National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve is a National Preserve in Alabama. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.

Alabama National Preserve America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

Fall Season in the Canyon
Little River Canyon in the Fall · Photo: NPS Photo (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

1

Closures

0

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 1 danger, 0 caution and 0 information.

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.

Posted or updated Mar 23, 2023 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

Entrance passes are only required for Canyon Mouth Park. No checks accepted, only cash and card (no bills larger than a $20).

Entrance fees
FeeCostDetails
Entrance - Private Vehicle$15Admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van/motorcycle) into Canyon Mouth Park for one day.
Entrance - Motorcycle$15Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. The pass is non-transferable.
Park passes
PassCostBuy
Annual Entrance - Park$35At the park

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here.

Things to do

Activities the NPS lists for Little River Canyon.

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingClimbingRock ClimbingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodPicnickingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingShoppingGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

The main park is open during daylight hours every day including holidays.

Little River Canyon National Preserve
DayHours
MondaySunrise to Sunset
TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
FridaySunrise to Sunset
SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
SundaySunrise to Sunset

Weather: 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.

Contact and directions

Phone
2568459605
Email
[email protected]
Address
4322 Little River Trail NE Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967
Coordinates
34.4146, -85.6173· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon CenterMon Closed · Tue 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM2568459605Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.