National Preserve · Alabama
Little River Canyon National Preserve
Little River is unique because it flows for most of its length atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. 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.
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Paddling
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Swimming
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.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
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.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
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.
$15.00
Operating hours
Little River Canyon National Preserve
The main park is open during daylight hours every day including holidays.
Canyon Mouth Park
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)
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Little River Canyon National Preserve?
- Entrance to Little River Canyon National Preserve costs $15.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Little River Canyon National Preserve?
- The main park is open during daylight hours every day including holidays.
- Do I need a reservation for Little River Canyon National Preserve?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Little River Canyon National Preserve. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.