the preserve's most dramatic overlooks. It is a favorite destination for photographers and sightseers.
Little River Falls Trail
Length: Approximately 1.0 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This family-friendly trail provides access to viewpoints overlooking Little River Falls and portions of the canyon. Visitors can enjoy close-up views of the waterfall while learning about the area's geology and natural history.
Sources: National Park Service official Little River Canyon National Preserve information, including the canyon, Little River Falls, scenic overlooks, outdoor recreation opportunities, hiking trails, and visitor resources. https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm Additional trail and visitor information verified through National Park Service hiking resources and planning guides. https://www.nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/hiking.htm https://www.nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/index.htm
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Little River Canyon National Preserve, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
