PARK SIGNIFICANCE

Green Pitcher Plants (Endangered Species)

NPS/LIRI

Significance statements express why a park's resources and values are important enough to merit designation as a unit of the national park system. These statements are linked to the purpose of Little River Canyon National Preserve, and are supported by data, research, and consensus. Statements of significance describe the distinctive nature of the park and why an area is important within a global, national, regional, and
systemwide context. They focus on the most important resources and values that will assist in park planning and management.

The following significance statements have been identified for Little River Canyon National Preserve. (Please note that the sequence of the statements does not reflect the level of significance.)

 

1. Deepest Canyon

Little River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Alabama, and it is one of the deepest in the southeast United States. It contains the highest waterfall in the state, and is resplendent with sheer rock walls, cascading waters, and ever-changing seasonal views.

 

2. Recreational Opportunities

With exceptional recreational opportunities, Little River Canyon provides world-class whitewater paddling, internationally renowned climbing, and more than 8,000 acres of public lands open to hunting, fishing, and trapping.

 

3. Outstanding National Resource Water

The Little River is the only river in the United States that forms on and flows almost its entire length along a mountain top. Little River’s high water quality supports biological diversity, exceptional aquatic riparian communities, and rare and endemic species. This mountain-top river is designated as an Alabama Outstanding National Resource Water.

 

4. Rare and Endangered Species

The location of the preserve along the southern limits of the Cumberland Plateau contributes to a rare assemblage of plants and animals, including the endangered green pitcher plant.