Little River Falls

The Falls are flowing again!

NPS/Steve Black

Little River Falls is a "MUST SEE" when you visit the Preserve. It is located near the Little River Canyon Visitor Center off Highway 35 next to the bridge in Gaylesville, Alabama (the bridge is the boundary between Gaylesville and Fort Payne). This is the first stop to make on your scenic tour of the park entering from the north. The formation of Little River Canyon begins here with the 45-foot waterfall.

The amount of water going over the falls depends on the amount of rainfall. In the winter and early spring the water level is high. Expert level Kayakers love to kayak the river. During the summer and early fall, the water level is much lower. No matter the season; Little River Falls is a very beautiful place to visit.

Always use extreme caution when the water is high and swift. You can be carried over the falls in seconds. Many rescues and even deaths have occurred here. The rocks can be very slippery. You must remain 50 feet from the edge of the falls (it is the law). Please do not climb on or over the rails/fencing; the barriers are there for your protection.

This area is closed after dark. No parking is allowed when the park is closed. Camping is not allowed in the park.

There is no charge for this area.

 

Little River Falls

Gail Bishop

This is a beautiful area to bring the family for a day outdoors. The 100-car parking lot has spaces for RV's, buses and other large vehicles. There is a picnic area with several tables and barbeque grills in a shaded area at the end of the parking lot. Restrooms are available in the center of the parking lot.

You will pass through the gazebo onto the boardwalk. The boardwalk splits into two routes. One route is for people who have difficulty walking down steps; the other route is shorter and leads you down rock steps. Either way, it will only take a few minutes to walk down to see the waterfall. Do not ride your bicycles down this boardwalk, it is for pedestrian's only.

A trail leads off the boardwalk through the woods to Little Falls (also known as Martha's Falls/Hippie Hole). The trail is 3/4 mile long, the last 200 feet is the most difficult. There are steep, uneven rock steps leading to the water.

A boardwalk trail leads you under the bridge, through the woods to the Little River Canyon Center (Visitor Center). There are two areas on top of the bridge to sit and look over the falls area.