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Little River Canyon National Preserve Alabama

Little River Canyon National Preserve Alabama, 1 August day More Pictures | Map | GPS

Overview 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.

Image shows one of the many treacherous falls available to skilled higher level kayakers in Little River Canyon National Preserve.

The Scenic Drive is worth the time to do it though small children may become bored unless you stop a lot. Travel 11 miles along Highway 176 where you will find numerous places to pull over and day hike or hang out and shoot pictures. There are picnic tables roadside and they were fairly clean.

Photographers work the beautiful views of the canyon for personal and commercial reprodctuion. Each season provides it's own color and drama. Commercial photographers must have a permit (subject to a fee). Commercial Photographers need to contact the Superintendent's office for more information for the permit application and approval prior to taking photographs/filming. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50. Permit applications must be submitted 4 days prior to the event to Little River Canyon National Preserve
4322 Little River Trail NE, Suite 100
Fort Payne, Alabama 35967
(256) 845-9605 FAX: (256) 997-9129
All permits are subject to approval.

Restrooms can be found at Little River Falls (vault toilet), Eberhart Point Overlook (vault toilet), Canyon Mouth Picnic Area (with water), Billy's Ford Primitive Campsite (outhouse), Hartline Ford Primitive Campsite (outhouse), and Slant Rock Primitive Campsite (outhouse).

Fire Works are not allowed in the Preserve at any time for any reason.

Pets are permitted but must be on a leash at all times.

Hiking is permitted anywhere in the Preserve during daylight hours only. Canyon Mouth Picnic Area has a 2 mile round trip walk. Eberhart trail is the most strenuous and is less than a mile and takes you to the canyon floor. You can't backpack in and stay overnight anywhere in the Preserve. Camping is not allowed in the canyon either. Beaver Pond Trail is nearly 2 miles long and not as scenic as the others.

Rock Climbing is allowed from any of the cliffs. You cannot add or remove any bolts or have any equipment on your person that would allow you to do so. Everything must be brought in as there are no local stores selling supporting equipment.

Kayaking is at the Expert level, Class III+ to a VI so make sure you are up to it. You will need to bring in all your own equipment and return transportation. A helmet is a must as this is serious big boulder country.

Bicycling The scenic Highway 176 drive is a narrow two-lane road with no shoulder or bike lanes. Don't bike here as it is just too dangerous. Mountain biking is allowed in the backcountry area along 22 miles of dirt and sand roads.

Vanabode Special Notes: Short scenic easy to do typical day trip where overnight stays are nearly impossible. Outlying areas are appropriate for Vanaboding though the warmer months can be rainy and muggy. Not a great place to Vanabode but worth visiting for photography and kayaking if you are in the area. Additional information on Alabama park activities.

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