Explore the Largest Canyon East of the Mississippi at Little River Canyon National Preserve, AL
September 20, 2026 - September 26, 2026
Trip Navigation
***Special Promotion*** All trip participants will receive a Fjällräven Kånken R backpack (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fjällräven. Made from recycled materials and ready for adventure!
Sweet home Alabama!
Little River Canyon is the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi River, at 600 feet in some sections! Located on the flat top of Lookout Mountain the preserve stretches 15,288 acres. While here you’ll experience the spectacular Little River Canyon, the pristine Little River, and a number of rare and threatened plant and animal species. Together with the adjacent Desoto State Park, Little River Canyon National Preserve provides abundant scenic views and varied recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. The park has kayaking, fishing, swimming, waterfalls, hiking and more.
Volunteers will refresh 6 to 7 miles of the 16-mile trail during the week. Tasks include cleaning up under bush, removing flood debris and other litter, clearing fallen limbs and pruning limbs from the trail.
There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.
Avg. Temperature:
Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of roughly 75–80°F and lows of 55–60°F. Late September in northeastern Alabama is warm with cooler nights and periodic showers or thunderstorms.
Sample Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival
Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)
Day 2: Work Day
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM
Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.
Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.
Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.
After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.
Day 3: Work Day
Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)
Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike, tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.
Day 5: Work Day
Day 6: Work Day
Day 7: Departure
Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.
Land Acknowledgement:
AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Shawanwaki/Shawnee, Cherokee East, and Yuchi people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.
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