Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve is a nature reserve in Cherokee County and DeKalb County, Alabama, where a river flows across Lookout Mountain through a canyon system with sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and forest uplands covering roughly 15,288 acres. The gorges reveal rock walls, natural pools, and wooded plateaus that stretch across the protected area.

The United States Congress designated the area as a National Preserve in October 1992, placing it under National Park Service management. This decision followed years of efforts to protect the canyon system and its ecosystems for future generations.

The Canyon Center at Jacksonville State University offers programs that explore the Cherokee heritage and traditional land use across the Southern Appalachians. Visitors can learn about the connection between native communities and this mountain landscape through guided interpretation.

Visitors need an Alabama fishing license to fish in the reserve and should bring suitable gear for varying terrain. About 26 miles of hiking trails wind through the area with routes for beginners and experienced hikers.

The river is one of the few waterways in North America that flows entirely atop a mountain, creating distinct geological formations. This unusual course carves deep gorges and waterfalls that developed on the plateau rather than cutting into a valley.

Location: Cherokee County

Location: DeKalb County

Inception: October 21, 1992

Operator: United States National Park Service

Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA

Phone: +12568459605

Website: https://nps.gov/liri

GPS coordinates: 34.44060,-85.59560

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29