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Altitude
The highest elevation in the Preserve is near DeSoto State Park at 1780 feet (543 meters). Canyon Mouth Picnic Area has the lowest elevation at 590 feet (180 meters).

CLIMATE

The climate is mild and has four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius). The average annual rainfall for the Little River Canyon area is approximately 54 inches (88.5 cm). Snowfall averages about 3 inches per year.

 
Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) in bloom.
Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) can be found blooming at Little River Canyon National Preserve in the spring, along with many other beautiful wildflowers.

NPS

Spring

Spring brings an explosion of brilliant wildflowers amidst lush green foliage. The canyon and surrounding woods once again teams with life and as the temperatures rise.

Temperatures begin to rise in spring, with average highs ranging from the 60's - 80's and the lows in the 40's-50's. Tornadoes are possible during the spring and typically occur in the afternoons.

The trees have color again and the birds are chirping. The water level is still up and kayakers are on the river. Wildflowers bloom from late February to November.
 
Visitors enjoying Little Falls in the Summer.
Visitors enjoying Little Falls on a hot summer day.

NPS / Matt Switzer

Summer

Summers are hot and humid, and Little River offers visitors a reprieve in the many swim holes. Picnickers can be found along the river, at the scenic overlooks, and under the shade of the many trees at Canyon Mouth Park.

Summer high temperatures range in the 80's - 90's, with the lows in the 60's - 70's, with high humidity. Visitors are reminded to drink lots of water while enjoying Little River National Preserve during the heat of the summer. Thunderstorms are common during the afternoon this time of year.
 
Blue Hole in Fall Colors
Blue Hole in Fall Colors

NPS / Matt Switzer

Fall


Fall brings color to the canyon from around late October to December. Bright yellows, blazing oranges, rich scarlets, and deep purples decorate the land in and around the canyon as the trees put on one last brilliant display for the year, and many visitors come to experience the beauty along the scenic Little River Canyon Rim Parkway.

Temperatures range from a high in the 50's - 70's and a low in the 50's - 30's. The water level of the river starts getting higher but usually too low for kayaking or canoeing.
 
Icicles on Sandstone at Little River Falls
Icicles on sandstone at Little River Falls.

NPS / Matt Switzer

Winter


By December, the fall color is gone, replaced with frost and icicles hanging off the water falls and on the canyon walls. The bare trees give way to viewpoints unseen during the rest of the year.

The winters are mild with average highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's. The temperature frequently falls below freezing during the night and occasionally remains below freezing for 1 to 3 days or more. Snow is not common, usually the melting quickly, but can occasionally linger for more than a week. Experienced whitewater kayakers love this time as the water level is up and they can run the river.
 
Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall
High F (C) Low F (C) Rainfall in. (cm.)
January 52 (11) 31 (-.5) 5" (8.2 cm)
February 56 (13) 35 (1.5) 5.08" (8.3 cm)
March 65 (18) 43 (6) 4.61" (7.5 cm)
April 74 (23) 50 (10) 4.02" (6.6 cm)
May 81 (27) 59 (15) 4.72" (7.7 cm)
June 88 (31) 67 (19.5) 4.02" (6.6 cm)
July 90 (32) 70 (21) 6.1" (10 cm)
August 90 (32) 70 (21) 3.98" (6.5 cm)
September 86 (30) 64 (18) 3.11" (5.1 cm)
October 75 (24) 52 (11) 3.07" (5 cm)
November 64 (18) 41 (5) 5.2" (8.5 cm)
December 55 (13) 35 (1.5) 5.24" (8.6 cm)

Last updated: March 9, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

4322 Little River Trail NE Ste 100
Fort Payne, AL 35967

Phone:

256 845-9605 x201
Main phone number for Little River Canyon National Preserve.

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