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Little River Canyon Entrance: Gateway to Alabama's Natural Wonder

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Little River Canyon: hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures await in this natural wonderland.

The Little River Canyon entrance, near Cedar Bluff, Alabama, provides access to a stunning landscape of soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. Carved by the Little River, it offers diverse outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.

A brief summary to Little River Canyon entrance

  • Cherokee County 275, Cedar Bluff, Alabama, 35959, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and vibrant foliage.
  • Check the National Park Service website for alerts about trail closures or water conditions.
  • Bring your own water and snacks, as there are limited options within the preserve.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
  • Consider visiting Canyon Mouth Park for easy river access and picnic facilities (note the $15 fee per vehicle).
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Cedar Bluff, AL, head east on County Road 275. Continue to follow County Road 275, staying to the right when it intersects with County Road 273. Follow the road to the entrance of Canyon Mouth Park. Note that there is a $15 day-use fee per vehicle to enter Canyon Mouth Park, payable via cash or card at the entrance. If you are heading to other areas of Little River Canyon National Preserve, continue on County Road 275 to Alabama Highway 35. From there, you can access various overlooks and trailheads along the canyon rim. Parking is available at most overlooks and trailheads and is free of charge, except at Canyon Mouth Park.

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Discover more about Little River Canyon entrance

The Little River Canyon entrance serves as a portal to the Little River Canyon National Preserve, a stunning testament to the power of nature in the Southern Appalachian landscape. The canyon, carved by the Little River, is unique as it flows for much of its length atop Lookout Mountain, making it one of the nation's longest mountaintop rivers. This geological feature has created a dramatic environment of soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, offering visitors a diverse range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. As you approach the canyon entrance, a sense of tranquility and natural wonder envelops you. The air is fresh and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth, while birdsong and rustling leaves fill the air, inviting you to leave behind the stresses of everyday life. The preserve offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. The Canyon Mouth Trail is an easy, mile-long stroll along the river, perfect for families. For more experienced hikers, the Eberhart Trail descends into the canyon, offering access to the river and a popular swimming hole. Along the scenic Canyon Rim Drive (Alabama State Road 176), visitors can find multiple overlooks providing outstanding vistas. Little River Canyon is divided into three parts: the Backcountry Area, Scenic Drive, and Canyon Mouth Picnic Area. Recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing, climbing, and whitewater paddling, with the latter peaking in winter and spring.

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