Rate Little River Canyon National Preserve
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Preserve
Operating Hours & Seasons
Little River Canyon National Preserve
The main park is open during daylight hours every day including holidays.
Standard Hours
- Sunday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Monday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Tuesday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Wednesday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Thursday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Friday: Sunrise – Sunset
- Saturday: Sunrise – Sunset
Park Entrance
Canyon Mouth Picnic Area
Winter hours 8 AM – 5 PM CST October – April Summer hours 8 AM – 7PM CST May – September
Standard Hours
- Sunday:8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Monday:8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Tuesday:8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Wednesday:8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Thursday:8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Friday:8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Saturday:8:00 PM-5:00 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $3.00 – Canyon Mouth Picnic Area
Located in Cedar Bluff, Alabama, the fee to park is $3 per vehicle. Amenities included paved parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, lots of shade, close to the water.
Entrance Passes:
- $10.00 – Canyon Mouth Annual Pass
Give the user unlimited access during operating hours during a calendar year (January – December). Located in Cedar Bluff, Alabama. Instead of paying $3 per vehicle, purchase the pass for a year for $10. Amenities included paved parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, lots of shade, close to the water.
About
A special place in the Southern Appalachians
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.
Directions
GPS Address: 472 AL Hwy 35, Fort Payne, AL 35967. Our address was updated by 911 and some GPS units will send you to an incorrect address. Please use this address for GPS units.
Visitor Centers
Little River Canyon Center
We are fortunate to partner with Jacksonville State University; they provide a Visitor Center for the park. National Park Service Volunteers 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 CST. Closed for some holidays, see website for details.
Weather
The weather in Fort Payne, Alabama is mild. The average temperature in the winter is in the 20’s. The average summer temperature is in the high 80’s. We receive about 55 inches of rain each year. Snowfall varies, but only lasts a few days per event.
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