Little River Canyon National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

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Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Natural resources and cultural heritage come together to tell the story of the Preserve, a special place in the Southern Appalachians.

		Scenic Drive There are several overlooks along the 11-mile scenic drive (AL Highway 176). There is no charge to tour this area. The road is paved with winding curves and hills. Very little walking is needed to enjoy the views from the overlooks. Picnic tables are available at most of the overlooks. Restrooms are located at Little River Falls, Eberhart Point and the Canyon Mouth Picnic Area. Click here for a map.

Backcountry Area

The Backcountry Area is for horseback riders, ATV riders, hikers, 4-wheel drive vehicles and primitive camping. Camping is limited to three sites (one group per site). Hunting is allowed on designated dates, times and places with a valid hunting license. A permit is required for ATV drivers. The permit is free with a valid drivers license and is available at the Superintendent's office in Fort Payne (Mon-Fri 8-4:30, Saturday 10-2). Each ATV driver has to obtain his/her permit in person.

		Canyon Mouth Picnic Area This area is open. The Canyon Mouth Picnic Area is the perfect place for a day of picnicking along the water. Picnic tables, grills, a water fountain, a footwash station, and restrooms are available. There is a $3 user fee per vehicle for this area. Seasonal pass is also available for $10.

A film by Ken Burns, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea"

Don't Miss This Film! The 12-hour series starts on Sunday, September 27 and runs for six consecutive nights on your local PBS broadcast station. You are invited to watch a sneak preview at our sister park, Russell Cave National Monument. more....

Write to

Little River Canyon National Preserve
2141 Gault Avenue North
Fort Payne, AL 35967

E-mail Us

Phone

Superintendent's Office
(256) 845-9605

Fax

(256) 997-9129

Climate

The climate is mild and has four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual rainfall for the Little River Canyon area is approximately 54 inches. January is the wettest month (6.7 inches) with more than twice as much rain as October -- driest month. Snowfall averages about 3 inches per year.
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