The 30 Best Nature preserve near me in Fort Payne, Alabama

Little River Wildlife Preserve is a serene park located on County Road 176 in Fort Payne, Alabama. This beautiful institution is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the local wildlife and natural environment. Visitors can explore the lush greenery, hiking trails, and picturesque views of the Little River. The preserve offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Come and experience the beauty and tranquility of Little River Wildlife Preserve in the heart of Alabama.

The Congo Nature Preserve is a beautiful tourist attraction located in Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. The Park Office and Visitors Center serve as the gateway to this stunning natural oasis. Visitors can learn about the diverse flora and fauna that call the preserve home, as well as participate in guided tours and educational programs. With its tranquil surroundings and scenic views, the Congo Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Little River Canyon National Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located at 4322 Little River Trail in Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. This unique preserve flows atop Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, offering a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the beautiful waterfalls and canyon rims. The preserve is a special place in the Southern Appalachians, where natural resources and cultural heritage come together to tell a rich story. Visitors can explore the Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center and gift shop, open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Safety information is provided to ensure a pleasant visit, and 4th graders can access America's natural and historic sites for free through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Dog owners can participate in the BARK Ranger program, and teenagers aged 15-18 can join the Youth Conservation Corps for a summer of work and experience. The Friends of the Preserve organization promotes the resources of Little River Canyon, and opportunities are available to work or volunteer with the National Park Service at the preserve. Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty and history of Little River Canyon National Preserve.

The Little River Canyon Kayak Put In is a popular spot for kayakers and canoeists looking to explore the Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne, Alabama. Divided into two sections, the backcountry area north of the Little River Falls offers tamer rapids up to Class 3, suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers. Below the falls, the canyon area presents more challenging Class 4, 5, and 6 rapids, reserved for experienced kayakers. The U.S. Olympic Kayaking Team has even trained on this section in the past. The Little River is primarily a winter/spring river, with optimal water levels for navigation from November through April. Wet suits are recommended for most of the year, with occasional summer downpours providing sporadic opportunities. December is noted as the wettest month in Alabama, making it an ideal time for kayaking.

Mentone Rental Cabins is a real estate and travel agency located at 1948 Gray Road Northeast in Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. Our cabins offer a chance to experience the natural beauty of Mentone and DeSoto State Park, where you can immerse yourself in mountain environments with clear rivers, mountain trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Explore the tree-lined roads of Lookout Mountain and visit nearby attractions such as DeSoto Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Cloudmont ski resort, and local boys' and girls' camps. Drive along the scenic Lookout Mountain Parkway to enjoy stunning views of nature at its finest, including beautiful forests, majestic mountain views, and breathtaking sunsets.

The Little River Canyon Center is a unique institution located at 4322 Little River Canyon Rim Parkway in Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. Situated within the stunning Little River Canyon National Preserve, this center serves as a park, tourist attraction, and educational hub all in one. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the canyon, participate in guided tours and educational programs, and learn about the rich history and ecology of the area. With its prime location and diverse offerings, the Little River Canyon Center is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Mushroom Rock is a unique rock formation located in Fort Payne, Alabama, on County Road 176. Shaped like a giant mushroom, it is a popular tourist attraction known for its intriguing appearance. Also referred to as Needle Eye Rock, the formation has a slot in its base that adds to its charm. The story goes that Mushroom Rock was saved from destruction by a road construction crew many years ago. Despite plans to remove the rock, the crew decided to build the road around it instead, preserving the landmark for future generations to enjoy. Graffiti on the rocks is illegal, and efforts are made to remove it with sand blasting, although this can damage the rock over time.

Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures at DeSoto Falls State Park is an exhilarating park located at 7104 Desoto Parkway Northeast in Fort Payne, Alabama. This park offers thrilling zip lines and aerial adventures set against the stunning scenery of DeSoto State Park. With guided tours by trained staff and a closed belay system for safety, visitors can enjoy ziplining and crossing suspension bridges high up in the trees. In addition to adventure tours, the park offers unique Team Building services for groups such as churches, youth groups, and families. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week, providing a fun and safe experience for all ages. Visitors can also take advantage of lodging and dining options at DeSoto State Park, located nearby.

Graces High Falls is a tourist attraction located at 12035 Alabama 176, Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Little River Canyon National Preserve, specifically along the Canyon Rim Drive. This 23-mile scenic drive offers stunning views of Little River Canyon, with several overlooks along the way. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the canyon, the river, and various rock formations such as Mushroom Rock. The drive also features points of interest like Little River Falls, Lynn Overlook, Hawks Glide, Canyon View Overlook, Wolf Creek Overlook, and Crow Point Overlook. Grace's High Falls, one of Alabama's tallest waterfalls at 133 feet, is a highlight of the drive, flowing during the rainy seasons of winter and spring. Eberhart Point, located midway on the drive, offers two overlooks, a picnic area, restrooms, and access to the Eberhart Trail. Overall, Graces High Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Little Falls, located at Alabama 35 in Fort Payne, Alabama, is a popular tourist attraction known for its beautiful Martha's Falls swimming area within the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pool surrounded by stunning scenery. The trail to the falls from the parking area is approximately a mile long and can be rugged, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. While there are no picnic tables available, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic in the picturesque setting. Pets are allowed on a leash, but be sure to clean up after them and carry out all trash. Little Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Fort Payne area.

Little River Adventure Company is a premier outdoor destination located in Fort Payne, Alabama. Situated at 95 County Road 295, this institution offers a unique blend of campground, lodging, and park facilities to cater to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, rent a cozy cabin for a weekend getaway, or simply explore the surrounding natural beauty, Little River Adventure Company has something for everyone. With its prime location near the Little River Canyon National Preserve, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and more. Come experience the beauty of Alabama's wilderness at Little River Adventure Company.

Little River Falls Overlook is a stunning tourist attraction located in Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. Situated within the Little River Canyon National Preserve, this overlook offers breathtaking views of the Little River Canyon. The scenic drive along the Canyon Rim Drive allows visitors to experience the beauty of the preserve, with multiple overlooks providing different perspectives of the canyon. From the Lynn Overlook to the Mushroom Rock formation, each stop offers a unique view of the canyon walls and the flowing river below. Visitors can also witness the majestic Grace's High Falls, one of Alabama's tallest waterfalls, during the rainy seasons. The overlooks provide opportunities for photography, picnicking, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Little River Falls Overlook is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beauty of Alabama's landscape.

The Beaver Pond Trailhead is located in Fort Payne, Alabama, United States within the Little River Canyon National Preserve. This park offers a 1.5 mile loop trail or a shorter .75 mile out-and-back trail directly to the Beaver Pond. The trail is easy and perfect for a leisurely hike, taking approximately 1 hour to complete including exploring at the Beaver Pond. The Beaver Pond Trail remains on the top of the canyon rim and is surrounded by beautiful woodland scenery. Long pants are recommended due to the briers along the trail. While the trail is labeled as a loop trail on the map, it is actually a "lollipop" trail, with the loop portion coming after walking out on the "stick."