Little River Canyon National Preserve was established by an act of Congress on October 21, 1992. The primary purpose of this site is to preserve and protect the resources in and around Little River and provide for the use and enjoyment of this area in such a manner as to leave it unimpaired for future generations. The Preserve consists of approximately 14,000 acres of land, 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.

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, dunebuggies 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.

Effective July 1, 1996, the National Park Service established the following rules for safe and responsible off-road vehicle use. Note that these rules apply to any and all unlicenced motorized vehicles, conveyances and modes of transportation including, but not limited to all-terrain vehicles (ATV's) three wheelers, four-wheelers, motorcycles, dirt-bikes, dune-buggies and any other device used for transportation powered by any type of motor. Licensed motor vehicles or other conveyances displaying current license plates do not require an off-road vehicle permit but are still subject to applicable regulations. 
 

1. While inside Little River Canyon National Preserve, the operator of any unlicenced motor conveyance must possess a signed Off-Road Vehicle Permit at all times. 

2. The operator must also possess a state-issued photographic identification at all times. 

3. No person under 16 years of age shall at any time operate any motorized conveyance 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

Superintendent

Little River Canyon National Preserve

2141 Gault Avenue North

Fort Payne, AL 35967

(256)845-9605