Little River Falls
Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama · 1,171 ft
Typical peak
Oct 26 – Nov 3
high confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
A 45-foot cascade at the head of Little River Canyon, framed by sandstone ledges and hardwoods along the rim. Color runs late here, often holding into the first week of November.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Park at the Little River Falls lot on AL 35 east of Fort Payne and walk the 200-yard boardwalk to the overlook deck.
What turns here
- red maple
- sweetgum
- blackgum
- hickory
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 30Typical color progression for Little River Falls. No change from Sep 22 to Oct 9. First color from Oct 9 to Oct 18. Approaching peak from Oct 18 to Oct 26. Peak from Oct 26 to Nov 3. Past peak from Nov 3 to Nov 13. Bare from Nov 13 to Nov 27.
Little River Falls is typically at peak on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
71°F / 47°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Little River Falls on October 30, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:34 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 106° | 7:00 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:35 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:26 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 5:16 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 254° | 5:51 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:17 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 51m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.