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Little River Canyon National PreserveGray Tree Frog
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Little River Canyon National Preserve
Things To Do
 

We hope to move into the Little River Canyon Center near Little River Falls on Alabama Highway 35 by the summer of 2009. It will serve as the visitor center for the park.

At this time, we recommend a visit to the Superintendent's office for general information and maps (Monday - Friday 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM CST, Saturday's 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM). If you prefer, you can request that we mail you this information in advance.

Alcohol - Alcohol is not allowed in the Preserve.

ATV Riding -  A permit is required to operate an ATV on designated roads in the Backcountry Area.

Bird Watching

Bicycling - The scenic drive (Highway 176) is a narrow two-lane road with no shoulder or bike lanes. We do not recommend bikes on Highway 176. Mountain biking is allowed in the Backcountry Area. There are 23 miles of dirt/chert roads.

Camping

Family Reunions - We welcome you, but we do not reserve any picnic tables or pavilions.

Firearms/Weapons- No weapons/firearms are allowed within the Preserve boundaries except during hunting season and only in designated areas.

Fire Works - Fire works are not allowed in the Preserve.

Fishing

Hiking - Hike anywhere in the Preserve during daylight hours.

  • Canyon Mouth Picnic Area has a 2 mile hike (there and back).
  • Beaver Pond Trail provides a 1.8 mile loop trail.
  • Eberhart trail (3/4 mile) leads you to the bottom of the canyon. You can hike as far as you want but remember you have to hike back up the 3/4 miles to the top. The Eberhart trail is the most strenuous. There are no overnight backpack hiking trails in the Preserve. Camping is not allowed in the canyon.
  • YCC Trail located in the Backcountry Area. First left on Road 05 (coming in from County Road 295).

Horseback Riding

Hunting

Kayaking - Come prepared with all of your equipment and your own transportation. (Expert level, Class III+ to a VI). The find out the water level go to the folllowing website:  http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02399200

Pets - Pets must be on a leash at all times.

Photography - The overlooks offer beautiful views of the canyon for photography. Each season provides it's own color and drama.

  • Commercial photographers must have a permit (subject to a fee). Commercial Photographers need to contact the Superintendent's office for more information for the permit application and approval prior to taking photographs/filming. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50. Permit applications must be submitted 4 days prior to the event to Little River Canyon National Preserve, 2141 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, AL 35967. All permits are subject to approval.

Restrooms - Located at:

  1. Little River Falls (vault toilet)
  2. Eberhart Point Overlook (vault toilet)
  3. Canyon Mouth Picnic Area (with water)
  4. Billy's Ford Primitive Campsite (outhouse)
  5. Hartline Ford Primitive Campsite (outhouse)
  6. Slant Rock Primitive Campsite (outhouse)

Rock Climbing - Come prepared with all of your equipment and your own transportation. You can rock climb from any of the cliffs. You cannot add or remove any bolts or have any equipment on your person that would allow you to do so.

Scenic Drive - Drive your car along Highway 176 for the eleven mile tour. Stop at the overlooks and enjoy the scenery. Bring a picnic lunch and eat at one of the picnic tables.

Special Uses - Special uses such as weddings and baptisms, commercial filming, require a permit. All permits are subject to a fee. Applications for the permits are available at the superintendent's office. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50.  Permit applications must be submitted 4 days prior to the event to Little River Canyon National Preserve, 2141 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, AL 35967. All permits are subject to approval.

Little River Falls Boardwalk Overlook gives you a distant view of the falls.
Little River Falls Boardwalk
This boardwalk allows visitors with disabilities to view the falls.
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There are 23 miles of road to ride horses on.
Horseback riding in the Backcountry Area.
Horseback riding is a favorite activity among the visitors to the Backcountry Area.
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Little River Falls in the fall season
Little River Falls
The falls are beautiful anytime of the year.
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Canyon Mouth Picnic Area
Canyon Mouth Picnic Area
This is the perfect place to picnic and spend the day by the water.
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Dog on a Leash  

Did You Know?
Pets are welcome at Little River Canyon National Preserve as long as they are on a leash at all times.

Last Updated: March 09, 2009 at 14:57 EST