Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Canyon National Preserve in northeastern Alabama protects one of the deepest canyons in the eastern United States, carved by the Little River — the only river in the continental United States that flows for most of its length atop a mountain, in this case Lookout Mountain. The canyon reaches depths of up to 600 feet through layered sandstone and shale, and the National Park Service administers the surrounding 15,000-acre preserve. The principal route through the park is Canyon Rim Drive, an 11-mile scenic road that follows the canyon's western edge from Little River Falls in the north to the southern boundary near DeSoto State Park. Little River Falls, at the northern entrance, drops 45 feet across a wide basalt shelf and is the most photographed feature in the preserve; a short paved trail leads to overlook platforms positioned at the brink and to the side of the falls. Along Canyon Rim Drive, a dozen pullouts offer views across the gorge at varying widths and depths, with the canyon wall vegetation shifting with the season. Eberhart Point near the southern section provides one of the most dramatic unobstructed panoramas across the canyon floor. For visitors who want to descend into the gorge, the Canyon Mouth Trail follows the river at its base through a boulder-strewn corridor. Swimming is popular in calmer stretches of the river during summer, particularly at Hippo Pool near the canyon entrance. The preserve charges no entrance fee, and the visitor center near Little River Falls provides maps, ranger information, and exhibits on the canyon's geology and ecology. Camping is available through adjacent DeSoto State Park. Plan two to six hours depending on whether exploration stays on the rim or descends to the canyon floor.