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.
Photo: NPS Photo
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama.
- LocationFort Payne, AL
- Entrance $15 private vehicle
- HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
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Weather now82°F Sunny
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Astronomy
- Birds
- Canyons and Canyonlands
- Colonization and Settlement
- Coniferous Forests
- Deciduous Forests
- Endangered
16 more topics
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Fire
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Geology
- Mountains
- Natural Sounds
- Night Sky
- Rare
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Trails
- Unique Species
- Waterfalls
- Watersheds
Alerts (3)
Park ClosureLittle River Falls Overlook Parking Lot closed October 22-23, 2026. Little River Falls Overlook parking lot will be closed on October 22–23, 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience. Parki… Read more
Little River Falls Overlook parking lot will be closed on October 22–23, 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience. Parking will be available at the Canyon Center, and you can take the Bridge Trail to reach Little River Falls Overlook and Little Falls Trail.
Park ClosureCanyon Mouth Parking lot closed October 20-21, 2026
Canyon Mouth Park will be closed to the public on October 20–21, 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience.
DangerSEASONAL 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… Read more
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.
Things to Do
29 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center
Facility
The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is located adjacent to Little River Canyon National Preserve. National Park Service staff and Volunteers and…
Fort Payne, AL (256) 845-9605 Directions
Details
The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is located adjacent to Little River Canyon National Preserve. National Park Service staff and Volunteers and Jacksonville State University staff will greet you and help you plan your visit. Amenities include: Information desk, restrooms, movie, gift shop, trails, and picnic tables. Hours are 10 AM - 4 PM Central Standard Time. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Little River Canyon National Preserve
Hours by area (2)
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Little River Canyon National PreserveDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The main park is open during daylight hours every day including holidays.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset -
Canyon Mouth ParkDaily, 8:00AM - 7:00PM
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)
Monday 8:00AM - 7:00PM Tuesday 8:00AM - 7:00PM Wednesday 8:00AM - 7:00PM Thursday 8:00AM - 7:00PM Friday 8:00AM - 7:00PM Saturday 8:00AM - 7:00PM Sunday 8:00AM - 7:00PM
Entrance fees
- $15Private Vehicle
- $15Motorcycle
Fee details
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Private Vehicle$15
Admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/motorcycle) into Canyon Mouth Park for one day. The pass is non-transferable. Insert cash only (no bills larger than a $20) into the fee machine to gain entrance. Place the receipt on the dashboard of your vehicle, making sure the face of the receipt is visible.
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Motorcycle$15
Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. The pass is non-transferable. Insert cash only (no bills larger than a $20) into the fee machine to gain entrance. Place the receipt on the dashboard of your vehicle, making sure the face of the receipt is visible.
Passes
- $35Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
The Canyon Mouth Park Annual Pass is valid for unlimited visits for one year from the month of purchase. The pass admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/motorcycle), and is non-transferable. Pass must be signed to be valid, ID required with pass. Insert the pass into the fee machine to gain entrance and wait for the lift arm to open.
Address
4322 Little River Trail NE Suite 100Fort Payne, AL 35967
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
82°F
Sunny · feels like 82°
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Today
83° 59°
Sunny4% rain
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Tomorrow
84° 61°
Sunny4% rain
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Thursday
84° 62°
Sunny4% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
8 coming up-
Sun Print Art - Cyanotypes
About
Meet Location: Canyon Center Free Drop-In Event! Discover the beauty of nature through one of the oldest forms of photography! Join a park ranger to create your own leaf cyanotype print using real leaves and sunlight. Arrange leaves into a unique design, expose the special light-sensitive ink and paper to the sun, and watch as a stunning deep-blue botanical print appears. This free, family-friendly program is a fun blend of art and science, and everyone will take home their own one-of-a-kind creation! No artistic experience is necessary—all materials will be provided. No registration required. -
Run with a Ranger
About
Meet at the Canyon Center Come enjoy the outdoors with a morning run! Lace up your running shoes and join a park ranger for the Little River Running Club! Whether you're looking for a weekly running group or simply want to enjoy the outdoors with others, all ages and skillsets are welcome! Check the NPS or Facebook page beforehand for where we are meeting each week. Often our route will follow the scenic Canyon Rim Parkway. We run on side of the road and will most likely never pass a car this early. Participants are welcome to leave whenever they wish; just let the ranger know before heading out. Please bring: Water Running shoes Comfortable running clothes Come enjoy the beauty of Little River Canyon’s scenery while getting in a morning run with fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Free! Registration appreciated through daniel_bowles@nps.gov -
Migration Station Pop-Up Program
About
Meet Location: Canyon Center Free Drop-in Event! Did you know many kinds of animals migrate - not just songbirds? Come by the Canyon Center and visit our interactive table, where one of our naturalists will have games, coloring sheets and displays about the marvel of migration! We'll learn about the amazing journeys that hawks, butterflies, dragonflies, waterbirds, and our beloved songbirds make around this time every year. No registration required. -
Run with a Ranger
About
Come enjoy the outdoors with a morning run! Lace up your running shoes and join a park ranger for the Little River Running Club! Whether you're looking for a weekly running group or simply want to enjoy the outdoors with others, all ages and skillsets are welcome! Check the NPS or Facebook page beforehand for where we are meeting each week. Often our route will follow the scenic Canyon Rim Parkway. We run on side of the road and will most likely never pass a car this early. Participants are welcome to leave whenever they wish; just let the ranger know before heading out. Please bring: Water Running shoes Comfortable running clothes Come enjoy the beauty of Little River Canyon’s scenery while getting in a morning run with fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Free! Registration appreciated through daniel_bowles@nps.gov
Show 4 more events
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Bike with a Ranger
About
Meet Location: Canyon Center Free Event! Experience Little River Canyon from the seat of your bicycle! Join a park ranger for a leisurely guided ride along the Little River Canyon Scenic Drive, stopping at several of the park's most breathtaking overlooks to discover the stories behind the landscape. This is a free program open to ages 12 and up (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). It is approximately 8-10 miles round trip but can be adjusted based on the attendees. It is a moderate ride with rolling hills on paved roads. We will seek to have frequent stops for interpretation and rest. Participants should be comfortable riding on paved roads shared with vehicle traffic. Along the route, we'll pause to explore the canyon's geology, wildlife, history, and the unique river that flows atop Lookout Mountain. Learn how this remarkable landscape was formed, discover the plants and animals that call it home, and hear fascinating stories that bring the preserve to life. This is a recreational ride designed to encourage visitors to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience the park from a new perspective. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs, ask questions, and take in the spectacular views. Come discover why the journey can be just as memorable as the destination as we explore one of Alabama's most scenic drives by bike! What to Bring:- A bicycle in good working condition
- Helmet (required)
- Water
- Snacks
- Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes
- Sunscreen
- Bike taillight if you have it
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After Dark: A Night Hike
About
Meet Location: Canyon Center Free Event! Experience Little River Canyon after the sun goes down! Join a park ranger for an evening hike as we discover the sights and sounds of the canyon's nocturnal world. As darkness settles over the preserve, we'll use our senses to explore a side of the park that many visitors never experience. Along the trail, we'll listen for owls, frogs, katydids, and other nighttime wildlife while learning how animals have adapted to life in the dark. We will go mothing and will have a chance to use a few red lights to see if we can spot animals off trail. We will try out black lights to see what things like lichens and mushrooms fluoresce! We'll discuss the importance of natural darkness, explore how nocturnal creatures navigate and hunt, and discover why the canyon comes alive after sunset. This is a slow-paced hike focused on observation and discovery, with frequent stops to listen, look, and experience the night. What to Bring:- (We will provide hand-held red lights and black lights)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Insect repellent
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Free and open to all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult)
- Easy hike on established trails
- Approximately 1 mile round trip or less
- Red lights are encouraged to help preserve night vision and reduce disturbance to wildlife
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Desoto Scout Trail: Hike With a Ranger
About
More details to come! General happenings of the event. 6 miles strenuous. Only experienced hikers should sign up. Beautiful trail. We will have time to stop along the way. Meeting at the Desoto Lodge at 9:00 AM. What to bring: -Backpack with lots of water -Sturdy hiking shoes for lots of rock and boulders along the trail -Swimsuit if wanted, although remember this is October. Great spots to take a swim in Little River. -Lots of good snacks -Come prepared for a long hike, so bring whatever else you find helpful. Free! Registration Required. Contact daniel_bowles@nps.edu to sign up. If you forget to register please still come! -
Run with a Ranger
About
Meeting at Chalet Trail, Fort Payne AL, in Desoto State Park to trail run the Gilliam Loop. Come enjoy the outdoors with a morning run! Lace up your running shoes and join a park ranger for the Little River Running Club! Whether you're looking for a weekly running group or simply want to enjoy the outdoors with others, all ages and skillsets are welcome! Check the NPS or Facebook page beforehand for where we are meeting each week. Please bring: Water Running shoes Comfortable running clothes Come enjoy the beauty of Little River Canyon’s scenery while getting in a morning run with fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Free! Registration appreciated through daniel_bowles@nps.gov
Photos
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Scenic Drive (AL Hwy 176) in the Fall — NPS Photo -
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2 more photos
Getting There
Fort Payne, AL 35967
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.
Full directions
Interstate 59 is the closest interstate.
Mailing address: 4322 Little River Trail NE Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967
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