Little River Canyon National Preserve
Protected park · AL, USA
Little River Canyon National Preserve in AL, USA. Operated by National Park Service.
About
This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).
Entrance / day-use fee applies.
This park's official page lists: Picnic areas, Store / concessions.
Official facts
Public access: Restricted access.
Protected area: 1,872 acres (758 ha).
Designation: SCA. Listed as "Little River Wildlife Management Area" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: managed for biodiversity (GAP 2). IUCN category V.
Managed by: SFW.
At the park
- Visitor center
- Golf
- Biking
- Beaches
- Caves & caverns
- Scenic drives & overlooks
- Waterfalls
- Wildflowers
- Hiking trails
- Boating
- Fishing
Shows and experiences
- Historic sites & museum
- Ranger & guided programs
Events
- Run the Backcountry: Run With a Ranger
- Colored Pencil Wildflower Walk
- After Dark, A Little River Canyon Night Hike
- Run With a Ranger - Eberhart Overlook
- Junior Angler Fishing Day at Canyon Mouth Park
- Run the Canyon: Run With a Ranger
- The Art of the Wildflower: Botanical Illustration
- Run with a Ranger
- Sun Print Art - Cyanotypes
- Migration Station Pop-Up Program
- Bike with a Ranger
- After Dark: A Night Hike
- Desoto Scout Trail: Hike With a Ranger
Before you go
- Limits
- Drones are not allowed except with a Special Permit (fees apply)
- Limits
- Dogs must remain on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) at all times while in park
- Limits
- Dogs must remain on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) at all times while in park
- Limits
- 5 Signs displaying that the following are not permitted, from left to right: Absolutely no alcohol, camping, drones, fireworks, or controlled substances
- Limits
- Glass containers (bottles, jars, etc.) are not allowed
- Limits
- 5 Signs displaying that the following are not permitted, from left to right: Absolutely no alcohol, camping, drones, fireworks, or controlled substances
- ⚠ Park closure: Backcountry Roads 8, 9, & 10 are closed
- Attention visitors: Roads 8, 9, and 10 in the backcountry of the Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are currently closed for road maintenance. For your safety, please do not go around road barriers. Doing so is also a violation of Title 36 CFR Chapter 1 Part 1.1.5 (f) regarding road closures. Thank you for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience.
- ⚠ Park closure: Little 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. 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.
- ⚠ Danger: SEASONAL 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 main trails, and don't get too close to Little River Falls or the canyon rim. These activities could result in injury or death.
- Getting there
- 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.
- Weather & when to go
- 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.
- Visitor center
- Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center — The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Central Time) Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. — The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is located on the north side of Alabama Highway 35, approximately 10 miles east of the city of Fort Payne, Alabama. Interstate 59, which passes through the Fort Payne, Alabama area, is the closest interstate (connecting Birmingham, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee). GPS units and apps may not recognize the 4322 Little River Trail NE…
- Visitor center
- Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center
- Visitor center
- Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center
- Visitor center
- Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center
Facilities on the park map
1 bench, 1 changing table, 1 defibrillator, 1 first aid kit, 3 restroom, 4 visitor information, 1 water fountain.
History
- Opened
- 1992
- Park opened