Little River Canyon, in northeast Alabama, is one of the deepest and most extensive canyon and gorge systems in the eastern U.S. It is part of the Cumberland Plateau in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains. According to the National Park Service, at times it measures up to 500 feet from the river to the edge of the sandstone cliffs.
Not to be outdone, Little River is also wonderfully unique. It is the only river in the U.S. that flows for almost its entire length atop a mountain – Lookout Mountain.
Canyon Mouth Park Day-Use Area
Canyon Mouth Park offers river access, picnic tables, a playground, a one-mile hike, and restrooms.
There is a $15 day-use fee per vehicle but the American the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
Little River Canyon Rim Parkway – Scenic Drive
The parkway, which follows AL Highway 176, is 23 miles long with eight overlooks and four trails. It connects Canyon Mouth Park to Little River Falls on the canyon’s western rim.
Note: From Canyon Mouth Park to Eberhart Point is 11 miles of steep and windy roads.
Eberhart Point Overlook
Our first stop on the parkway was Eberhart Point. Sloped paved paths take visitors from the parking area to two gravel overlooks (upper and lower). Below both overlooks, Bear Creek flows into Little River.
I preferred the lower overlook, as it looked more directly at the river and canyon, while the upper overlook sits slightly off to the side.
The Eberhart Trail starts from the overlook. This steep 0.75-mile route ventures down into the canyon.
Grace’s High Falls
Grace’s High Falls is one of three named waterfalls in the preserve. This seasonal waterfall is 133-feet high, making it the tallest above ground waterfall in Alabama.
It does not flow year-round because it is dependent on rainfall. During our visit at the end of May, the water level was low but still flowing. It was interesting to see the cascade basically disappear mid-air.
Crow Point Overlook
After Grace’s High Falls, we popped back in the car to the next overlook. There is a short walk on a dirt path in the woods.
Crow Point Overlook is almost directly across Bear Creek from Eberhard Point Overlook. However, the angle gives it different panoramas.
Wolf Creek Overlook
Wolf Creek Overlook had my favorite views of the canyon! Here we saw a long stretch of the Little River and the towering canyon walls.
I took more photos here than anywhere else as well. The overlook is a large circle, so we had gorgeous view after gorgeous view.
Canyon View Overlook
Canyon View Overlook sits above the confluence of Little River and Wolf Creek.
Hawks Glide Overlook
Hawks Glide was my least favorite stop on the scenic drive. I didn’t feel it offered anything new or different compared to the others. However, I did spot some vultures gliding by.
Mushroom Rock
The sandstone formations at this stop have unique and funky shapes. Splitting the parkway, the namesake rock really does look like it is growing out of the ground.
Be aware there are only small pull-offs near the rock, rather than true parking areas like the overlooks.
Lynn Overlook
Lynn Overlook is down a short gravel road. There is one main overlook followed by a path on the sandstone cliffs for additional sights.
Little River Falls Overlook
From this final overlook, visitors get views of Little River Falls, the Highway 35 bridge, and the beginning of the canyon from a distance.
Note: There is a wooden boardwalk out to the platform which can only hold a handful of people.
Little River Falls
In addition to the overlook on the parkway, there is a paved parking area off AL Highway 35 with closer access to Little River Falls.
The 45-foot Little River Falls carves its way through sandstone bedrock, creating the surrounding canyon.
There is a wide, universally accessible boardwalk out to the overlook, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty of the falls.
Little Falls
The last waterfall in the preserve is Little Falls, also called Martha’s Falls. The 10-foot mini waterfall also acts as a popular swimming spot in the warmer months.
The Little Falls Trail is a moderate 0.75-mile hike from the parking area on Highway 35, ending with 137 stone steps down to the river.
I loved exploring Little River Canyon National Preserve. In the southeast, I’ve been able to explore a lot of mountains, but such a deep canyon was a real treat! This is a great activity to appreciate nature for people of all ages and abilities, especially with the ease of the scenic drive and overlooks.
After reading all the wonderful overlooks on this adventure of yours, our plein air group is planning a trip to sketch the different locations followed by a picnic lunch at the Canyon Mouth Park you first mentioned in your writings. We have visited so many locations you have visited. Added bonus? We couldn’t have done it without your articulate descriptions. We can’t thank you enough! CFA Plein Air Group