Little,

3. Eberharts Point (Chairlift) to Canyon Mouth Campground (Chairlift)

Usual Difficulty	III-IV (may vary with level)
Length	6 Miles

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
LITTLE RIVER NEAR BLUE POND AL
usgs-02399200	400 - 6000 cfs	III-IV	01h12m	1050 cfs (rc= 0.1 )

River Description

a Class III run, with two (2) class IV. Most rapids are straight ahead. Both Class IV can be portaged on river right. The first, Blue Hole Memorial, is just after the second big bend to the left. Scout on right. This rapid is followed by a 150 yd continuous wave train. At the bottom of the wave train is a large hole, but not a keeper. The next is the Alabama classic Bottleneck.This beautiful rapid would be right at home nestled in the Suicide section ,but is somehow stuck all alone way down here. Water on the far right side of the river flows into a pool, from which you can scout the main drop. Thinking about running this one, catch the first big eddy on the right, just after some water has gone far right. From here on the rapids are fast and straight. Everything is runnable and there are only a few places that are shallow. This section is a move up from the Locust Fork, or Nantahala River, particularly the two Class IV's and the long wave train.

To get to the take out, take Hwy 35 from Interstate 59 east to AL hwy 273. Go south (turn right) until you cross Little River. The next hard top road to the right, approximately 1/4 mile, goes to Canyon Mouth Park. Now operated by the National Park Service, it doesn't open until 8:00 am. There are bath rooms only. You'll see the USGS gauge station behind the bath house. To get to the put in, on your way out of the park you'll see a steep road off to the right. Turn right, at the top of the hill, (fire tower) turn right and follow the road until you pass over Johnny's creek. Up the steep hill (50 degree) the canyon rim roads turns right, this is the long way to the put in. To shorten the distance, turn left. Pass Black Oak Church and intersect with AL hwy 176. Turn right and you will eventually pass the old amusement park, on the left. Just before the road biforcates (splits) there is a locked gate on the right. Here is a grass covered road down to the put in, approximately 1/2 mile.

If you are staying overnight, the best camping is at Desota State Park off hwy 35 on hwy 89. Primitive camping is available for $8/night for two people. Improved camping with heated bathrooms and hot showers is $15/night, two night min on weekends.

Note: Some cars and trucks were broken into on 11-13-04 at Canyon Mouth Park