Kayaking on Little River
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INTRODUCTION TOLittle River Canyon National Preserve(1) Little River Canyon's scenery is preserved for the enjoyment of visitors. (2) Little River Canyon National Preserve protects and allows visitors to enjoy many natural resources including rare, endangered or threatened species, habitats and Outstanding National Resource Waters. (3) The visiors enjoy many types of recreation using the resources; including sightseeing, kayaking, water activities, climbing, having a picnic and much more.
The difference
between a “National Park” and a “National
Preserve” is that a
preserve offers
hunting and direct resource manipulation whereas a park
does not. The Preserve has a Backcountry (Wildlife Management Area) consisting
of a little
more than 8,000 acres located north of the canyon that allows hunting. Before the
Preserve came to be, hunting had been an established practice and so it was
written into the legislation when it became a National Preserve. Hunters follow
the rules and regulations set by the Alabama Game and Fish Division, and are
monitored by Game and Fish and National Park Service Rangers.
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- 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,
bicycles, dirt bikes,
horses, ATV's or
people walking, so
please drive slow. There are many blind curves, caution is
advised. There are three primitive campsites located in our
Backcountry Area (not
the canyon). 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. There is
no charge for
camping at Little River Canyon National Preserve, we only ask that you keep the
area free of litter. We do not take reservations, the campsites are first come first served.
DeSoto State Park
is located within the boundaries of Little River Canyon National Preserve. The
state park has a lodge, restaurant, cabins, chalets, motel, campgrounds, nature
center,
swimming pool, country store and a gift shop. DeSoto State Park offers
nice wooden boardwalks and beautifully tended flower gardens. I like to think of
the state park as the civilized part and Little River Canyon National Preserve
as the wild part of the canyon. A visitor can have his/her choice of nature - -
tended and manicured or rugged and wild.
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 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. I
recommend this to only the fit and/or the young! There are easier places to go
and play in the water that are just as nice.
There are a series of eight
overlooks along the
scenic 23 mile drive (Highway 176), Little River Falls
and Canyon Mouth Day Use Area
to visit at the Preserve.
For the scenic drive, I suggest you drive only along Highway 176 (about 11 miles) and
follow it to Dogtown, then back to Fort Payne. County Road 275 is in very bad
condition. This road is especially dangerous for motorcycles (potholes, loose
gravel). You can take the shortcut if you want to go to Canyon Mouth Day Use
Area (see
driving directions). Some of these overlooks received their name from the
landowners that owned the land, but others were from their location.
The first stop
before you venture down the scenic drive is Little River Falls.
It is located by the bridge on Highway 35.
There is a paved 50-car parking lot, picnic tables, barbecue grills and
a rest room. The paved trail leading down to the overlook of the 45 foot
waterfall has a bench along the way for people that want to rest or relax
and enjoy the scenery. The overlook has a wayside exhibit that gives information
about the Preserve and a perfect view of the falls. 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.
The first overlook
on Highway 176 is
Little River Falls Overlook.
It has a plastic lumber boardwalk with a wayside exhibit and a fantastic view of
Little River Falls from afar. 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.
The second turnout is Lynn Overlook.
It 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 quarters 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 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.
The third overlook
is Hawks Glide.
You will probably see several hawks or vultures flying
overhead looking
for their next meal, hence the name.
The fourth overlook
is Canyon View.
You can view Wolf Creek Overlook directly across from you and you will see a
fantastic view of
the canyon.
The fifth overlook is Wolf
Creek. This is the best overlook for photographs. Rock Climbers can often be seen here. The view is spectacular!
Lizard Wall is a popular
rock climbing area found just before Crow Point.
Crow Point
is the sixth overlook. The Boy Scouts created the trail down to the overlook. We
added the split rail fence and the bulletin board. 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, 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. Take plenty
of water and some food. Wear boots and take an extra pair of socks in case you
fall into the water. Cell phones do not work in the canyon. Only day
hikes are allowed, you must come out of the canyon before dark.
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.
Powell Trail is where a lot of visitors
start or end their hike from Eberhart Point Trail.
Canyon Mouth Day Use
Area is a favorite area for families. Beginning in May there
will be a $2.00 day use fee per vehicle. A season pass is available for $10.00. 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 it's best.
The Preserve offers exceptional opportunities for whitewater kayaking/canoeing, photography, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing,
hunting, hiking, picnicking or just enjoying the outdoors. |
