a private consortium of Fort Payne businessmen to construct in the late 1960s. The project was abandoned after a couple of years, though visitors may still see associated debris in Pine Tree Hole, in the bottom of the canyon. An unmaintained but fairly well-defined trail proceeds approximately eight miles to the canyon mouth. Heading upstream is much more problematic and should only be undertaken by hikers accustomed to bushwhacking. The river is popular with practiced whitewater enthusiasts who are willing to carry their vessels down to Pine Tree Hole. Camping is not currently permitted in the canyon. There are currently few visitor facilities operated by the National Park Service within the preserve. DeSoto State Park, operated by the Alabama State Park System, is located within the preserve boundaries and has a lodge, restaurant, several campgrounds, and other facilities. There is a day-use area at the mouth of the canyon where a campground was once operated. The area provides places for picnics and is a popular swimming location. There has been little land acquisition since the New Deal era. The immediate area of the canyon is being encroached upon by real estate speculation, construction of vacation houses, and even subdivision development. From the 1970s to the early 1980s, a mini-theme park (a commercial venture), called "Canyonland Park," operated in the park area. It included a zoo and a lift. Some of the lift pedestals are still in the park area. Activities Backcountry camping is no longer allowed in the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Hunting in the preserve requires a hunting license from Alabama or any other state. Riding ATVs is no longer permitted. Fishing requires an Alabama fishing license and net or seine fishing are not allowed. The Jacksonville State University Little River Canyon Center is a 23,000 square-foot LEED-certified visitor center. References External links National Park Service: Little River Canyon National Preserve Lookout Mountain Protected areas of Cherokee County, Alabama Protected areas of DeKalb County, Alabama Landmarks in Alabama National Preserves of the United States Rivers of Alabama Protected areas established in 1992 National Park Service areas in Alabama Nature reserves in Alabama Landforms of Cherokee County, Alabama Landforms of DeKalb County, Alabama Canyons and gorges of Alabama 1992 establishments in Alabama