Little River Falls
Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama · 1,171 ft
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.
Typical peak
Oct 26 – Nov 3
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
Crowds
moderate
Fills up mid-morning. Arriving for first light is usually enough.
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.
Color starts around Oct 9.
Light at peak
Little River Falls on October 30, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| 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
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
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.