Powell Trail: A Descent into Little River Canyon
Hike into the heart of Little River Canyon on the picturesque Powell Trail, where wildflowers bloom and the Little River beckons.
The Powell Trail, located in Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne, Alabama, offers a moderately challenging 0.75-mile hike (1.5 miles round trip) down into the canyon, rewarding hikers with access to the Little River and views of wildflowers in the spring. Be prepared for a strenuous climb back up.
A brief summary to Powell Trail - Little River Canyon
- Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction due to the trail's steep and rocky nature.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the climb back up can be strenuous.
- Visit in the spring to enjoy the abundant wildflowers along the trail.
- Check water levels before your hike if you plan to connect to the Eberhart Trail.
Getting There
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Driving
From Fort Payne, take AL-35 N towards Little River Canyon National Preserve. Turn onto AL-176 (Canyon Rim Road) and follow it along the canyon rim. Look for signs indicating the Powell Trail. Parking is available near the trailhead, but can be limited during peak season. Parking is free.
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Walking
The Powell Trailhead is located off the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (AL-176). Once parked, the trailhead is easily accessible. Follow the signs for the Powell Trail to begin your descent into the canyon.
Discover more about Powell Trail - Little River Canyon
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Little River Falls Bridge Overlook
8.8 km
Witness the raw power and serene beauty of Little River Falls from this easily accessible overlook in Little River Canyon National Preserve.
Lookout Mountain Genetics
9.5 km
Explore the art of livestock genetics in Fort Payne, Alabama, where tradition meets innovation in animal husbandry.
Fort Payne Opera House
13.6 km
Discover the charm of Fort Payne Opera House, Alabama's oldest opera venue, where history and culture come alive through captivating performances.
Willstown Mission Cemetery
16.4 km
Explore the Willstown Mission Cemetery, a historical landmark in Fort Payne, Alabama, steeped in rich stories of early American settlers and their legacy.
DeSoto Falls Picnic Area
25.8 km
Explore the breathtaking DeSoto Falls Picnic Area in Mentone, Alabama, where history meets stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures await.
Council Bluff School
28.5 km
Discover the Council Bluff School: A Historic Landmark Celebrating Alabama's Educational Heritage in Valley Head.
Tigers For Tomorrow Wild Animal Preserve, Inc.
28.8 km
A wild animal preserve in Attalla, Alabama, providing a forever home for rescued exotic animals and offering environmental education.
Brow Park
29.5 km
Breathtaking Lookout Mountain views in Mentone, Alabama, perfect for picnics and unforgettable sunsets.
Unmissable attractions to see
Congo Nature Preserve (Park Office and Visitors Center)
2.4 km
Explore the serene beauty of Congo Nature Preserve in Fort Payne, Alabama - a natural paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Eberhart Point Overlook
2.7 km
Discover breathtaking views at Eberhart Point Overlook in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, the ultimate scenic escape for nature lovers and photographers.
Crow Point Overlook
2.9 km
Explore the stunning Crow Point Overlook in Alabama’s Little River Canyon National Preserve, where breathtaking scenery meets serene nature.
Graces High Falls
3.3 km
Explore Graces High Falls, a breathtaking scenic spot in Alabama's Little River Canyon, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Congo Falls Park
4.2 km
Discover the beauty and history of Congo Falls Park in Fort Payne, Alabama, offering swimming, hiking, and picnicking in a revitalized natural haven.
Wolf Creek Overlook
4.2 km
Experience stunning vistas and serene landscapes at Wolf Creek Overlook, a must-visit scenic spot in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Canyon View Overlook
4.3 km
Experience the grandeur of Little River Canyon at Canyon View Overlook, a scenic spot offering breathtaking views and a connection with nature in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Little River Canyon
4.3 km
Discover Alabama's deepest canyon: breathtaking views, hiking trails, and the unique Little River flowing atop Lookout Mountain.
Canyon Mouth Picnic Area
4.4 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Canyon Mouth Picnic Area in Alabama, perfect for picnics, hiking, and enjoying nature's wonders.
Greg's Two Falls
4.7 km
Discover the beauty of Greg's Two Falls near Fort Payne, Alabama, a perfect natural escape in the Appalachian foothills.
Little River Canyon entrance
5.7 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse trails of Little River Canyon in Cedar Bluff, Alabama – a hiker's paradise amid stunning natural beauty.
Mushroom Rock
6.6 km
Discover the enchanting Mushroom Rock in Fort Payne, Alabama, a unique natural wonder perfect for exploration and photography amidst stunning landscapes.
Lynn Overlook
7.5 km
Experience panoramic views of Little River Canyon from this scenic overlook, a natural haven near Fort Payne, Alabama, along the Rim Parkway.
Big Oak Campground
8.0 km
Discover the tranquility of Big Oak Campground in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, a perfect destination for camping, hiking, and unwinding in nature's embrace.
Little Falls
8.4 km
Discover Martha's Falls (Little Falls) in Fort Payne, AL: A scenic swimming hole in Little River Canyon National Preserve, perfect for a refreshing escape.
Essential places to dine
Little Caesars Pizza
13.0 km
Discover deliciously affordable pizza at Little Caesars Pizza in Fort Payne - perfect for travelers craving fast food delights.
Jefferson's
13.4 km
Experience mouthwatering chicken wings and juicy burgers at Jefferson's in Fort Payne—where American flavors come alive!
Subway
13.9 km
Discover fresh flavors at Subway in Cedar Bluff - where customization meets convenience in every bite.
Santa Fe Cattle Company
14.1 km
Discover delicious steaks and BBQ delights at Santa Fe Cattle Company in Fort Payne - perfect for families and food lovers alike.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
14.1 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Fort Payne - where nostalgia meets delicious comfort food.
Mountain Parkway Grill
14.7 km
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Barone's Pizza and Arcade
15.3 km
Discover delicious pizzas and endless fun at Barone's Pizza and Arcade in Fort Payne, AL - where family dining meets gaming excitement!
Krystal
15.5 km
Experience the best of fast food at Krystal in Fort Payne—delicious burgers, chicken wings, and breakfast delights await you.
Jack's
15.6 km
Experience authentic Southern fast food at Jack's in Fort Payne—where delicious breakfasts meet hearty hamburgers in a welcoming atmosphere.
Wingstop
15.7 km
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Arby's
15.7 km
Experience delicious fast food delights at Arby's in Fort Payne, where quick bites meet satisfying flavors.
Pizza Hut
15.8 km
Enjoy delicious pizza and chicken wings at Pizza Hut in Fort Payne - the perfect spot for families seeking tasty American comfort food.
Jake's On The Lake
15.8 km
Experience delicious dining at Jake's On The Lake with stunning views of Weiss Lake in Cedar Bluff, Alabama.
Smorgasbord at The Cove
16.8 km
Discover delicious local cuisine at Smorgasbord at The Cove in Cedar Bluff – where flavors come alive in every bite.
Walk Hard BBQ
18.0 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Walk Hard BBQ in Leesburg, Alabama - where every bite tells a story.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rim of the Canyon Cafe & Grocery
8.6 km
Discover local flavors and convenience at Rim of the Canyon Cafe & Grocery in Fort Payne, Alabama – a perfect stop for travelers and food lovers alike.
Harton Nursery & Grocery Center
11.3 km
Discover fresh produce, vibrant plants, and local charm at Harton Nursery & Grocery Center in Cedar Bluff, Alabama—a true hidden gem for travelers.
Global Electronics
12.0 km
Discover top-notch electronics and gadgets at Global Electronics in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, the ultimate destination for tech enthusiasts.
The Rock
13.1 km
Discover local flavors and warm hospitality at The Rock grocery store in Sand Rock, Alabama, a perfect stop for travelers seeking authentic regional products.
Donna’s bargain center
13.3 km
Explore unbeatable deals and hidden treasures at Donna’s Bargain Center in Cedar Bluff, Alabama - a shopper's paradise for every budget.
Hammers Department Store
13.6 km
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Weiss Mart Marina
13.8 km
Experience the charm of Weiss Mart Marina in Cedar Bluff, Alabama—a perfect blend of convenience, recreation, and scenic beauty.
Kellz Designz
13.9 km
Discover your creativity at Kellz Designz, Cedar Bluff's premier custom t-shirt store, where every design tells your story.
Maria's Furniture
14.0 km
Explore a charming selection of Southern-style furniture and decor at Maria's Furniture in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, perfect for every home.
Piggly Wiggly
14.0 km
Experience southern hospitality and local flavors at Piggly Wiggly, Cedar Bluff's favorite grocery store with fresh produce and quality products.
Country Store
15.2 km
Discover the Country Store in Cedar Bluff, Alabama - your go-to spot for convenience, local snacks, and friendly service on your travels.
The Secret Bed and Breakfast Lodge
15.7 km
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Rise Boutique
16.0 km
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Missy's Fort Crowe Fireworks
16.4 km
Discover the ultimate fireworks destination at Missy's Fort Crowe Fireworks in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, offering a vast selection and exceptional service for all your celebration needs.
Gaming Etc.
16.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Little River Marina & Lodge
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Canyon Drive Burger Shack
12.5 km
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Black's Karaoke
12.8 km
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KT Pho Asian Restaurant - Cedar Bluff, AL
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The Big Chill
13.6 km
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WEISS LAKE MOTEL
13.8 km
Experience the serene beauty of Weiss Lake at Weiss Lake Motel, your cozy retreat in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
La Cabaña
13.9 km
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The Burger Shack
13.9 km
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Tony's Pizza & Subs
14.0 km
Discover Cedar Bluff's cherished Tony's Pizza & Subs, where delicious pizza and subs await in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Cove at Riverside RV Park & Campground
16.9 km
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La Marina
18.0 km
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Whistle Stop Cafe'
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Guppy's Seafood
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StateLine Tavern & Grill
22.2 km
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Kloe’s
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Savor the flavors of Southern comfort food at Kloe's, a cozy restaurant in Centre, Alabama, known for its hearty dishes and warm hospitality.
