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National Preserve · Alabama

Little River Canyon National Preserve

National Preserve in Alabama. $15 per vehicle.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Preserve
StateAlabama
Entrance fee$15 per vehicle
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkGreat Smoky Mountains (147 mi)
Closest airportCHA (49 mi)
Fall Season in the Canyon
Little River Canyon in the Fall Photo: NPS Photo

Little River Canyon National Preserve is a national preserve run by the National Park Service in Alabama.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $15 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. The main park is open during daylight hours every day including holidays.

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) (CHA) Chattanooga, TN No road route 49 Regional
Huntsville International Airport (HSV) Huntsville, AL No road route 68 Regional
DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) Atlanta, GA No road route 84 Regional
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Atlanta, GA No road route 87 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center: Mon Closed; Tue 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM. The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Central Time) Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Weather

The weather in Fort Payne, Alabama is mild. The average temperature in the winter is in the 50's. The average summer temperature is in the high 80's with high humidity. We receive about 55 inches of rain each year. Snowfall varies, but only lasts a few days per event.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Great Smoky Mountains, about 147 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Little River Canyon National Preserve?

$15 per vehicle.

Where is Little River Canyon National Preserve?

In Alabama. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field), about 49 miles away.

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