Little River Canyon National Preserve, Nature reserve in Cherokee County, Alabama, US
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
