Located on the boundary of DeKalb and Cherokee Counties, in the rugged yet verdant landscape of northeast Alabama, Little River Canyon National Preserve (the preserve) was established in 1992 by Public Law 102-427 to protect the landscapes of the Little River Canyon. The authorized boundary of the preserve currently contains 15,288 acres, 11,042 acres of which are federally owned and managed. Protected within the preserve boundary are the spectacular Little River Canyon, the pristine Little River, and a number of rare and threatened plant and animal species. Together with the adjacent Desoto State Park, Little River Canyon National Preserve provides abundant scenic views and varied recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

   The preserve sits at the southern edge of the Cumberland Plateau, a distinct physiographic region just to the west of the main Appalachian Mountain uplift. Composed of sandstone and other sedimentary rocks, this area has been eroded by water over millions of years to create a landscape of ridges, outcroppings, and gorges known as a 'dissected' plateau. Little River Canyon is one of the most spectacular landforms in this region, carved into the flat top of Lookout Mountain and reaching depths in excess of 600 feet in some sections. It is one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi River and the deepest in the state of Alabama.

   The sculptor of this canyon is the Little River, which is notable for flowing for most of its length atop a mountain as well as for possessing very high water quality. The river flows from its headwaters in northwestern Georgia to Weiss Lake in a mostly unimpaired manner. To protect this water quality, scenic, recreational, and fish and wildlife values over time, the Little River and its tributaries receive the protections afforded under section 7(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and are also designated as Outstanding National Resource Waters by the state of Alabama.

   Little River Canyon is home to an unusually diverse set of plant and animal species, owing to its location at the confluence of the Cumberland Plateau and Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic regions, as well as a number of different microhabitats created by the rugged physical features of the canyon. Some species found in the preserve are notable for their limited geographic distribution, such as the Kral's water-plantain (Sagittaria secundifolia), while others such as the green pitcher plant (Sarracenia oreophila) are listed as federally endangered.

   The preserve offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, climbing, and world-class whitewater paddling, with the latter reaching peak season in winter and spring. Canyon Rim Drive (Alabama State Road 176) hugs the west rim of Little River Canyon, offering scenic drives and connecting a series of overlooks that offer views into the canyon, and Cherokee County Road 275 continues along the west rim down to the canyon mouth. Hunting and trapping are permitted by legislation within the preserve, and these activities are managed by the National Park Service in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

    Please observe all warning signs and barriers as drownings and accidental falls have occurred at this site.  

For hours of operations: see below.

   Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center

4322 Little River Canyon Trail NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CST)

No fee

For information on Little River Canyon National Preserve, visit the Little River Canyon Center which is owned and operated by Jacksonville State University. The front desk is staffed by National Park Service staff, Volunteers, and Jacksonville State University staff.

Gift Shop is owned and operated by Jacksonville State University Field School and is open Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (CST)

Scenic Drive, Overlooks, Waterfalls, Trails, and Backcountry Area
Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset

No fee

Visitors are treated to stunning overlooks and beautiful waterfalls along the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (County Road 176), trails down into the canyon that lead to river and waterfall access, and 23 miles of unpaved backcountry roads.
Canyon Mouth Park Day-Use Area (current hours are in bold print)

Spring Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Central time)

Summer Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Central time)

Fall Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Central times)

Winter Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Central time)

$15 day-use pass fee per vehicle
$35 annual pass available

* Fee machine accepts CASH and CARD ONLY (no checks) - No bills larger than a $20 - exact change ONLY. No change given.
* Fee machine also accepts all America the Beautiful Passes and Little River Canyon National Preserve Day and Annual passes.

This is a wonderful place to bring the family for a day of outdoor fun. Canyon Mouth Park features:

• a paved parking area
• restrooms
• a pavilion (available for reservation)
• several picnic tables and grills
• river access
• soccer field
• playground
• an easy 1-mile hike along the river

Canyon Mouth Park closes promptly at the posted closing time - vehicles within the gates after hours are subject to being ticketed and/or towed.Little River Canyon National Preserve Business OfficeMonday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The business office for Little River Canyon National Preserve is leased from Jacksonville State University. The business office will be closed for the following 2022 holidays:

• January 1 - New Years Day
• January 17 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February 21 - Presidents Day
• May 30 - Memorial Day
• June 19- Juneteenth
• June 20 - Juneteenth (observed)
• July 4 - Independence Day
• September 5- Labor Day
• Ocotober 10- Columbus Day
• November 11- Veterans Day
• November 24- Thanksgiving
• December 25- Christmas Day
• December 26- Christmas Day (Observed)

The Preserve will still remain open to Visitors during daylight hours during Holidays.

Special Safety Message 

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.

The AllTrails website has descriptions and maps of several hikes at Little River Canyon National Preserve. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/alabama/little-river-canyon-national-preserve

The National Parks Service website has descriptions of several hikes at Little River Canyon National Preserve.  https://www.nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

Beaver Pond Trail.  1.4 miles

Canyon Mouth Trail 1.6 miles

Eberhart Trail. 0.8 miles

Horseshoe Falls Trail.  5.0 miles

Humpty Dumpty Trail  0.6 miles

Little River Backcountry Road. 7.3 miles

Little River Canyon Preserve Back Country Trail.  3.7 miles

Little River Canyon Trail. 1.4 miles.

Little River Canyon Northeast Loop.  A 4.1 mile loop trail

Lower Two Mile Trail.  0.5 miles

Powell Trail. 1.1 miles