Waterfall · Little River Canyon National Preserve, Fort Payne

Little River Falls at Little River Canyon

Little River Falls drops about 45 feet at the start of Little River Canyon, with a boardwalk, steps and a ramp that make the view easy to reach.

Little River Falls drops about 45 feet at the start of Little River Canyon, with a boardwalk, steps and a ramp that make the view easy to reach. Flow changes with the weather and the season, so confirm conditions and access with the managing agency before you go.

Details

  • County: DeKalb
  • Type of place: Waterfall
  • Height: About 45 feet
  • Type: Waterfall at the head of the canyon
  • Getting there: Boardwalk with steps and a ramp; the Bridge Trail runs above the falls
  • Best time: Early winter and spring after rain
  • Safety: The Park Service asks visitors to stay at least 50 feet back from the top edge. Jumping or diving near the falls, rope swings and diving platforms are banned
  • Access: Public, in a national preserve
  • Managed by: National Park Service

Find it

Part of Little River Canyon National Preserve in DeKalb County. Use that page for directions, hours and the map.

Source: National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/water-safety.htm). Heights and distances vary between sources. Last checked Nov. 11, 2026.

Ask Buck

Questions about Little River Falls at Little River Canyon

AboutWhat is Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

Little River Falls drops about 45 feet at the start of Little River Canyon, with a boardwalk, steps and a ramp that make the view easy to reach.

Getting thereWhere is Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

Little River Falls at Little River Canyon is in DeKalb County, Alabama.

Getting there: Boardwalk with steps and a ramp; the Bridge Trail runs above the falls.

Things to doWhat can you do at Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

Little River Falls at Little River Canyon is listed for photography, walking and waterfalls. Each activity links to more places across North Alabama.

AboutHow tall is Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

Little River Falls at Little River Canyon is listed at About 45 feet. Flow depends on recent rainfall, so it can look much smaller in dry weather.

Before you goIs Little River Falls at Little River Canyon open to the public, and who manages it?

Access is listed as “Public, in a national preserve”. Little River Falls at Little River Canyon is managed by National Park Service.

Rules, hours and closures are set by the manager and can change, so confirm before you go.

Before you goWhen is the best time to visit Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

The listed best time is Early winter and spring after rain.

Weather, water levels and closures change from year to year, so check conditions before you go.

Before you goAre there rules or safety notes for Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

Safety: The Park Service asks visitors to stay at least 50 feet back from the top edge. Jumping or diving near the falls, rope swings and diving platforms are banned.

Before you goHow do you check conditions and closures at Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

Contact National Park Service for current conditions, closures and rules.

This page lists public information. It does not replace posted signs or the manager's notices. Hours, fees, permits and closures change, so confirm with the managing agency before you go.

TrustHow accurate is this listing for Little River Falls at Little River Canyon?

Source: National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/liri/planyourvisit/water-safety.htm). Heights and distances vary between sources. Last checked Nov. 11, 2026.

This page was last updated on November 11, 2026.

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