Before diving into the specifics of exploring Little River Canyon National Preserve, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes this destination so special. Tucked away in northeast Alabama, Little River Canyon is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Carved over thousands of years by the winding waters of the Little River, the canyon boasts stunning natural beauty and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
What sets Little River Canyon apart is its accessibility and affordability. Unlike some national parks that require extensive planning and budgeting, Little River Canyon offers a budget-friendly escape for families seeking adventure close to home. With free admission and a variety of activities suitable for all ages, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
But beyond its practical appeal, Little River Canyon holds a special allure for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From its cascading waterfalls to its scenic drives along the rim of the canyon, the canyon offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or tackling a more challenging hike to one of the canyon’s overlooks, you’re sure to be rewarded with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences.
Join us as we share our experiences exploring Little River Canyon and uncovering its hidden treasures. From family-friendly adventures to budget-friendly tips, we’ll walk you through everything we discovered during our visit. Whether you’re seeking scenic drives, or waterfall hikes, we’ve got you covered.
Awesome Things To Do In Little River Canyon Alabama
Explore the top sights of Little River Canyon with us. From stunning waterfalls to scenic trails, each attraction offers its own unique appeal. Whether you’re seeking serene landscapes or exciting adventures, Little River Canyon has something for everyone.
Little River Falls Boardwalk Overlook
Located a short distance from the Little River Falls parking lot, the Little River Falls Boardwalk offers an easy way to see one of the canyon’s best spots. This boardwalk is 100 feet long and 6 feet wide, so it’s easy for everyone to use, including wheelchairs and strollers.
From the Little River Falls Overlook, you’ll get a great view of Little River Falls as it crashes into the canyon below. You might feel a little spray from the water and hear it rumbling over the rocks. It’s an amazing sight that shows off the power of nature.
If you’re short on time, don’t worry! Visiting the boardwalk only takes about 15-20 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick stop during your visit to Little River Canyon. Feel free to linger a bit longer if you’d like. You’ll find picnic tables scattered throughout the grassy areas, perfect for enjoying a leisurely picnic surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Remember to plan ahead! On weekends in the spring and summer, the parking lot at Little River Falls fills up fast, sometimes as early as 11 am. It’s best to arrive early to get a parking spot and make the most of your time exploring Little River Canyon.
Little Falls Trail
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Length: 0.75 mile
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
- Average Time to Hike: ~45 min.
The Little Falls Trail is a moderate hike with beautiful views of sandstone cliffs and small waterfalls. This short hike is perfect for families and dog-friendly, but it can get crowded in the spring and summer.
The trailhead is easy to find, located near the Little River Falls boardwalk and the south edge of the parking lot. It’s only about 0.75 miles each way, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
At the end of the trail, you’ll encounter 137 stone steps leading down to the river. Little Falls, a 10-foot-high shelf of sandstone, awaits you at the bottom of the stairs. It’s a popular spot for swimming in the summer, also known as Hippie Hole.
While we found the trail easy to navigate, watch your step as it can be rocky and covered in roots. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes with good traction, especially if you’re prone to ankle injuries.
During our visit in December, the trail was peaceful and not crowded. Even though we didn’t swim, we enjoyed exploring this beautiful area and relaxing by the river.
Tips For Hiking To Little Falls
For Adults and Kids:
- Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the trail can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
- Take breaks as needed, especially if you’re not used to hiking.
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and watch your step, especially on steep sections of the trail.
- Encourage kids to explore and engage with nature along the trail.
- Keep an eye on kids, especially near steep or slippery sections.
For Pets:
- Keep pets on a leash at all times to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
- Bring plenty of water for your pet, especially on hot days.
*Our dog gets hot very quickly. For this reason, we love this cooling jacket. - Pack waste bags to clean up after your pet and keep the trail clean.
- Be mindful of wildlife and other hikers, and respect their space.
- Check your pet’s paws periodically for signs of injury or discomfort.
Little River Canyon Center
At Little River Canyon Center, just a short drive from Little River Falls, you’ll find a welcoming visitor center. We were pleasantly surprised by how pet-friendly this place is! Usually, when we bring our dog along, one of us waits outside with them. But here, dogs on leashes are allowed inside the building. They even have a water bowl for dogs next to the drinking fountain! Plus, they have a fun Bark Ranger program and even gave our dog a treat. The staff at the center are incredibly friendly and helpful. In addition to being pet-friendly, the center offers a gift shop, restrooms, and trails to explore. It’s a great place to stop and learn more about Little River Canyon before or after your outdoor adventures.
Little River Canyon Scenic Drive
The scenic drive along the eleven-mile Little River Canyon Rim Parkway on the western side of the canyon offers stunning views without requiring much walking. Each overlook provides a pull-off area where you can park your car and take in the scenery for free during daylight hours. The road is narrow and winding, so it’s essential to obey the speed limit and watch for other vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife.
Here are some of the scenic overlooks you can enjoy along the drive:
- Little River Falls Overlook: Offers a view of the picturesque Little River Falls from above.
- Lynn Overlook: Lynn Overlook is the second stop on the scenic drive from Alabama Highway 35, you’ll see panoramic views of the canyon and its sandstone bluffs. It also features a long driveway through a sandy sandstone rock glade. This unique rock glade is one of the Preserve’s best and easiest to reach from the rim drive. Families will find it a great spot for kids to explore, discover, and learn about the fascinating variety of plants and insects. Lynn Overlook is home to eight rare plant species. And if you’re feeling hungry, there’s a small picnic area where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch.
- Mushroom Rock: Mushroom Rock is a big rock that looks like a mushroom right in the middle of the road. We thought it was cool that instead of removing the giant rock they built the road around it.
- Hawks Glide Overlook: We skipped Hawks Glide Overlook as we heard it’s the least interesting of the overlooks. That being said, if you’re lucky, you might see raptors, peregrine falcons, vultures, or hawks flying above. This is a great spot for bird watching.
- Canyon View Overlook: From here, you can see the winding river, the towering cliffs, and the lush greenery that surrounds the canyon.
- Wolf Creek Overlook: At the Wolf Creek Overlook you should be able to see where Wolf Creek dumps into Little River. However, Wolf Creek is very hard to see. That being said, you get a great view of the canyon and river.
- Crow Point Overlook: Crow Point Overlook is just a short stroll from the parking area, but be mindful that the trail’s incline might pose a challenge for some. However, if you’re not up for the walk, you’re not missing out on much since the view is quite similar to others along the scenic drive.
- Grace’s High Falls: Grace’s High Falls, standing at 133 feet tall, is a seasonal waterfall visible from the side of the road along the scenic drive. It typically does not flow during the summer.
- Eberhart Point Overlook: Eberhart Point Overlook is a scenic spot along Canyon Rim Drive offering stunning views of the canyon. From here, you can see the river winding through the canyon and the cliffs. It’s a great place to stop and appreciate the beauty of nature, have a picnic, or use the restrooms.
During our drive, we found that some overlooks offered similar views, so we chose to visit only a few that we thought would provide different perspectives. While Grace’s High Falls was flowing when we visited and offered a stunning view, it was quite far away. Overall, touring the scenic drive and its overlooks was a great way to experience the beauty of Little River Canyon from various vantage points along the rim.
And don’t forget all of the overlooks along the route are pet-friendly. So feel free to bring your furry companions along for the journey and enjoy the breathtaking views together!
How Much Does Little River Canyon Cost
Exploring Little River Canyon is not only a memorable adventure but also budget-friendly, as there are no admission fees to access the preserve or enjoy its attractions. Whether you’re hiking the trails, visiting the visitor center, or embarking on the scenic drive, you won’t have to worry about entrance fees. Additionally, many of the activities and events offered by Little River Canyon, such as educational programs and musical entertainment, are often free of charge. So, you can enjoy a day of exploration without breaking the bank, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers and families alike.
That being said, there is one area of Little River Canyon that charges an entrance fee, it is Canyon Mouth Park.
Daily Pass – $15
Year Pass- $35
*You can use an America The Beautiful Pass to enter Canyon Mouth Park.
We did not visit Canyon Mouth Park. That is why it is not mentioned much in this article. If you’d like to learn about it you can check it out on the National Park Website.
Budget-Friendly Tips For Visiting Little River Canyon
- Pack a Picnic: Save money by bringing along your own snacks, food and drinks for a picnic at one of the scenic overlooks or picnic areas within the preserve.
- Utilize Free Activities: Take advantage of the many free activities offered by the National Park Service at Little River Canyon, such as hiking the trails and attending educational programs.
- Plan Ahead: Check the schedule for free events and programs offered by Little River Canyon, and plan your visit accordingly to take advantage of these opportunities. Check events here.
- Carpool: Save on gas by carpooling with friends or family members when visiting the preserve.
By following these budget-friendly tips, you can make the most of your visit to Little River Canyon without overspending.
Things To Do Near Little River Canyon National Preserve
Desoto Falls
Stephen’s Gap Cave
Bethel Spring Falls
Unclaimed Baggage
Final Thoughts On Little River Canyon
In summary, Little River Canyon in the state of Alabama is a fantastic destination that offers an array of natural wonders to explore. With its scenic trails, picnic spots, and pet-friendly policies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without spending a fortune.
Our family’s favorite activity was hiking to Little Falls, although we regret not going when the weather was warmer to take a refreshing swim.
Remember to pack your own snacks and gear to save money, and be sure to check out the free activities offered by the preserve. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful picnic spot, Little River Canyon has it all.
So why not plan your next family outing or vacation here? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to explore.
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