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Little River Canyon Falls Park: Alabama's Natural Wonder

Discover the beauty of Little River Canyon Falls Park: waterfalls, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures in northeast Alabama's natural preserve.

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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 deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi. This natural preserve offers scenic beauty and outdoor activities, drawing visitors to marvel at its sandstone cliffs and diverse recreational opportunities.

A brief summary to Little River Canyon Falls Park

  • Little River Falls Overlook Trail, Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the week or off-season to avoid crowded parking lots, especially during late spring and summer weekends.
  • Take caution near the falls and canyon rim, as rocks can be slippery and currents can be strong.
  • Explore the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway for stunning views of the canyon and additional hiking trails.
  • Bring appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be steep and rocky.
  • Check the National Park Service website for alerts, conditions, and seasonal safety messages before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Little River Canyon Falls Park from Fort Payne, Alabama, take AL-35 East for approximately 10 miles. The parking area for the falls is located on AL-35, just after the intersection with AL-176 (Little River Canyon Rim Parkway). Parking is free, but the lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Have a backup plan in case the parking lot is full.

  • Walking

    From the Little River Canyon Center, follow the boardwalk trail to a viewing deck on the AL-35 bridge. Cross the highway to access the Little River Falls parking lot and the ADA-accessible boardwalk leading to the falls overlook. The walk from the Canyon Center to the falls is approximately 0.25 miles.

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Discover more about Little River Canyon Falls Park

Little River Canyon Falls Park, a unit of the National Park System, is a natural preserve renowned for its stunning scenery and recreational opportunities. The park's centerpiece, Little River Falls, is a 45-foot waterfall that marks the start of Little River Canyon, one of the deepest canyon systems in the eastern United States. The falls' intensity varies with the seasons; winter and spring bring high water levels, while summer and fall reveal picturesque sandstone formations and inviting pools. Visitors can access the falls via a paved parking lot and an ADA-accessible boardwalk that leads to an overlook, providing close-up views. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a 0.75-mile trail leads to Little Falls, also known as Martha's Falls, a popular swimming spot. The park also features the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, a scenic drive with multiple overlooks offering breathtaking vistas of the canyon. Established in 1992, the preserve protects a wealth of natural and cultural history. The area bears traces of Native American habitation, Civil War encampments, and the Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia Rail Line. Today, Little River Canyon National Preserve attracts visitors with activities such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching.

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