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Explore Little River Canyon

Fort Payne, Alabama

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

12 miles

Elevation Gain

600 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Josh & Michele

Come see this 12 mile long, 600 ft. deep canyon. There are hiking trails, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and the gorgeous Little River to explore.

This 15,288 acre preserve sits at the southern edge of the Cumberland Plateau, carved into the flat top of Lookout Mountain. It is one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi River and the deepest in the state of Alabama. Little River Canyon was created by the Little River, which flows from northwestern Georgia to Weiss Lake, and is known for its extremely high water quality and its rapids. The preserve offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including photography, swimming, hiking, scrambling, 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.

In just a few hours, I drove through the majority of Canyon Rim Drive, hiked the Lower Two-Mile Trail, relaxed along the bank of Little River, climbed Mushroom Rock, photographed Little River Canyon Falls and Grace's High Falls.

For all of the necessary directions and information about the preserve, go to the National Park Planners' website: http://npplan.com/parks-by-sta....

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Chillin
Photography
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Cliff Jumping
Swimming Hole

Explore Little River Canyon Reviews

I love coming to Little River Canyon when I'm in northern Alabama. There is a scenic drive around the canyon with lots of overlooks, there's some good bouldering, trails to hike, whitewater kayaking... You name it, its here!

Little river canyon, desoto falls, Martha’s falls, and ruby falls were all amazingly breathtaking! Inexpensive trip packed with fun, and a nice city to stay in when not out in nature!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Little River Canyon

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