🌄💦 Exploring Little River Canyon with Simba the Adventure Pup! Fort Payne, AL 🐾🌲

Hey trail friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I found ourselves soaking up the sweeping views and peaceful vibes of Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne, Alabama! 🐕🌊🗺️

This lesser-known gem is one of the most scenic spots in the Southeast — with jaw-dropping canyon views, dramatic cliffs, easy overlooks, and short trails that are perfect for you and your pup. It’s dog-friendly, photo-worthy, and totally relaxing. 💚

📍 Canyon Overview

Location: Little River Canyon National Preserve – Fort Payne, AL
Activity: Canyon rim stops, short hikes, and overlook strolls
Distance: ~Varies by stop — we explored multiple rim segments
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes! Simba loved the views and chill pace 🐾
Best Part: Massive canyon views without a massive hike 🌄

🚗 Rim Drive + Scenic Stops

We followed the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway (AL Hwy 176), which offers several designated overlook areas, each with parking and short trails to panoramic cliffside views.

Our favorite stops:

• Little River Falls Overlook 💦 – One of the preserve’s most iconic waterfalls. Easy access and perfect for pics!
• Marthas Falls Trailhead 🌊 – A bit more rugged, but worth the mini hike.
• Hawks Glide Overlook 🦅 – Sweeping views of the canyon and great breezes for pup ears!

At every stop, Simba hopped out, sniffed every rock and bush, and took in the canyon air like a pro adventurer. 🐶💨

🥾 Hiking Options

While much of our visit was spent at easy-access viewpoints, there are several longer hikes in the preserve too — including:

• Eberhart Point Trail – Leads from rim to river
• Marthas Falls Trail – Short but rocky, down to a swimming hole (best in warmer months)
• Little River Falls Boardwalk – ADA-accessible, short and scenic

We stuck to the upper rim trails this time — perfect for Simba’s mid-day zoomies and shaded breaks!

🐕 Dog-Friendly Tips

✔️ Leash required at all times (steep edges + fragile ecosystems)
✔️ Bring water — some stops have no facilities
✔️ Early morning or late afternoon = better light and cooler temps
✔️ Watch footing at rocky overlooks — paws and people!
✔️ Great for pups who love views, breezes, and short walks with wow-factor ✅

🚐 RV Travel Notes

• No RV camping inside the preserve, but great options nearby in Fort Payne or DeSoto State Park
• Plenty of space to park a van or tow vehicle at overlook pullouts
• Easy to make this a half- or full-day scenic drive between stops
• Great detour if you’re road-tripping through northeast Alabama!

🎥 Watch the Full Adventure


In this week’s video, we:

🎬 Visit multiple canyon rim overlooks
🐶 Take in Simba’s reactions to the views
📸 Share quiet trail moments + waterfall stops

👉 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly videos: hikes, dog-friendly parks, RV travel, and golden retriever magic
📲 Follow us: @lifeonpawsandwheels

✨ Final Thoughts

Little River Canyon is the kind of place that fills your heart and clears your head. The views are unreal, the trails are mellow, and the energy is pure peace. ✌️ Whether you’re traveling with your dog, your camera, or just a need for fresh air — this place is a must-visit in Alabama.

Until next time — happy trails, wagging tails, and wide-open views!
– Ash & Simba 🐾🌄🚐

Location: Fort Payne, AL, USA

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