Little River Canyon National Preserve
Designation: National Preserve
Location: Alabama
📘 Park 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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Little River Canyon in the Fall
Credit: NPS Photo
Little River Falls in the Spring
Credit: NPS Photo
Little River Falls in the Fall
Credit: NPS Photo
Scenic Drive (AL Hwy 176) in the Fall
Credit: NPS Photo
Take a hike along the DeSoto Scout Trail
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Tuesday, Nov 4
Sunny
High: 70.2°F | Low: 42.1°F
Humidity: 61%
Wind: 4.7 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 06:06 AM
Sunset: 04:46 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (96%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 47.1°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Nov 5
Sunny
High: 70.7°F | Low: 46.4°F
Humidity: 66%
Wind: 10.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 06:07 AM
Sunset: 04:45 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 51.7°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Nov 6
Sunny
High: 74.1°F | Low: 51.8°F
Humidity: 66%
Wind: 3.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 06:08 AM
Sunset: 04:44 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 54.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Special Weather Statement issued November 4 at 5:05AM EST by NWS Peachtree City GA
Effective: Nov 4, 2025 5:05am
Expires: Nov 4, 2025 9:00am
Patchy dense fog will restrict visibilities to less than one-half
of a mile across far north Georgia, mainly in valleys, low-lying
areas, and near bodies of water. The fog should lift after 9 AM.
If driving this morning, slow down, use low-beam headlights and
leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Park Alerts
Park Events
National Public Lands Day Clean Up
Join us to celebrate National Public Lands Day for volunteer clean up at the park. We'll hike a challenging 1.5 miles between the Main Falls parking lot and Little Falls to clean up the area. All equipment including PPE will be provided.
Date: Sep 27, 2025 12:00am to Sep 27, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
4322 Little River Trail NE Ste 100
Fort Payne, AL 35967
🏤 Mailing Address:
4322 Little River Trail NE Ste 100
Fort Payne, AL 35967
📞 Voice Phone: 2568459605
📞 Fax Phone: 2569979129
✉️ Email: liri_information@nps.gov