Reviewed by: Pat Byington
This Alabama destination among South’s best views according to USA TODAY
Reading time: 3 minutes
USA TODAY named Little River Canyon as one of the most breathtaking views in the South.
About the USA TODAY project
The popular national newspaper is featuring the “most treasured views in America” in a new series. The goal is to showcase breathtaking and sometimes under-appreciated views from around the country.
Journalists from across the organization’s network selected stunning landscapes, scenic vistas and gorgeous landmarks, many of them hidden gems.
Little River Canyon is the first name on their most recent addition to the list, highlighting the South’s best views and most beautiful spots.
Little River Canyon
Little River Canyon is located on top of Lookout Mountain, near Fort Payne. It’s just over 90 minutes from both Huntsville and Birmingham by car.
The National Parks Service established the area as a National Preserve in 1992, overseeing over 11,000 acres.
Little River Canyon is known for its abundance of activities, as well as its clear water and beautiful scenery. In 2024, the National Parks Service reported the park had generated nearly half-a-billion dollars for the local economy.
What to do
Little River Canyon has something for everyone. It’s no surprise the park welcomed over 700,000 visitors in 2023.
The park features 23 miles of scenic driving with eight overlooks, 26 miles of trails split among 11 options of varying difficulty, three waterfalls and the Blue Hole swimming hole.
Know before you go:
- Address: 4322 Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne
- Little River Canyon Center: Open 10AM-4PM Tuesday-Sunday
- Trails, Scenic Drive and Overlooks: Open every day, sunrise to sunset
- Canyon Mouth Park Day-Use Area: Open daily 8AM-7PM daily
- Cost: Trails are free, but access to the Canyon Mouth Park is $15 per vehicle
- Phone: (256) 845-9605
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who else made the list?
USA TODAY chose 14 locations for its section on the South.
The other picks are:
- Whitaker Point, Arkansas
- Blowing Rocks Preserve, Florida
- Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach, Georgia
- Churchill Downs, Kentucky
- Lake Martin, Louisiana
- Horn Island, Mississippi
- Old Baldy Lighthouse, North Carolina
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina
- Savage Gulf and the Great Stone Door, Tennessee
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
- Natural Bridge, Virginia
- Elakala Falls, West Virginia
Have any good photos of Little River Canyon? Share them with us by tagging @thebamabuzz on social media.
