Little River Canyon / DeSoto State Park
I went to two park that are connected by the Little Riover, Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park.
Little River Canyon Parkway
The Little River Canyon is a National Preserve and includes the scenic Rim Parkway drive that winds along the top of Little River Canyon. It’s located in northeastern Alabama. Along the way, there are many signs directing visitors to scenic lookouts, picnic areas, and trails. Not wanting to miss anything, I stopped at all the lookouts. Lookout Mountain specifically offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
I stopped at the Canyon Center, which is an education center that provides information about the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a stage and restaurant at the center. I later discovered that there are various music performances there during the regular season. Everything was closed for the winter.
The Little River Canyon Rim Parkway in winter, when there is very little traffic, is a peaceful and serene experience. The road winds through the forest, offering views of the Little River Canyon and the surrounding mountains. The cool temperatures and the stillness of the wilderness create a sense of tranquility and isolation. The lack of traffic means that the only sounds are those of the river and the occasional call of a bird. The sound of water in the distance and the natural beauty of the area make for a truly peaceful and contemplative experience. Overall it is a great place for a wintertime drive or hike for those who are looking for a quiet and serene experience in nature.
Perched along the Little River Canyon Rim Parkway, Mushroom Rock is a one-of-a-kind geological formation in the shape of a large mushroom-like boulder, made of sandstone. The unique shape is believed to be the result of erosion caused by water and wind slowly chiseling away the softer layers of rock. Wintertime offers an especially picturesque opportunity, as the low-hanging sun casts rich hues and highlights the various layers that make up the formation.
The winding, curvy roads leading to Mushroom Rock also provide some interesting perspectives, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
To truly see this region would take week, There are so many trails, with beautiful views, interesting rock formations, and water falls
Hike Into Little River Canyon
The hike into Little River Canyon from the parking lot is an easy hike that takes you through a beautiful forested area. The trail follows the Little River, and you have the opportunity to see the Little River Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades down into the canyon. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, with a few small inclines and rocky sections. To get into the canyon, stone step have been added that make it much easier to descend. It’s about a mile each way. The trail comes out on a large rock formation beside the river. This is a perfect place to capture the beauty of the canyon with a camera.
DeSoto State Park
I visited DeSoto State Park to witness the impressive waterfall. I completed two hikes, starting with a short hike from the top near the dam to the falls. The trail continues down to a bluff overlook, offering stunning views of the surrounding forest and valley. This hike is designed for tourists and features high railings for added safety. Looking down to the pool below, I could see a trail leading into the pool.
The steps leading back up to the dam had mosaics on the step risers. One was a John Muir quote from one of his books, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.“
After searching AllTrails, I discovered a highly rated trail that led to the falls known as the Desoto Falls Bottom and Bluff Overlook Loop. I drove a mile to the trailhead and gathered the camera and backpack for the trek downhill. Upon starting the hike, I initially chose the upper trail and soon realized that it wouldn’t easily get me to the river. I made the decision to retrace my steps and take the lower trail instead. This alternate route led me down to the river's edge and then up the valley towards the Desoto waterfalls. I was alone on the trail and had the falls to myself. I was such a serene and soothing experience.
I hung around for about 45 minutes hoping as the sun set that I would get some nicely colored clouds. There were too many clouds in the western sky as I started the hike back. I took a slightly different path which was was steep at times and watched the sun light up the wall. I stopped to look at a cave near the top and admire the rock formations that created a narrow path. I thought that this must be a good place for climbers.
Drive To Huntsville
I decided to go to Huntsville, AL because it it is halfway between DeSoto State Park and Sipsey Wilderness National Park, next on my trip. I was also thinking of going to The US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.