Natural swimming hole
Canyon Mouth Park - Little River Canyon National Preserve
River · Alabama
About this swimming hole
Canyon Mouth Park is the day-use area at the southern end of Little River Canyon National Preserve, where the canyon cliffs taper away and the Little River's rapids calm. The National Park Service describes it as one of the few swimming holes in the preserve, with easy wade-in river access. Facilities include a paved parking area, restrooms, a reservable pavilion, picnic tables and grills, a playground, a soccer field and an easy 1-mile riverside trail.
Good to know
| Water type | River |
|---|---|
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | $15 day-use pass per vehicle; $35 annual pass available |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 8AM-7PM in summer; 8AM-6PM in spring and fall (posted seasonal hours) |
| Parking | Paved parking area inside the park on County Road 275; vehicles remaining after closing are subject to ticketing or towing |
| Amenities | restrooms, picnic tables |
| County | Cherokee County |
| Nearest town | Cedar Bluff |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard; the NPS warns the rain-fed Little River can rise rapidly with little warning and has drop-offs, strong currents and hydraulics; check the USGS gauge at Canyon Mouth and do not swim alone |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Canyon Mouth Park - Little River Canyon National Preserve?
Yes — Canyon Mouth Park - Little River Canyon National Preserve is listed as a natural swimming spot in Alabama. Heads-up: No lifeguard; the NPS warns the rain-fed Little River can rise rapidly with little warning and has drop-offs, strong currents and hydraulics; check the USGS gauge at Canyon Mouth and do not swim alone. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Canyon Mouth Park - Little River Canyon National Preserve require reservations?
No reservations are required at Canyon Mouth Park - Little River Canyon National Preserve based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Canyon Mouth Park - Little River Canyon National Preserve?
Reported fee info: $15 day-use pass per vehicle; $35 annual pass available. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Canyon Mouth Park - Little River Canyon National Preserve?
The best season is typically May-September.