Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center
4322 Little River Canyon Trail NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST)
No fee
For information on Little River Canyon National Preserve, visit the Little River Canyon Center which is owned and operated by Jacksonville State University. The front desk is staffed by National Park Service staff, Volunteers, and Jacksonville State University staff.
Gift Shop is owned and operated by Jacksonville State University Field School and is open Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (CST)
Scenic Drive, Overlooks, Waterfalls, Trails, and Backcountry Area
Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset
No fee
Visitors are treated to stunning overlooks and beautiful waterfalls along the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (County Road 176), trails down into the canyon that lead to river and waterfall access, and 23 miles of unpaved backcountry roads.
Canyon Mouth Park Day-Use Area (current hours are in bold print)
Spring Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Central time)
Summer Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Central time)
Fall Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Central times)
Winter Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Central time)
$15 day-use pass fee per vehicle
$35 annual pass available
* Fee machine accepts CASH and CARD ONLY (no checks) - No bills larger than a $20 - exact change ONLY. No change given.
* Fee machine also accepts all America the Beautiful Passes and Little River Canyon National Preserve Day and Annual passes.
This is a wonderful place to bring the family for a day of outdoor fun. Canyon Mouth Park features:
- a paved parking area
- restrooms
- a pavilion (available for reservation)
- several picnic tables and grills
- river access
- soccer field
- playground
- an easy 1-mile hike along the river
Canyon Mouth Park closes promptly at the posted closing time - vehicles within the gates after hours are subject to being ticketed and/or towed.
Little River Canyon National Preserve Business Office
Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The business office for Little River Canyon National Preserve is leased from Jacksonville State University. The business office will be closed for the following 2022 holidays:
- January 1 - New Years Day
- January 17 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 21 - Presidents Day
- May 30 - Memorial Day
- June 19- Juneteenth
- June 20 - Juneteenth (observed)
- July 4 - Independence Day
- September 5- Labor Day
- Ocotober 10- Columbus Day
- November 11- Veterans Day
- November 24- Thanksgiving
- December 25- Christmas Day
- December 26- Christmas Day (Observed)
The Preserve will still remain open to Visitors during daylight hours during Holidays.
