Little River
flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama,
making it the longest mountain top river in the United States. Carving it,s
way down the mountain, Little River Canyon is also home
to the deepest canyon in the southeastern United States, and is a major
draw for rock climbers and white water paddlers throughout the southeast.
With an annual visitation of only 300,000, Little River Canyon
National Preserve is arguably one of the most under appreciated parks in
the United States National Park system. A visit to this park feels more
like Tennessee than Alabama, with it's cliffs and scenic views.
Little River
Canyon by Air
Crashing down the
side of Lookout Mountain, the Little River features a number
of waterfalls and pools as it cuts through the parks. Because the Little
River does not have any dams and does not pass through many man
made or impacted areas, it is one of the wildest cleanest rivers in the
southeast. Sandstone and boulder cliffs rise up over 600 feet in some places
from the river base. This diverse area is home to a number of wild animals,
fish and plants, including the Kral's Water Plantain A 23-mile road cuts
through the park and passes a number of these attractions.
Litte River
The park has three
main units. Little River Falls is located on State Highway 35 and is located
at the base of a waterfall and has a moderately sized parking lot. This
scenic area is best visited after recent rainfall. Canyon Mouth Park is
a day use facility with picnicking, hiking and wading with a sandy beach.
Picnic tables, grills, toilet facilities, and fishing are all available.
Eberhart Point has a 3/4 mile hiking trail that leads down into the scenic
canyon. All three features are connected by the 23 mile long Canyon Rim
Parkway that begins at Canyon Mouth Park.
Little River
Falls by Air
Virtual Tour
of Little River Falls
View From
Little River Falls
Tour Instructions:
Once the tour loads, it will start automatically. To stop the movement just
click once on the picture. To control the view click the picture click and
drag in the direction you want move. If you are on a slow connection this
could take a few minutes to load.
Little River
Canyon Overlook
Located in the northeastern
part of Alabama, Little River Canyon National Preserve is adjacent to DeSoto
state park and is close to Russell Cave National Monument, Cloudland Canyon
State Park in Georgia, the Cloudmont Ski Resort, and the eastern unit of
Talladega National Forest. Famous for it’s southern hospitality, you
will find the people of Alabama as warm and friendly as a late spring day.
Located off of Interstate 59, the park is close to both Gadsden, Alabama
and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
