Little River Canyon

https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_River_Canyon_National_Preserve Little River Canyon National Preserve is located on top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama, and DeSoto State Park. The monument preserve protects what is sometimes said to be the nation's longest mountaintop river, the Little River. The canyon was historically called "May's Gulf", "gulf" being a common term throughout the Cumberland Plateau for this sort of feature. 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. Little River Canyon National Preserve follows along the Little River and covers approximately 40 miles from the northeast corner to the southwest corner. The easiest way to access the park is by Alabama Highway 35 about 10 miles east out of Fort Payne, Alabama. Interstate 59 is the closest interstate. Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is located adjacent to Little River Canyon National Preserve. National Park Service staff and Volunteers and Jacksonville State University staff will greet you and help you plan your visit. Amenities include: Information desk, restrooms, movie, gift shop, trails, and picnic tables. Hours are 10 AM - 4 PM Central Standard Time. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is located on the north side of Alabama Highway 35, approximately 10 miles east of the city of Fort Payne, Alabama. Interstate 59, which passes through the Fort Payne, Alabama area, is the closest interstate (connecting Birmingham, Alabama and Chattanooga, Tennessee). GPS units and apps may not recognize the 4322 Little River Trail NE Ste 100 address - please try the 432 Little River Trail address in your GPS. Camping Alternatives Camping in the Preserve is not allowed at this time. The Backcountry campsites (Hartline Ford, Billy's Ford, Slant Rock) have been closed. No date has been set for reopening at this time. DeSoto State Park and Little River RV Park & Campground are located within minutes of the Preserve and do offer camping. Little River Canyon in the Fall Fall Season in the Canyon Little River Canyon in the Fall Little River Falls in the Spring Little River Falls in the Spring, located on AL Hwy 35 Little River Falls in the Spring Little River Falls in the Fall Little River Falls in the Fall, located on AL Hwy 35 Little River Falls in the Fall Scenic Drive (AL Hwy 176) in the Fall Scenic Driver (AL Hwy 176) in the Fall Scenic Drive (AL Hwy 176) in the Fall DeSoto Scout Trail Bridge DeSoto Scout Trail Bridge located in the Backcountry Area Take a hike along the DeSoto Scout Trail NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. waterfall on river Shaping the System under President George H.W. Bush President George H.W. Bush was an ardent supporter of the national parks. Explore some the parks that are part of the legacy of the presidency of George H.W. Bush, who served as the 41st president of the United States from January 20, 1989 to January 20, 1993. President George H.W. Bush shaking hands with a park ranger at the World War II Memorial Women in Fire Science: Alicia Schlarb Alicia Schlarb is the lead fire effects monitor for a portion of the National Park Service's Southeast Region. She and her crew provide prescribed burning, monitoring, and wildland fire responses to national parks located within Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and portions of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Florida. She loves fire and that she can change perceptions about wildland fire through science. Alicia Schlarb. Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 16, No. 1, Spring 2024 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> Photo of a mountain hillside with flowers. A Georgia State University and National Park Service Collaboration: Fossil Fact Sheets in the Southeast Region A partnership between Georgia State University and the NPS Paleontology Program has enabled more focused paleontological resource support in parks in the Southeast Region of the U.S. During the past several years students mentored by Dr. Christy Visaggi have helped to complete paleontological resource inventories in several parks in the southeast region uncovering the fossil records of these parks. Photo of 3 people standing in front of a poster display. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Project Profile: Restore Eastern Grasslands The National Park Service will restore up to 4,000 acres of agricultural fields and degraded lands across 37 parks in 15 states. This landscape-scale restoration project will expand the range and connectivity of native grasslands across the eastern US, restore biodiversity and critical ecosystem functions, reduce pesticide use, benefit people and wildlife, and create employment opportunities for diverse early career youth. A park manager and others standing amidst a grassy landscape. Guide to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) Southeast Region Collection This finding aid describes the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) Southest Region Collection, part of the NPS History Collection. Project Profile: A Strategic Approach to Building Forest Resiliency in Southeast Parks The National Park Service is addressing the climate change vulnerability of southeast park ecosystems. Fall-colored trees on a mountain slope. A tree is in the right-side foreground. Hidden in Plain Sight: Old Growth Remnant Grasslands During 2024 scouting for a large eastern grassland restoration project funded by IRA and BIL, several old growth remnant grasslands were identified in National Capital and Northeast Region parks that were previously unknown. These remnants preserve the genetic integrity of the original grassland flora of the eastern US and are true unexpected treasures that in some cases, were hidden in plain sight. a grassland landscape with distant trees

Little River Canyon Canyon Rim Drive is breathtaking any time of year. Stop at the overlooks (see map) for stunning views of the canyon and river. Winter rains can make the Little River a raging torrent. Whitewater paddlers—experts only—test their skills in the rapids. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Preserve Alabama Graces High Falls plunges past river-carved sandstone. Some rocks and fossils exposed here are over 300 million years old. A Mountain-top River Plunges into a Surprising Nature Sanctuary It is one of the nation's longest rivers that forms and flows for most of its length atop a mountain. Then it plunges off the Cumberland Plateau at the head of Little River Canyon. Beginning at 1,900 feet above sea level on Lookout Mountain, the Little River ends up at 650 feet above sea level at Weiss Lake. The result is one of the most extensive canyon and gorge systems in the eastern United States and one of the South's clearest, wildest waterways. No more than a trickle in the dry summer months, the river surges with the rainfall in cooler months. Carving the region's sandstone over time, the Little River has created habitat for carnivorous green pitcher plants (see photo on other side); Krai's water plantains, an aquatic herb; six varieties of caddisflies found nowhere else on Earth; green salamanders; and threatened blue shiner fish. Congress added Little River Canyon National Preserve to the National Park System in 1992. The Preserve protects 14,000 acres of the 199-square-mile Little River watershed and many rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and animals. Alabama's DeSoto State Park, a long-established vacation area with resort lodge and other accommodations, lies within the Preserve boundary and is a partner in its operation. Canyon Rim Drive follows the west rim of Little River Canyon for 11 scenic miles (see map on other side). From the nine overlooks you may see river and canyon scenery and rock climbers, kayakers, soaring birds, and creeks flowing into the river. Little River Canyon National Preserve, an extraordinary place rich in history, promises a future of conservation, education, and recreation for all. The National Park Service and its partners work to guarantee that these places will always be here for people to enjoy. Little River flows t h r o u g h rugged, beautiful, forested landscapes into the 12-mile-long and 600-foot-deep Little River Canyon. BACKGROUND PHOTO: O ROBERT P. FALLS, SR. Things To See and Do in the Preserve Canyon Rim Drive You can enjoy spectacular overlooks, trails, and picnic spots along Canyon Rim Drive (Ala. 176). Don't miss the 45-foot-high Little River Falls. Activities The Preserve's Canyon Mouth day-use area features picnicking and hiking. Trails thread through the lower canyon and look over rapids and boulder fields. This is a popular take-out point for the Whitewater enthusiast. The backcountry offers fishing, horseback riding, and hunting (in season). You can find solitude far from developed areas and enjoy the opportunity for peaceful reflection. Worldclass white water and outstanding rock climbing challenge visitors prepared for such adventures. Read For a Safe Visit on the other side of this brochure. Camping You may camp in the Preserve at three designated backcountry sites from February 1 to September 30. Firstcome, first-served. Bring your own water. For permits and details: 256-845-9605; www.nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/camping. htm. DeSoto State Park, a National Park Service partner, has a lodge, restaurant, cabins, camping, camp store, nature center, pool, playground, trails, and picnic areas. DeSoto State Park camping information: 256-845-5075; www.alapark.com/ desotoresort/camping. Little River Canyon k*»* - Ml ml ;I i \'rV ^%«v-'N Getting Here and Your Safety Getting Here The Preserve is in northeastern Alabama near 1-59 southwest of Chattanooga, Tenn. DeSoto State Park is at its north end, and Canyon Mouth is at its south end. For a Safe Visit Be alert. Hiking and exploring can be fun, but if you get hurt you may be a long way from help. Cell phones may not work, and getting medical help to you can be difficult. Remember, your safety is your responsibility. • Watch children closely. High bluffs, fast water, and water- falls can be dangerous. • Canyon trails are steep and strenuous. Stay on trails, wear sturdy shoes, and take plenty of water. • Watch for poisonous snakes and poison ivy. • Pets must be leashed and attended. Service animals are welcome. • Know hunting seasons and regulations if you go into the backcountry. For firearms regulations, check the park website. • Lock valuables in your trunk or out of sight. • Do not disturb plants, animals, rocks, artifacts, or other natural or historic features; all are protected by federal law. Emergencies: call 911. More Information Little River Canyon National Preserve 472 Alabama Highway 35 Fort Payne, AL 35967 256-845-9605 www.np