Little River Canyon Scenic Drive

The 12-mile-long, 600-foot-deep Little River Canyon, the largest such canyon east of the Mississippi, is truly a sight to see in northeast Alabama, and the best way to take it all in is to take the Little River Canyon Scenic Drive.

A short .1 mile from the start of the drive is Lynn Overlook, and directly across the road is the trailhead for the Beaver Pond Trail. This easy .75-mile loop trail is described as a bird watcher's paradise. The quiet solitude and water features such as several beaver dams have created the perfect sanctuary for a wide variety of birds.

Along this winding road you will come across several breathtaking overlooks including Lynn, Canyon View, and Hawks Glide, all with sweeping panoramas of the canyon walls and the raging Little River below. Scan the walls of the canyon and you will see natural bridges and amazing formations created by the action of the river and the elements. One formation isn't in the canyon. You will pass it in the middle of the road – Mushroom Rock, a huge mushroom-shaped rock outcropping in the median.

Just past Mushroom Rock is the Lower Two Mile Trail. This strenuous .2-mile climb down to the banks of the Little River and back up the canyon wall provides yet more fantastic views of the canyon from the bottom but also gives you a chance to witness some expert whitewater kayaking as well on the Little River. This trail is a favorite put-in for kayakers each spring when the river is full and raging to begin a trip down the class IV+ foaming waters. At the bottom of the trail is a favorite surfing wave.

Remember that the Lower Two Mile Trail, while short (a total .2 miles down-and-back), is a strenuous, steep climb. Allow yourself plenty of time to get back out of the canyon before sunset, and pack along plenty of snacks and water.

The scenic drive ends at Canyon Mouth Park. This is a day use facility of the National Park Service and a family favorite. A $2 day use fee is charged per vehicle to enjoy the covered picnic areas, barbecue grills, a beach for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the river, and a one-mile hiking trail that’s easy for everyone. The trail ends at the intersection of Johnnie's Creek and a series of large boulders; a fine mist blows off the river and cools you down on a hot day. And, if you like fishing, don't forget your rod and reel and your Alabama freshwater license.

A fourth trail, the Eberhart, is located midway down the drive and is covered in a separate section of this guide.