Little River Canyon National Preserve
Fort Payne, AL
A sandstone gorge cut by a river that runs along the top of Lookout Mountain, with a rim road and overlooks above the canyon. Start at Little River Falls, then drive the rim road; wear sturdy shoes on the trails.
Little River Canyon National Preserve was established by Congress in 1992 and covers 15,288 acres (about 6,200 ha) on Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne. For almost its entire length, the Little River flows along the middle of the mountain ridge and has carved one of the deepest canyons in the Southeast. The sandstone walls rise up to 600 feet (180 m) above the canyon floor.
The waterfalls include the roughly 45-foot (14 m) Little River Falls at the canyon's entrance and Grace's High Falls, which at 133 feet (40 m) is Alabama's highest waterfall but flows only seasonally, depending on rainfall. A scenic road about 23 miles (37 km) long runs along the rim and offers several overlooks. Eberhart Point is a starting point for hikers descending into the canyon. The Little River Canyon Center, operated by Jacksonville State University, serves as the information hub. Allow half a day for the drive with stops.
- Nearest town
- Fort Payne, AL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.3903, -85.6139
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Little River RV Park and CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 42 pitchesTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Desoto State Park Improved CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 94 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterDogs allowed
- Wills Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve · 43 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWi-Fi
- FoxCampsite10 mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve
- Camp Skyline RanchCampsite13 mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve
- James H. Floyd State Park CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Little River Canyon National Preserve
All campsites in Alabama · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Little River Canyon National Preserve?
Little River Canyon National Preserve is in Fort Payne, AL, at GPS 34.3903, -85.6139. It is about 44 mi from Fort Oglethorpe.
Can you camp near Little River Canyon National Preserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Little River RV Park and Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Little River Canyon National Preserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: DeSoto State Park (8 mi), Cloudland Canyon State Park (32 mi), Cathedral Caverns State Park (37 mi) and Chickamauga Battlefield (43 mi).
When is the best time to visit Little River Canyon National Preserve?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)