• Type:
  • Loops/Out and Backs

  • Difficulty:
  • Easy - Hard

  • Scenery Ranking:
  • 5/5

  • Accessibility:
  • Easily Accessible

  • Trail Maintenance:
  • Partially Maintained

  • Facilities:
  • Restrooms
  • Information Center
  • Picnic Areas
  • Scenic Overlooks

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Intro:

The Little River Canyon National Preserve is located in the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains near Fort Payne Alabama. It offers several short (less than 1 mile in length) hiking trails that take you to various overlooks e.t.c. The 13 mile Desoto Scout Trail goes along the canyon here as well. Another added bonus is that it's located just a few miles from Desoto State Park. You will want to take in the hiking trails at both locations.

Trail Head:

Trail heads are located along the Little River Canyon Scenic drive.

To access the trail head: It's best to stop by the Little River Canyon Information Center and get a free map. It will have overlook locations along with trail locations. The people there are very helpful. Also, you will want to check out their gift shop.

Difficulty:

Trails range from easy to difficult (Eberhart Trail, and Trail to Lower Two Mile are very steep).

Hiking the Trail:

For my hike, I hiked to longest loop they have which is the Beaver Pond Trail. It's a simple 1.5 mile loop that takes you to a beaver pond. As of my last hike there it is grown up in the area of the beaver pond overlook. It's still a neat hike. There are several short trails there that take you to other areas of interest along the Little River Canyon. Also, the Beaver Pond Trail is located near the Lynn overlook which gives you a great view of the canyon. Be sure and research the other trails if you decide to go. Maybe hike Desoto State Park and some of the trails here at Little River Canyon in tandem. Also, the 13 mile Desoto Scout Trail is something you may want to check into.

Scenery:

You will get a great view of the waterfall and the Little River Canyon along the scenic route.

Trail Maintenance:

Trails are listed as "primitive" by the park. So some may not be maintained.

Facilities:

There are restrooms at the Little River Canyon Information Center. There are also several overlooks and picnic areas. It is also located a few miles from Desoto State Park which offers RV and tent camping, a restaurant, country store, and several hiking trails itself.