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. 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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. 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