Off-road vehicle use within the Little River Canyon Backcountry Area has seen a dramatic increase during the past several years. Motorized conveyances regularly utilize the backcountry roads to access the area for recreational riding, hunting, fishing, etc.

County Road 295 Parking Lot
From Highway 35 (one mile before the falls heading toward Rome, Georgia) turn LEFT onto County Road 295. Stay on County Road 295 - ATV parking lot is on the RIGHT just past sharp curve (approximately 1 mile from Highway 35).  Unload your ATV and continue on Road 05.

For a Map click here.

While most of the use is by responsible operators, a number of impacts have been identified which can damage a wildlife habitat, accelerate erosion and effect water quality within the Backcountry.

The National Park Service is implementing an Off-Road Vehicle management program designed to keep the area open to safe and responsible off-road vehicle use, while simultaneously protecting the wildlife habitat and other resources in and around Little River.

Operators of any motorized vehicle can help protect riding areas by staying on designated roads and operating vehicles in a responsible manner. "Mudding," riding up and over embankments, operating in flowing streams, or operating on excessively wet or muddy roads creates unnecessary erosion, damages road and causes an increase in silt flowing into waterways. These illegal activities will result in fines and revocation of Off-Road Vehicle Permit.

As a visitor to the Preserve you are required to follow certain rules designed to ensure the health and safety of everyone and to promote a pleasant and rewarding Backcountry experience. We all have a responsibility to respect the environment, therefore, leave no trace of your passing.

• Be courteous and help preserve the roads by leaving no trace of your traveling.
• Try to avoid wet or muddy roads. Save them for dry times.
• Stay on numbered roads 01-11.
• Litter spoils everything. Please help us to keep the Preserve free of litter.
• Do not collect or disturb any plants, animals, rocks or cultural artifacts.
• Drive directly across streams when fording. It is damaging to the resources and illegal to travel up or down the streams and/or river.

By following a few safety and conservation regulations, each operator can help keep this area open for a variety of users, while also helping to protect and conserve the area.

Effective July 1, 1996, the National Park Service has established the following rules in an effort to keep safe and responsible off-road vehicle use open within Little River Canyon Backcountry.

Note that these rules apply to any and all unlicensed motorized vehicles, conveyances and modes of transportation.

Licensed motor vehicles or other conveyances displaying current license plates do not require an off-road permit, but are still subject to applicable rules.

RULES FOR OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

1. The Backcountry is a DAY-USE AREA. No riding is allowed after dark unless it is during hunting season and you are hunting.

2. While inside Little River Canyon Backcountry, the operator of any non-licensed motor conveyance must possess a valid drivers license.

3. All motorized conveyances must remain on signed and posted roads (01-10) at all times. The only permitted crossings of Little River are at Billy's Ford and Hartline (Jack's) Ford. All other travel in the streambed is prohibited.

4. The operator must possess a state-issued photographic identification at all times.

5. No person less than 16 years of age shall at any time operate any motorized conveyance.

6. The maximum number of passengers or occupants in or on any motorized conveyance shall not exceed the manufacturer's recommendation and/or the total of individual seats on the conveyance.

Permits are free and must be picked up in person at the Superintendent's office located at:

Little River Canyon National Preserve Headquarters
2141 Gault Avenue North
Fort Payne, Alabama 35967
(256) 845-9605