Little River Canyon Rim Parkway facts for kids
The Little River Canyon Rim Parkway is a beautiful drive in northeastern Alabama. It's also known by other names like Alabama State Route 176, Dekalb County Road 148, and Cherokee County Road 275. This scenic road is about 22 miles long. It follows the amazing Little River Canyon National Preserve, which stretches for 16 miles.
The parkway was first named State Route 275 in 1972. Later, in September 1980, part of it became State Route 176. The southern part of the road was given back to local counties to manage.
Exploring the Parkway
The Little River Canyon Rim Parkway is one of Alabama's most stunning places to visit. It offers incredible views and exciting spots to explore.
Road Conditions and Safety
The part of the parkway managed by the state is kept in good condition. However, the sections managed by local counties are not as well maintained.
- In Dekalb County, some parts of the road are very narrow, less than two lanes wide.
- In Cherokee County, the road is wider, but it has many broken spots and potholes.
- The road also has some very steep hills. These are found near Johnnies Creek and where the road goes down from Lookout Mountain to Canyon Mouth Park.
- The State Route 176 section has fewer steep hills. But it still has sharp turns and some spots with steep drop-offs right at the canyon's edge. Always drive carefully and pay attention to the road.
Amazing Sights to See
The parkway is full of natural wonders and interesting places.
- You'll cross many small streams that flow during different seasons.
- There are many lookout points where you can stop and enjoy wide views of the canyon.
- You can see smaller canyons like Bear Creek, Dees Branch, and Johnnies Creek.
- The parkway also offers a view of Grace's High Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Alabama.
- About halfway along the route, at Eberhardt Point, you'll pass the old site of Canyonland Amusement Park. This park used to have a chairlift that took people down into the canyon. It's mostly gone now, but it was likely why the original State Route 275 was built.
- Another cool spot is Canyon Mouth Park. This is where the Little River leaves the canyon just before it flows into Lake Weiss.
Road Improvements
The state-managed part of the parkway got a new asphalt surface in 2004. Before that, the entire parkway was paved with a mix of tar and gravel. This upgrade made the drive much smoother and more enjoyable for visitors.
