God's Country

Photo Taken During My Trip to Little River Canyon

Unknown to most folks living outside of the South, Alabama is a state of diversities both culturally and geographically. To the south are coastal beaches with sugar white sands and to the extreme northeast; the southernmost region of the Appalachian Mountain chain. Equally diverse is the cultural heritage of these regions as well as the dialect. People living in the northeastern corner of the Appalachian region of the State speak a southern Appalachia dialect that, to us urbanites living in Montgomery and Birmingham, sounds quite foreign.

In the heart of this area, lies Little River Canyon, a U.S. National Preserve located near Fort Payne, Alabama. Little River Canyon National Preserve was made a part of the National Park system in 1992. The Preserve was established to protect and preserve the natural, scenic, recreational and cultural resources of the area. 

DeSoto Falls

I’m almost ashamed to admit, I had not traveled to this region of my home State prior to this visit, as it is neither close to any metropolitan city nor is it a pass-thru to other destinations I often travel. It was not until a couple of years ago when I had an opportunity to tour the covered bridges in the northern most part of the State, that I saw the canyon for the first time. It took my breath away.  I understand why it has been named Alabama’s equivalent to Colorado’s Royal Gorge but far more scenic. Researching the gorge, I discovered it even played an important role in the civil war. As General Sherman claimed Atlanta, he skirmished with forces across Little River.  Obviously, I wasn’t paying attention in my junior high school Alabama history class when this material was reviewed.

Little River Falls

Together, Little River and Little River Canyon form one of the most extraordinary natural features of Alabama. Little River is one of the nation’s longest mountaintop rivers which flows on top of Lookout Mountain (Spans three States; Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee) for nearly its entire length.  The canyon cuts a path some 18 miles and is comprised of sandstone cliffs towering  up to 600 feet above the narrow canyon floor with eye-popping vistas.  Little River is said to be among the cleanest and wildest waterways in the South with three major waterfalls; DeSoto Falls, Little River Falls and Grace’s High Falls. The canyon is a mecca for wildlife; including the black bear, bobcat, coyote, deer, turkey, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, falcon, and bald eagle to name a few. Notable of the flora, is Alabama’s version of the venus fly trap; the endangered carnivorous pitcher plant; native only to the canyon.  

Green Pitcher Plant

In looking out from the north rim on the day I visited, I had the rare opportunity of seeing a bald eagle in flight as it flew from rim to rim. It was so close that I could tell it was an eagle rather than a red tailed hawk; also native to the canyon.  It was a beautiful sight that sent chills down my spine. It was at that point I realized, this is truly God’s country here in this little corner of my State.