Little River Canyon National Preserve
As it is with most natural wonders and public recreation areas, there is a slew of outdoor activities that can be undertaken at the Little River Canyon National Preserve. It is best known for its views, so sightseeing is the most common activity. But hiking, outdoor photography, rappelling, fishing, bird watching and similar pursuits are also enjoyed by visitors practically every day. Adventurers who enjoy whitewater kayaking are often found heading downstream when the river in the gorge is suitable.
The national preserve can be considered one place with three separate parts: the gorge, the backcountry and the mouth park. The backcountry is a densely forested area of about 8,000 acres found upstream from the gorge. The mouth park, located where the river exits the gorge in the valley before it empties into the Coosa River at Weiss Lake, is a place where people enjoy picnics, swimming and exploring the river.
Composed of sandstone and other sedimentary rocks eroded by water over millions of years, Little River Canyon is one of the most spectacular landforms in the region, carved into the flat top of Lookout Mountain. Due to it’s easy to get to location, the gorge has by far the most visitors. And, it’s possible to see the most-popular sights in two hours or less. Unless you are pressed for time, you’ll want to take your time and stretch your visit out to closer to three hours.
- Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Admission: $3 User Fee per Vehicle
- Opening Hours: Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Phone: +1 256-845-9605
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/liri/
