Be careful and safe while out in the canyon! Be cautious of your surroundings, don't cliff jump, don't stray off of the main trails, and don't get too close to Little River Falls or the canyon rim. These activities could result in injury or death.





Little River Canyon National Preserve
Alabama
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Natural resources and cultural heritage come together to tell the story of the Preserve, a special place in the Southern Appalachians.
About Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River Canyon National Preserve is a national preserve located in Alabama. The weather in Fort Payne, Alabama is mild. The average temperature in the winter is in the 50's. The average summer temperature is in the high 80's with high humidity. We receive about 55 inches of rain each year. Snowfall varies, but only lasts a few days per event.
Little River Canyon National Preserve follows along the Little River and covers approximately 40 miles from the northeast corner to the southwest corner. The easiest way to access the park is by Alabama Highway 35 about 10 miles east out of Fort Payne, Alabama. Interstate 59 is the closest interstate.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
The general entrance fee for Little River Canyon starts at $15 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($15), Entrance - Motorcycle ($15). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Little River Canyon National Preserve offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Mountain Biking, and 25 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Little River Canyon
π Visitor Planning Tips for Little River Canyon
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Little River Canyon before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βMonitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Little River Canyon. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- βLeave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Little River Canyon. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Forested uplands, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer settings for a variety of recreational activities. Natural resources and cultural heritage come together to tell the story of the Preserve, a special place in the Southern Appalachians.
Frequently Asked Questions about Little River Canyon
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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