National Preserve · NPS · AL
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Photo: NPS Photo, Little River Canyon in the Fall
Alerts and conditions
Danger SEASONAL 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.
Weather Frost Advisory issued November 8 at 10:11AM CST until November 9 at 8:00AM CST by NWS Huntsville AL
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...Portions of north central, northeast, and northwest
Alabama.
* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 8 AM CST Monday.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive
outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
What to do: Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
Read the full alert · Until Nov 9, 2026, 2:00 PM
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.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
Activities
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Swimming
- Freshwater Swimming
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Shopping
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Plan your visit
Hours
Little River Canyon National Preserve: The main park is open during daylight hours every day including holidays.
Canyon Mouth Park: Summer Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (CST) Fall/Spring Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (CST) Winter Hours - Open Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CST)
Fees and passes
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — $15.00
- Entrance - Motorcycle — $15.00
- Annual Entrance - Park — $35.00
The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at federal recreation lands across all four agencies.
Getting there
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.
Visitor centers
Weather
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.
Phone: 2568459605
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 32 miles
- Russell Cave National Monument NPS · 40 miles
- Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park NPS · 41 miles
- Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 43 miles
- Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 50 miles
- Paint Rock River National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 52 miles