Little River Canyon National Preserve follows along its canyon and river for nearly 20 miles in northeast Alabama. The preserve parallels I-59 on a northeast/southwest diagonal. Near the preserve's midpoint, Route 35 cuts across the Little River and makes easy access to Little River Falls. Here, the 45 foot drop signals the start of a 600 foot deep canyon. This relatively new preserve was added to the national parks system in 1992 and takes in 14,000 acres.
     This morning, a cool mist rises up out of the falls. The powerful river pours over the edge of the river bed, pounding the rocks below with a thunderous roar, while sunlight casts a colorful spectrum in the falls' spray-drift.