Little River Canyon Falls Park: A Natural Wonder

Little River Canyon Falls Park, a unit of the National Park System, is a natural preserve located on Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama. Established in 1992, the park spans over 15,000 acres and is known for its stunning scenery, including the 45-foot Little River Falls. The Little River is unique as it forms and flows almost its entire length atop Lookout Mountain. The falls mark the beginning of the Little River Canyon, carved over millions of years. The park provides an accessible boardwalk leading to viewing platforms for the falls. Visitors can explore various trails, including the Little Falls Trail (0.75 miles), which leads to Martha's Falls, a popular swimming spot. Other trails include the Eberhart Trail, offering access to the canyon bottom, and the Beaver Pond Trail, a 1.5-mile loop. The park is divided into three main areas: the Canyon Area, the Wildlife Management Area (backcountry), and the Canyon Mouth Picnic Area. The Canyon Area is known for world-class kayaking and rock climbing. The backcountry offers less strenuous activities like canoeing, kayaking, and hunting during scheduled seasons. The park also features a scenic drive along Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (Highway 176), with multiple overlooks providing vistas of the canyon. Little River Canyon Falls Park has a rich cultural history, from Native American settlements to Civil War encampments. The park is open during daylight hours, offering a range of recreational activities such as hiking, photography, fishing, and bird watching.