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Little River Canyon Falls Park: Alabama's Natural Masterpiece

Witness the grandeur of Little River Canyon Falls, a natural wonder offering scenic views, outdoor adventures, and historical insights in Alabama.

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Little River Canyon Falls Park, nestled in northeast Alabama, showcases the powerful 45-foot Little River Falls, marking the beginning of one of the Southeast's deepest canyons [3, 9]. With accessible boardwalks and trails, it's a destination for nature lovers of all abilities [3, 8].

A brief summary to Little River Canyon Falls Park

  • Little River Falls Overlook Trail, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 7 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-5 pm
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 7 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the winter or spring to see the falls at their fullest, as the water flow decreases in summer and fall [3].
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the Little River Falls parking lot often fills up by 11:00 AM [3].
  • Take the 23-mile scenic drive along Little River Canyon Rim Parkway to experience the canyon's full splendor [2].
  • Bring appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be steep and rocky [17].
  • Check out nearby DeSoto State Park for lodging and camping options [12, 19].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Fort Payne, Alabama, drive east on AL Highway 35 for approximately 10 miles [2]. The Little River Falls parking lot is located on the left, just before the bridge over Little River [5]. Parking is free, but can be limited during peak times [14]. Be aware that GPS may provide inaccurate readings, so follow road signs carefully [14].

  • Walking

    From the Little River Falls parking lot, an ADA-accessible boardwalk leads to the main falls overlook [3, 8]. A 0.75-mile trail leads to Little Falls (Martha's Falls), with steep, uneven steps near the water [2, 3, 13]. The boardwalk also connects to the Little River Canyon Center (Visitor Center) [13].

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Discover more about Little River Canyon Falls Park

Little River Canyon Falls Park, a highlight of the Little River Canyon National Preserve, invites visitors to witness the stunning 45-foot Little River Falls, the dramatic starting point of the Little River Canyon [3, 9, 15]. Over millennia, the Little River has carved this impressive canyon into Lookout Mountain, creating a natural wonder with sandstone cliffs towering up to 600 feet [11]. The park offers more than just scenic views; it's a hub for outdoor activities. The ADA-accessible boardwalk provides easy access to stunning views of the falls [3, 8, 9]. For the more adventurous, hiking trails lead to Martha's Falls (also known as Little Falls or Hippie Hole), a popular swimming spot [3, 13, 22]. The Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, a 23-mile scenic drive, offers multiple overlooks with picnic tables, perfect for enjoying the canyon's beauty [2]. Little River Canyon holds historical significance, with Native American populations and Civil War troops having passed through the area [6]. The canyon was also part of the Trail of Tears, a somber reminder of the forced relocation of Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) Indians [23]. Today, the park serves as a sanctuary for rare plants and animals, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical context [15]. Whether you're drawn to the cascading waterfalls, the challenging hiking trails, or the serene beauty of the canyon, Little River Canyon Falls Park provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Southern Appalachians [2, 17].

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