Little River Canyon Expedition with Auburn University at Montgomery College Ambassadors

From Saturday, February 22nd, to Sunday, February 23rd, 33 of us, plus one energetic dog, set out on an unforgettable weekend trip to Little River Canyon National Preserve in the northeastern part of Alabama. We had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, and it was not disappointing! The canyon was breathtaking, with its deep cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and crisp winter air.

We started at the Little River Canyon Center, where we met Park Ranger Maggie and Annaliese from the National Park Trust. They shared their knowledge about the preserve and its role as the starting point of the Trail of Tears, a sobering reminder of the forced removal of the native people from these lands. At the visitor center, we watched a quick documentary about the ecology of the area that helped us understand the land before setting out to explore.

Hiking down to the main waterfall, we were surprised to find a wedding happening right at the base of the falls. It was a surreal moment- watching two people say their vows against the backdrop of cascading water. Along the canyon walls, we spotted a bunch of small frozen waterfalls, something almost no one in our group had seen before. We just relaxed here and enjoyed the views.

That evening, we headed to DeSoto State Park to camp for the night. For many, it was their first time camping, and with temperatures dropping to 26 degrees, it was a trial by fire (or, more accurately, by ice). The ponds froze overnight, but we stayed warm with a big fire, s’mores, stories, hot hands, and plenty of layers.

The next morning, after warming up with breakfast, we explored Indian Falls and followed the West Fork of Little River running through DeSoto State Park. The cold water was stunning, and we even watched some people ziplining through the trees. Before heading home, we took a scenic drive through Little River Canyon, soaking in the last views of the rugged cliffs and winding river below.

This trip was one for the books. Whether it was witnessing frozen waterfalls or just sharing laughs around the campfire, everyone left with a new appreciation for Alabama’s wild beauty and the value of National and State Parks. It was a perfect mix of adventure, history, and good company.