LITTLE RIVER CANYON NATIONAL PRESERVE Little River Canyon, one of the National Park Services Preserves in North Alabama, is spectacular. The Little River flows through rugged and beautiful landscapes into the 12-mile long, 600-foot-deep Little River Canyon. Take a drive along the Canyon Rim Drive( Alabama State Road 176) to view the bursts of color. Here, cotton fields dot the landscape; be sure to take a family selfie at the magnificent Little River waterfall. There are eight overlooks along the way. My favorite is Grace’ s High Falls, where water plunges past rocks and fossils that are millions of years old. It never hurts to have tidbits of history for the kids on an excursion. For instance, you could ask about the federally endangered plant located on the Preserve. Answer:( Little River Canyon is home to an unusually diverse set of plant and animal species. Here the green pitcher plant is listed as federally endangered). The preserve offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, climbing, and world-class whitewater paddling in season.
DESOTO STATE PARK Wildflowers and waterfalls lure nature lovers of all ages to DeSoto State Park. Less than ten miles away from Fort
Payne, this wonder is situated atop Lookout Mountain and has enough family-friendly adventures to entertain every age group. You can enjoy the idyllic, autumn scenery on your own, or search for DeSoto State Park on alapark. com to register for activities such as scavenger hunts, campfire chats, sunset kayaking, story-time hiking, and watercolor painting. Thrill seekers will enjoy the Screaming Eagle Zip Line Canopy Tours for a chance to soar through nature via six zip lines and six sky bridges. Lodging includes everything from campgrounds to chalets. If you stay during the weekend, be sure to check out the Mountain Inn Restaurant. Built in the 1930s, this restaurant sits on the edge of a canyon overlooking Little River, and offers a wide variety of food options including gumbo, burgers, steak, pork chops, shrimp, rainbow trout, along with an array of sandwiches and samplers; make sure to catch the Sunday buffet— a beautiful way to end your stay by savoring your meal as well as the scenery.
DESOTO FALLS
Seven mills away from the main park, from daylight to dusk, visitors can admire one of Alabama’ s tallest waterfalls— DeSoto Falls. Located off Lookout Mountain Parkway, this highly popular waterfall offers stunning, postcard-worthy views. Visi-
Little River Falls-Little River Canyon National Preserve.
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