Little River Falls
Alabama • 45 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Little River Falls
Little River Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Little River Canyon National Preserve in Alabama. It is a popular destination for its scenic beauty and accessibility, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the natural splendor of the area. The falls are part of the Little River, which flows atop Lookout Mountain.
The Setting
Little River Falls sits at 1,138 feet within Little River Canyon National Preserve, fed by the Little River, in the foothills of Alabama. The falls drop 45 feet.
Height: 45 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Little River Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
The trail to Little River Falls is extremely short and well-maintained, leading directly from the parking area to the viewing platform. It is suitable for all visitors, including those with limited mobility.
What to Expect
The falls drop 45 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little River Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little River Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. However, the falls are accessible year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery and currents may be strong. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
4 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 65 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LITTLE RIVER NEAR BLUE POND AL (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
3/10Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late March, peaking in January.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Broomtown hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 90 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 45 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 1,136 feet.
The ground changes about 47 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 114 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,136 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 90 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Little River Falls is located off Alabama Highway 35 near Fort Payne, Alabama. The falls are easily accessible from the Little River Canyon National Preserve parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is free of charge. The parking lot is paved and provides easy access to the viewing area.
Elevation
1,138 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.395089° N, -85.626909° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after recent rainfall for the most impressive water flow. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
avid hotel Fort Payne by IHG
Candlewood Suites Fort Payne by IHG
Mountain Treehouse - Magpie Nest
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fort Payne by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, DeSoto State Park, and the town of Fort Payne.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish and turtles in the river.
Cities near Little River Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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