Little River Canyon

Cutting through the crust of the earth this river forms the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi and is the only river that begins and ends on top of a mountain. One can actually see the deep time of geology looking at the walls of this canyon. The preserve protects the natural, scenic, recreational, and cultural resources of the Little River Canyon and covers 14,000 acres primarily along the canyon and Little River. The federal government owns 10,338 acres of the Preserve. The preserve protects 35 miles of the Little River and its network of feeder streams. It was established in October 21, 1992. The canyon's elevations range from 1,752 feet to 560 feet above sea level. From the rim of the canyon to the water measures as high as 900 feet, and averages about 600 feet. Erosion has created a variety of superlative rock expanses, benches, and bluffs that create a unique environment for several rare and endangered species. The green pitcher plant (Sarracenia oreophila), Kral's water plantain (Sagittaria secundifolia), and the blue shiner (Cyprinella caeruleus) are found within the preserve. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists seven other threatened or endangered species as possibly occurring within the Preserve. (For more information, please visit Rivers of Alabama)