Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve is a picturesque natural haven located in northeastern Alabama. With its stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and rich history, the preserve offers visitors a range of activities and attractions.

Situated on the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, Little River Canyon National Preserve spans over 14,000 acres. It is positioned atop Lookout Mountain and is famous for its deep gorge, which stretches for 12 miles. The preserve's centerpiece is the Little River, which boasts clear, turquoise waters that flow through the canyon, creating breathtaking waterfalls and cascades.

The area surrounding Little River Canyon has a compelling historical background. Native American tribes inhabited the region for thousands of years, leaving behind artifacts and ancient mounds. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, establishing small communities near the canyon. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps played a significant role in developing infrastructure and trails within the preserve.

Visitors to Little River Canyon National Preserve can explore numerous recreational activities. For nature enthusiasts, there are various hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the preserved wilderness firsthand. The canyon also offers opportunities for rock climbing, fishing, and picnicking. Those seeking a more peaceful experience can take advantage of multiple scenic overlooks, providing vantage points for admiring the vast canyon and its majestic river.

Additionally, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers educational opportunities. Visitors can learn about the region's geology, flora, and fauna at the onsite visitor center. The canyon is home to various plant and animal species, including the rare and endangered vermilion darter fish.

Although Little River Canyon National Preserve is a destination in its own right, visitors can also explore nearby attractions. Desoto State Park is just a short drive away, offering additional hiking trails, camping areas, and scenic waterfalls. The town of Mentone, known for its quaint atmosphere and artistic community, embraces visitors with charming shops and cafes.

In conclusion, Little River Canyon National Preserve in Alabama is a stunning natural treasure that invites visitors to discover its beauty and history. With its captivating landscapes, outdoor activities, and nearby attractions, the preserve offers a memorable experience for all who explore its depths.

Little River Canyon National Preserve is located in northeastern Alabama, within the southern region of the United States. Nestled within the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, the preserve spans over 15,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty. Little River Canyon, a prominent feature within the preserve, runs through the rugged terrain, carving deep gorges and cascading waterfalls. The geographically diverse landscape encompasses rocky cliffs, dense forests, and diverse wildlife habitats, creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its prime location, the preserve offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the unique geological formations and stunning natural vistas that make it a cherished destination in the heart of Alabama.

Address & Contact

4322 Little River Trail NE Ste 100
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Driving Directions
Phone: 2568459605
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Little River Canyon National Preserve would be from late April to early June. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 71°F to 78°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation remains moderate, ranging from 4.2 in. to 5.8 in. This timeframe allows visitors to enjoy the preserve without encountering large crowds, but significantly drops in July and August.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Little River Canyon National Preserve are: Food Picnicking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Backcountry Hiking Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Swimming Mountain Biking Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Freshwater Swimming

Topics

Learn about these topics at Little River Canyon National Preserve: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Fish Canyons and Canyonlands Fire Fossils and Paleontology River and Riparian Trails Unique Species Colonization and Settlement Explorers and Expeditions Watersheds Forests and Woodlands Mountains Natural Sounds Astronomy Scenic Views Waterfalls Deciduous Forests Coniferous Forests Rare Endangered

Visitor Centers

Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center

The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is located adjacent to Little River Canyon National Preserve. National Park Service staff and Volunteers and Jacksonville State University staff will greet you and help you plan your visit. Amenities include: Information desk, restrooms, movie, gift shop, trails, and picnic tables. Hours are 10 AM - 4 PM Central Standard Time. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center.

Campsites within or near Little River Canyon National Preserve

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Little River Canyon National Preserve

Sunrise Inn and Suites

Located in Rome, Sunrise Inn and Suites is within a 15-minute walk of Floyd Primary Care and Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1610 Martha Berry Blvd NW, Rome, Georgia 30165
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Ft Payne, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Express Ft Payne, an IHG Hotel in Fort Payne, you'll be 8.7 mi (14 km) from DeSoto State Park and 9.8 mi (15.8 km) from Little River Canyon Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Fort Payne? This hotel has 431 square feet (40 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 112 Airport Rd W, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968
Web: Link

Quality Inn Fort Payne I-59 exit 222

A stay at Quality Inn Fort Payne I-59 exit 222 places you in the heart of Fort Payne, a 3-minute drive from Fort Payne Depot Museum and 5 minutes from Alabama Fan Club and Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 102 Drinkard Drive NW, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967
Web: Link

Hampton Inn Ft Payne

A stay at Hampton Inn Ft Payne places you in the heart of Fort Payne, within a 5-minute drive of Alabama Fan Club and Museum and Fort Payne Depot Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1201 Jordan Rd Sw, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968
Web: Link

Econo Lodge Fort Payne

With a stay at Econo Lodge Fort Payne in Fort Payne, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Alabama Fan Club and Museum and Fort Payne Depot Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1412 Glenn Blvd Sw, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968
Web: Link

OYO Hotel Rome GA Historic District

Located in Rome, OYO Hotel Rome GA Historic District is within a 15-minute walk of The Forum and Rome Area History Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 712 Avenue A Ne, Rome, Georgia 30165
Web: Link

Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Payne

With a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Payne in Fort Payne, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Alabama Fan Club and Museum and Fort Payne Depot Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1416 Glenn Blvd Sw, Fort Payne, Alabama 35968
Web: Link

FairBridge Inn Express Rome

When you stay at FairBridge Inn Express Rome in Rome, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum and The Forum.
Address: 1318 Martha Berry Blvd NE, Rome, Georgia 30165
Web: Link

Kings Inn

When you stay at Kings Inn in Rome, you'll be near the airport, within a 5-minute drive of Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum and Berry College. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 3471 MARTHA BERRY HWY NW, Rome, Georgia 30165
Web: Link

Ashwood Inn & Suites

Located in Rome, Ashwood Inn & Suites is in a shopping district, within a 10-minute drive of Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum and Redmond Regional Medical Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2761 Shorter Ave, SW, Rome, Georgia 30165
Web: Link