Little River Falls: boardwalk access, no fee
Little River Falls is the front door of Little River Canyon National Preserve: a 45-foot drop right at the head of the canyon, marking where the gorge begins. A paved boardwalk runs from the parking lot to a close view of the falls, it's ADA-accessible, and the National Park Service charges no entrance fee anywhere in the preserve.
It's covered in our waterfalls in Alabama guide, alongside the rest of the Lookout Mountain cluster.
Fact box
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 45 feet, per the National Park Service's Little River Falls page |
| Nearest town | Fort Payne, Alabama |
| Access | Paved, ADA-accessible boardwalk from the parking lot on the west side of the AL-35 bridge |
| Fee | Free, no entrance fee |
| Legal status | National Park Service, public land (Little River Canyon National Preserve) |
| Flow reliability | Fed by the Little River; holds its flow better than most other falls in this guide |
Trail and access
Little River Falls sits right at the start of Little River Canyon National Preserve, with a dedicated parking lot on the west side of the AL-35 bridge. The boardwalk from the lot involves no stairs and no significant walking distance, which makes this the easiest stop on Alabama's list for anyone who can't manage a climb or a longer trail. There's no entrance fee anywhere in the preserve.
The falls
The Little River is unusual: it runs almost its entire course along the top of Lookout Mountain, one of the longest rivers in the country to do so, and it carries far more water than the small creeks feeding most of this guide's Alabama list. That shows at the falls, which hold a stronger, more consistent flow through a normal summer than the state's rain-dependent drops. The 45-foot drop spans a wide section of rocky riverbed rather than a narrow single channel, giving it a broader, more dramatic look than the tighter creek falls elsewhere in the state. Little River Canyon National Preserve continues south from here along Canyon Rim Drive, with Grace's High Falls further along the same preserve.
How this guide was researched
This page was compiled from National Park Service data for Little River Canyon National Preserve and the USGS Geographic Names Information System. We haven't visited this site ourselves. Trail conditions and river flow vary with season; verify current conditions with the National Park Service before you go. Last checked August 2026.
FAQ
How tall is Little River Falls?
45 feet, at the head of Little River Canyon National Preserve.
Is Little River Falls free to visit?
Yes. Little River Canyon National Preserve, run by the National Park Service, charges no entrance fee.
Is Little River Falls wheelchair accessible?
Yes. A paved, ADA-accessible boardwalk runs from the parking lot to a close view of the falls with no stairs involved.
Does Little River Falls run dry in summer?
Less than most of Alabama's waterfalls. Because it's fed by the Little River itself rather than a small creek, it holds a steadier flow through a normal summer.
We haven't visited these places ourselves, and every page says so rather than implying otherwise. Details are compiled from public land-manager, USGS and NOAA sources and cross-checked where possible; conditions, access rules and fees change without notice, so confirm with the managing agency before you go. Page last checked August 2026. Read our full methodology.