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National Parks Service - Little River Canyon Brochure |
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 A Mountain-top River Plunges into a Surprising Nature SanctuaryIt 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 up 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. Nor more than a trickle in the dry summer months, the river surges with the rainfall in cooler months.
Carving the region's sandstone over vast time, the Little River has created habitat for carnivorous green pitcher plants (see photo below); Kral's water plantains, an aquatic herb found nowhere else in the world; green salamanders; and endangered blue shiner fish. Canyon Rim Drive (Ala. 176) follows the west rim of Little River Canyon for 11 scenic miles and eight overlooks (see map below). From the overlooks you may see not only river and canyon scenery but rock climbers, kayakers, soaring birds, and creeks flowing into the river. This Preserve is one of more than 380 parks in the National Park System saved by the American people to provide authentic and meaningful connections to our nation's heritage of nature, culture, history, and outdoor recreation. The National Park Service and our partners work to guarantee that these places will always be here for people to enjoy.
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Congress
added Little River Canyon National Preserve to the National Park System
in 1992. It 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.
