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Little River Canyon: Alabama's Natural Masterpiece

Explore Alabama's Grand Canyon: Hiking, waterfalls, and breathtaking views await at Little River Canyon National Preserve.

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Little River Canyon National Preserve, near Fort Payne, Alabama, protects one of the deepest canyons in the Southeast. Carved into Lookout Mountain, the canyon offers stunning overlooks, hiking trails, and a rich history dating back over 10,000 years.

A brief summary to Little River Canyon

  • AL-176, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967, US

Local tips

  • Stop by the Little River Canyon Center for maps, information, and an introductory film about the canyon.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking, and be prepared for varying trail conditions.
  • Visit during the fall for stunning foliage displays.
  • Canyon Mouth Park requires a day-use fee, payable by cash or card.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, and be aware of potential flash flooding, especially after heavy rainfall.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Fort Payne, AL, take AL-35 N/AL-176 W. Follow AL-176 W into the park. Canyon Rim Drive (AL-176) provides access to various overlooks and trailheads. Parking is available at designated areas near the overlooks and trailheads. Parking can be limited during peak season.

  • Public Transportation

    While there is no direct public transportation to Little River Canyon National Preserve, DeKalb County Rural Public Transportation offers rides for any purpose to all people. Contact them for options. Greyhound buses travel to Fort Payne from various cities. From Fort Payne, you would need to take a taxi or arrange for other transportation to reach the canyon, approximately 10 miles away.

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Discover more about Little River Canyon

Little River Canyon National Preserve, often called "Alabama's Grand Canyon," is a stunning natural area located atop Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama. The canyon itself was carved over millennia by the Little River, a unique waterway that flows almost its entire length on a mountaintop. The preserve encompasses over 15,000 acres of forested uplands, sandstone cliffs, and diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the canyon via the scenic Canyon Rim Drive (Alabama State Road 176), which provides access to numerous overlooks with breathtaking vistas. Hiking trails abound, ranging from easy strolls like the Beaver Pond Trail to more strenuous descents into the canyon, such as the Eberhart Trail. Little River Falls, with its accessible viewing platform, is a popular spot, as is Canyon Mouth Park, offering river access and picnic facilities. The area's history stretches back over 10,000 years, with Native American settlements predating European arrival. Hernando DeSoto and his Spanish army passed through in 1540, and the canyon later played a role in the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of Cherokee and Creek Indians in the 1830s. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed DeSoto State Park, which later incorporated the canyon. Today, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and historical significance.

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