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Alabama Natural Wonders|Nature|On The Water

You'll Most Certainly Want To Explore This One-Of-A-Kind Nature Preserve In Alabama Before Summer Ends

By Jennifer Young | Published May 29, 2017

Alabama is perfect for exploring! From parks and caves, to beaches and preserves, we’re lucky our great state offers a variety of exploring opportunities. One of the best places in Alabama for exploring also happens to be one of the most beautiful areas in the South. This beautiful place is Little River Canyon National Preserve, and you’ll most certainly want to explore it before summer ends.

Little River Canyon National Preserve is located atop Lookout Mountain at 4322 Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967. Little River Canyon, the preserve's namesake, is best known as the "Grand Canyon of the East."

Over thousands of years, Little River Canyon was carved by Little River. What makes Little River so incredibly unique is that it's one of the longest rivers in the U.S. that flows most of its length atop a mountain. Little River is also Alabama's premier whitewater stream.

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One of the best parts of experiencing Little River Canyon National Preserve is the drive getting there. No matter what time of year, it's one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take.

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From kayaking and fishing, to...

...hiking and camping, Little River Canyon National Preserve offers a variety of recreational opportunities that'll make your summer complete.

And if swimming is what you're wanting to do, no worries! Little River Canyon National Preserve has its very own swimming hole - the Hippie Hole. The Hippie Hole is a favorite swimming spot among the locals, and it's also one of the best places at the preserve to beat the summer heat.

One of the preserve's main features is Little River Falls. Little River Falls, which runs year-round, is one of the most scenic and accessible waterfalls in the entire South. This magnificent natural wonder receives visitors from all over the world.

If you decide to explore Little River Canyon National Preserve before summer ends, don't forget your camera. There are several overlooks located throughout the preserve that offer great photo opportunities.

I'll let these three photos speak for themselves:

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What do you think? Does this look like a place you’d want to explore before summer ends? Share your thoughts with us!

For a list of more great places in Alabama to visit this summer, click here.

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4322 Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967