Natural Resources

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.

This 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. Entering the canyon, however, the gradient increases dramatically and the channel is often constricted, creating a high energy environment that is evident in the numerous rapids and debris laden floodplain. The hydrologic regime exhibits relatively few impacts from impoundment's in the headwaters and varies considerably with storm events and seasonal changes in precipitation and water tables. Tributaries may cease to flow during periods of low water, leaving only pool zones interspersed along the river, while flood events may see river levels rise as much as 15-20 feet.

Canyon Unit   

This unit encompasses the 12 mile length of the canyon, including the canyon rim but not the river and its associated floodplain. 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 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. 

With the exception of Little River and its floodplain, this 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.