Little River Falls

KiranAlabama Waterfalls4 Comments

Little River Falls trip guide in Little River Canyon National Preserve Alabama

Little River Falls is probably the most accessible large waterfall in the state, just off of Highway 35 with practically no hike to enjoy gorgeous views. As with all waterfalls, spring and fall after big rains will yield the most impressive flow.

At a Glance

  • 0.2 mi round trip
  • Nice View
  • Great for Kids
  • Great for Dogs
Location: Near Fort Payne in Little River Canyon National Preserve Alabama (maps & directions)
Gear: Our favorite snacks and camera gear
Gallery: Check out the pictures here

Little River Falls – Trip Details

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Little River Falls is a great stop on the DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon National Preserve circuit. Along with DeSoto Falls, they form a pair of the most impressive waterfalls in the state.

On top of that, it’s just a matter of pulling off the highway into the parking lot and walking down to the overlook to enjoy the falls.

If you’re lucky, you may even catch a kayaker running the falls. This can be a popular swimming hole in the summer for strong swimmers, just use caution swimming below the falls.

And, if you want to stretch your legs a bit more, a walk to Martha’s Falls just downstream may fit the bill. Or, enjoy some of the beautiful scenery of the Little River Canyon National Preserve.

More Waterfalls around Little River Canyon National Preserve

From the same parking lot, you can also hike about 3/4 mile down stream to see Martha’s Falls.

Your trip to DeSoto Falls and Little River Canyon could easily turn into a multi-day trip of hikes and waterfalls. Nearby DeSoto State Park is home to several falls, and Little River Canyon National Preserve connects to it and continues south with multiple large falls to see such as Little River Falls just off of Highway 35.

  • Martha’s Falls – just down the river from Little River Falls
  • DeSoto Falls – a must see waterfall in DeSoto State Park
  • Azalea Cascades – a small cascade at the end of a short wooded hike in DeSoto State Park
  • Laurel Falls – a ~12′ drop off of a moss-covered rock ledge in DeSoto State Park
  • Lost Falls – a small waterfall in DeSoto State Park
  • Indian Falls – a nice waterfall just down from the store at DeSoto State Park
  • Grace’s High Falls – the tallest waterfall in the state (although seasonal)

For more waterfall choices, we made a list about 10 of the best waterfalls you can visit on a day trip.  Make sure to check that out as well.

Little River Falls Map, Directions, and Resources

  • Directions

    Get Directions
  • Parking

  • GPS Coordinates

    34.395278, -85.627306

Weather – Upcoming Forecast

Other Resources

Park Website
Park Map

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4 Comments on “Little River Falls”

  1. Love this site, the info is very helpful and much appreciated. Never knew there was so many falls in this one area… thank you.

  2. It would be helpful if you would include how the hike to the all the falls would be for senior citizens. Thanks!

    1. In general, the information about distance and kid-friendliness will give you the best idea. Since there’s a wide range of mobility levels for seniors, I try to describe the hike in the guide so that you can decide what’s best for you. Let me know if you have any questions!

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