Little River Wildlife Preserve: Gateway to Canyon Adventures

Little River Wildlife Preserve offers a serene natural experience, acting as a stepping stone to the expansive Little River Canyon National Preserve in northeastern Alabama. The preserve features rolling hills and dense woodlands, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife, especially numerous bird species. Established as a preserve in 1992, the broader Little River Canyon area boasts a rich history, from Native American settlements to Civil War troop encampments and the construction of the Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia Rail Line. Today, visitors can explore the area's picturesque settings and engage in thrilling adventures. The preserve and surrounding canyon are part of the southern edge of the Cumberland Plateau, showcasing a unique topography shaped by millions of years of water erosion, resulting in ridges, outcroppings, and gorges. Little River Canyon itself is one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi River. The Little River Canyon National Preserve, which the wildlife preserve adjoins, is home to an unusually diverse set of plant and animal species, owing to its location at the confluence of the Cumberland Plateau and Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic regions. Visitors can explore the Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center for maps, information, and exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history.