July 3, 2013
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Park rangers urge caution this weekend at Little River Canyon PRESS RELEASE LITTLE RIVER CANYON — Because of the amount of rain received over the past few days and expected storms expected this week including the Fourth of July, the water level at Little River is higher this July than in past years. The combination of swift flowing water and hot summer days makes it dangerous for people in Little River. Superintendent Gail Bishop urges visitors to be careful and to observe safety signs when visiting the Preserve. Chief Ranger Troy Mueller and Ranger Chris Caukins assisted Fisher Rescue on Tuesday with a 50-year old Arkansas man at Little River Falls and an 18-year old Georgia teenager at Martha's Falls. The rugged beauty of Little River Canyon attracts visitors from the region. People are encouraged to start their visit at the Jacksonville State University's Canyon Center that features a film and staff provides information. The short trail from behind the Canyon Center leads to the sidewalk on the Little River Falls Bridge that provides an excellent and safe view of the Little River Falls. In addition the 24-mile Rim Road (Road 175) also provides outstanding overlooks on the DeKalb County side of the Canyon. Little River Canyon National Preserve is visited by over 200,000 U. S. citizens and international visitors. The park staff appreciates the assistance from park volunteers and park visitors who help remove trash and litter. Trash that is left behind by others can be washed downstream deep in the canyon making it difficult if not impossible to remove and creating an eyesore. People who litter can receive a $500 ticket. For more information on Little River Canyon National Preserve please call 256-845-9605 or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/liri. You can follow our updates and find park pictures on Facebook. |