The best fall foliage trail in Alabama is within the Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne. The whole area is a perennial favorite for leaf peeping. To see the highlights of the entire preserve, your best bet is the 11-mile scenic drive with eight overlooks. Yet if you’re like me and prefer to get even closer to all the colors, the Little Falls Trail checks all the boxes for the perfect fall hike. Let’s walk through it, shall we?

Little River Falls is a must-see showstopper amid Little River Canyon National Preserve's fall transformation. This also is your starting point for the Little Falls Trail.
Lynn Duncan/AllTrails
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the power of water dropping 45 feet against a backdrop of blue skies luscious autumn hues. When you're ready for your hike, look to the left of the boardwalk for the Little Falls Trail trailhead.
Jayson Crum/AllTrails
The Little Falls Trail packs in a lot of value for the distance and time commitment. You'll follow red blazes to keep you on this 1.4-mile, out-and-back path. Albeit rocky, when it comes to elevation, it's mostly flat and considered easy for even beginners.
Eric J/AllTrails

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While the trail markers guide the way clearly, also know you can always keep your sights on the river. The trail runs parallel to it southward and offers picture-perfect scenes the whole way.
K C (Lakelover)/Google Reviews
When you reach almost three-quarters of a mile, you'll see a steep rock staircase that leads you down to Little Falls, also known as Martha's Falls. Use extra caution and maybe even trekking poles if the ground is wet from rain.
Little Falls Trail at Little River Canyon National Wildlife Preserve, the best fall foliage trail in Alabama
Randy Greenway/AllTrails
The rocky descent is the toughest part of this easy trail, and you will alight to the magical sight of Little Falls and Hippie Hole, a popular summer swimming area.
Sean and April Walker/Google Reviews
While it's much too chilly to take a dip this time of year, it is your go-to for the best fall looks. After exploring a bit, you'll return the same way you came. Again, be careful going back up those rocks.

Do you agree the Little Falls Trail is the best fall foliage trail in Alabama? If so, tell us about your visit. If not, we hope you’ll share comments to point your fellow leaf lovers toward your favorite spot.

Be sure to check out AllTrails for many more photos and first-person reviews of the Little Falls Trail. For the latest National Parks Service news on the preserve, visit the Little River Canyon National Preserve website and follow the Little River Canyon National Preserve Facebook page.

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