In the Southern Appalachians you’ll find what some claim is the nation’s longest mountaintop river. Little River Canyon National Preserve is one of the cleanest and wildest waterways of the south, its sandstone cliffs rise 600 feet, and there are three major waterfalls along its route. A 23-mile scenic drive runs the course of the canyons western rim, if you are coming from the north begin at the premiere attraction in the park, Little River Falls.
The 45 foot waterfall was booming with power in the spring, but the flow changes with rainfall. Stroll the boardwalk down to it, take the quicker rocky path, or make a loop – whatever way, the falls are just a few moments from the parking lot and accessible to everyone. Do take a moment to read the history of the area between gazing at the falls. Before Europeans and tourists dominated the area, natives lived by the river. In 1838, over a thousand Cherokee and Muscogee were removed from their homes and forced to walk the Trail of Tears. If you want to take a further hike, find the trailhead to Martha’s Falls – also called Little Falls or Hippie Hole.
The path is ¾ of a mile long one way and quite pretty. There are plenty of roots and rocks and a bit of elevation at the end as you descend down the stone steps.
Martha is not so large, but this area is popular because it’s a nice place to take a dip on a warm day.
After viewing, hiking, and swimming you can use the restroom facilities in the main parking lot and hit the road down that scenic drive. You can’t miss Mushroom Rock, an odd geological formation in the middle of the road.
Could you believe the highway developers wanted to knock this gem out?! People rallied to save the wonder and it’s a fun stop along the drive.
Another great pit stop is Graces High Falls if you hit it at the right time, this waterfall is seasonal – but spectacular. It has the accolade of being Alabama’s highest waterfall, 133 feet tall.
Viewable from across the canyon, all you need to do is pull over to the side of the road to check out this sight – no hiking necessary. There are many overlooks along the road with very little walking needed to admire beautiful vistas.
For next time at the park I would check out the Beaver Pond Trail for some more hiking and make it all the way to Eberhart Point Overlook where the scenic drive ends.
Good to know:
+Only fee area is Canyon Mouth Park
+Adjacent Desoto State Park
+Daytrip-able from Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama – but also lose to Chattanooga, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia.