|
Little River flows atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. The river and canyon systems are spectacular Appalachian Plateau landscapes any season of the year.
The preserves 14,000 acres of forest, waterfalls, canyon rims and bluffs, stream riffles and pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs offer spectcular settings for kayaking, fishing, hiking and nature viewing.
Natural resources and cultural heritage come together to tell the story of this unique preserve, established in 1992, in the Southern Appalachians.
The difference between a national park and a national preserve is that a preserve offers hunting and aggressive resource management, while a park does not.
The preserve has an 8,000-acre backcountry (wildlife management area) situated north of the canyon that allows hunting.
This area has approximately 19 miles of multi-use trails where all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs) are allowed to ride with a free permit issued by the preserve. So the trails are regularly used by horseback riders, dirt bikes, hikers, and mountain bikes. There are many blind curves, caution is advised.
There are three primitive campsites located in the backcountry area. The campsites are open Feb. 1 through Sept. 30. The campsites are Slant Rock, Billy's Ford and Hartline Ford. All three of the campsites are located near the river and accommodate one group per site. Each campsite includes a rock fire ring, picnic table, trash can, tent pad large enough for two tents, and an outhouse (no running water).
There is no charge for camping at Little River Canyon National Preserve, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The preserve offers exceptional opportunities for whitewater kayaking and canoeing, nature photography, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, hiking, picnicking or just enjoying the outdoors.
There are a series of eight overlooks along the scenic 23-mile drive. Drive along Hwy. 176 (about 11 miles) and follow it to Dogtown, then back to Fort Payne.
The first stop before you venture down the scenic drive is Little River Falls. It is located by the bridge on Hwy. 35. There is a paved 50-car parking lot, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a rest room. There is a paved trail leading down to the overlook of the 45-foot waterfall. Visitors swim at their own risk. The water is swift over the falls and the rocks are slippery. Hiking down below the falls to swim can also be hazardous due to unstable rocks.
Fishing is allowed anywhere on the river inside the preserve if you have an Alabama fishing license. The most daring kayakers start their trek here (Suicide Run, with Class VI rapids) when the water is high enough.
The first overlook on Hwy. 176 is Little River Falls Overlook. Picnic tables are located along the side of the overlook and there is a boardwalk.
The Lynn Overlook turnout has a wooden split rail fence and picnic tables. This is a favorite site for rock climbers, and is a great place to watch kayakers in the fall, winter and early spring.
Just past Lynn Overlook is Beaver Pond Trail. This 0.75-mile trail is a favorite for bird watchers. It leads to a pond where beavers have made several dams and a variety of birds have made their homes.
Outdoor Activities |
