Alabama Hwy 35 bridge spans the Little River, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Length: 1 mile round trip
Time: 1 hour with a stop at the Little River Falls Overlook
Difficulty: Easy

The Bridge Trail runs a half mile between the Little River Canyon Center (the visitor center for Little River Canyon National Preserve) and the Alabama Highway 35 bridge over the Little River. Adjacent to the bridge is the Little River Falls parking lot and an observation deck overlooking the waterfall. This is the best view of the falls in the park, so if you take the time to hike from the Little River Canyon Center, you might as well continue to the observation deck (tack on another quarter mile of walking). It took me roughly fifteen minutes to hike to the overlook, and I spent a half hour at the waterfall. With the hike back, the total trip was about an hour.

The Bridge Trail starts behind the Little River Canyon Center. If facing the building, walk around to the right side and take the paved sidewalk down to where it intersects with a gravel road. Turn right on the road, and when it forks just up ahead, stay to the left. You will come to a small field, and on the far side is an information panel marking the start of the Bridge Trail.

Gravel road behind the Little River Canyon Center leads to the Bridge Trail, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Trailhead for the Bridge Trail at Little River Canyon National Preserve

The Bridge Trail starts off on flat terrain. The trail surface is relatively smooth, free of rocks and large roots that can cause trips and twisted ankles.

Typical terrain on the Bridge Trail in Little River Canyon National Preserve

At .4 mile from the start, the trail eventually turns into a boardwalk that passes under the bridge (no need to cross the busy highway) and then curves up and around to the north abutment. Just before the boardwalk is a wet area—perhaps a small stream—and at this point the terrain gets really rocky. This short segment is never difficult cardiovascular-wise, but it is much harder to walk on.

Rocky terrain at the eastern end of the Bridge Trail, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Boardwalk to the top of the AL 35 bridge on the Bridge Trail, Little River Canyon National Preserve

There is a pedestrian walkway that runs the length of the bridge, and there are even a few benches. The view from here is of the Little River from above Little River Falls.

Highway 35 bridge over the Little River, Little River Canyon National Preserve

View of the Little River from the Hwy 35 Bridge, Little River Canyon National Preserve (Little River Falls Overlook in the distance)

The Hwy 35 bridge overlook on the Bridge Trail, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Once done viewing the river, cross the bridge to get to the Little River Falls Overlook parking area. An immediate right turn once the railing ends will take you to a trail that leads down to the river just above the waterfall. This is where expert paddlers put in their kayaks to go over the 45-foot waterfall, which, according to a park Ranger, is the easiest way to get to the river below.

Path at the Little River Falls Overlook that leads down to the Little River directly above the falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Bank of the Little River 100 yards upstream from Little River Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve

View from the river bank directly next to Little River Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve

To get to the Little River Falls observation deck, continue to the parking lot and look for a covered information shelter. There is a ramp that leads down to the viewing area.

Information shelter at the Little River Falls Overlook parking lot, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Observation deck at Little River Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Little River Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve

Aside from the opportunity to get in a little exercise, the Bridge Trail offers nothing in the way of interest. It is simply a trail through the woods that ends up at an interesting spot. If you don’t want to walk, just drive to the Little River Falls overlook. Also keep in mind that the gate to the Little River Canyon Center does not open until 10 AM, so you can’t even start the hike until then.

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