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Powell Trail - Little River Canyon
4.6 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Payne, Alabama · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Powell Trail - Little River Canyon's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Powell Trail - Little River Canyon
“This trail, like many of the other trails in the LRC National Preserve, is just absolutely beautiful.”
This is easily one of my favorite trails in the state. It's an easy hike down, but a bit strenuous going up. We have a lot of luck finding chanterelles here!
Peaceful, not crowded, not the easiest trail, you cross waterfall a couple of times and 400 feet down is 400 back up. We had not had rain for a while in these pics.
This trail, like many of the other trails in the LRC National Preserve, is just absolutely beautiful. The photos from my budget LG phone don't do the canyon floor and the trail much justice. It is rocky and it does cross a small stream in a couple of places. If there has been a lot of rainfall, be mindful of that.
Fun trail! Very steep and rocky, but beautiful opening to the river at the bottom.
Trail conditions & character
“Of course, it is a steep hike with a few switchbacks that lead down to the river.”
“Peaceful, not crowded, not the easiest trail, you cross waterfall a couple of times and 400 feet down is 400 back up.”
“Very steep and rocky, but beautiful opening to the river at the bottom.”
Plan your run at Powell Trail - Little River Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitenps.gov
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Running trails near Fort Payne
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Little River Canyon National Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,466 reviews
Forested nature preserve around Little River which runs along the top of Lookout Mountain.
Little River Canyon Falls Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 2,078 reviews
Scenic park featuring trails along a river, plus picnic tables and a waterfall.
Alabama Walking Trail Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 627 reviews
Well-kept park with trails, playgrounds, swings and splash pads, plus musical instruments.
City Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 309 reviews
Peaceful park featuring a playground and a splash pad, plus a memorial to the band Alabama.