The best camping near Little River Canyon National Preserve

This little river has a bit of everything for an adventurer and a family. Scenic views atop Lookout Mountain let you see the surrounding countryside and leave you in awe of nature's wonder. The meandering river has a waterfall, tide pools and bluffs overlooking the waterway. Pick a spot, any spot, in this nature preserve to have an afternoon picnic or an all-day hike.

Start your exploration at Little River Falls, a picturesque and tranquil area in the northern part of the park. This is where the canyon begins. The boardwalk overlook gives you a close-up view of the falls and the surrounding hillsides. The falls are great to see any time of year, but the autumn foliage makes this waterway sparkle from October into November.

If you fancy a scenic drive rather than a hike, follow route 176 along the western border of the preserve. Trees line some of the routes, so a canopy of color awaits you if you choose to drive. In the summer, the trees offer shade. Several scenic overlooks give you majestic views of the canyon below, so drive slowly and pull over to enjoy the splendor of the area. Overlooks are great places to eat lunch.

Little River Canyon is only open during daylight hours, so you should find a campsite somewhere nearby. The Fort Payne area has plenty of things to do aside from the natural wonder of the canyon, which means there are many prime camping spots in northeastern Alabama.