Where? Little Little Canyon in North Alabama. From the Scenic Loop, park at the pull out on Mile Marker 21, (Ignore the google map marker for this one. It’s not correct. This is simply a marker for the road that winds around the canyon. Mile marker 21 is on this road) on the canyon side of the road. You will see several well worn paths where people have walked to the edge of the canyon to take pictures. Look for a green rope tied to a tree. I realize this sounds terribly vague, but it’s easier to find than you may think.
Is there a real trail? Y’all, this is my mom’s favorite question when I invite her hiking. Yes, there are trees marked with yellow and white, but I don’t know what that’s for or what they lead to. We followed the well worn path straight to the bottom. We saw two people while we were there and I wondered if they had taken a trail. I didn’t think to ask. Anyway, if feel free to find another trail and tell me about it.
How long is the trail? It’s not how long, but how steep. It’s a short trail, less than a mile, but it’s a steep trail and when the trail is wet-watch your step! It’s a leg burner on the way up and if you have bad knees, pack your ibuprofen.
How hard are we talkin’? You have to descend on a rope. It’s not terribly high, but if you fall you will likely break something so be careful. I would say it’s not for small children, but we brought children from ages 4-18 and we made it, so it really depends on your family. There could be another way down-likely is, but I don’t know it.
Can I swim there? YES! We went in October, and the water was a little chilly, but the water was deep and there are lots of huge boulders you can use as a jumping board. There’s a nice, big sandy beach area to sit around on too.
Anything else I should know? When I say the ticks are bad…I mean the ticks are bad. Wear deet and sunscreen. Reapply once you head back up the trail. Check your body once you shower. I mean it.
