Rugged Alabama Adventure
Written: Mar 13 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Scenery: |
 |
|
| Crowds: |
 |
|
| Time needed for visit: |
|
|
|
Pros: Scenic and a variety of activities
Cons: Poisonous flora and fauna
The Bottom Line: A scenic treasure known only to locals until recently. Visit it soon before word gets out. Opportunities abound for everyone from the photographer to whitewater kayaker.
|
|
|
| benhunts's Full Review: Little River Canyon National Preserve |
As an Alabama native, I have had the opportunity to explore many of this state's natural wonders. With the exception of the Mobile Delta, Little River Canyon Preserve is an exciting and beautiful place to visit.
Activities include: hiking, biking, rock climbing, birding, swimming, fishing, hunting (restricted to a designated Wildlife Management Area), kayaking, tubing, and much more. Just exercise good judgement, especially on the canyon rim where railings are few and far between and the drop off the side could be several hundred feet. And due to the steep terrain, only those in good physical shape should venture down into the gorge (asthmatics, smokers, and those who are overweight should consider the consequences of the climb - down is easy, up is TOUGH!)
The best times to visit are during the Spring and Fall months. Water activities can be hazardous in Spring as this area typically receives an abundance of rainfall and the river can turn dangerous. In the fall, the leaves of autumn make for some outstanding vistas as well as panoramic photo opportunities. The Summer can be good, too, with water levels lower and stable. Expect little to no crowds in the winter as it can get icy and treacherous as the water levels fluctuate. But for the "hard-core", the adventure can be worth it.
Beware of poisonous flora and fauna. Poison ivy and oak are abundant and can spoil your week. Copperheads and water mocassins are known to inhabit both the upland trails and the rocky shorelines. I have encountered both on numerous occasions. Just give them a wide berth or head back the way you came. And, while not poisonous, there is a variety of mosquitos, chiggers (red-bugs), and other no-see 'ums present. A good DEET repellent will keep them at bay.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: September-November
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
benhunts
|
|
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.