Rhododendron Trail

Rhododendron Trail is a beautiful 1.3-mile loop at Little River Canyon National Preserve in DeKalb County, Alabama, beginning at the country store parking lot. The trail lives up to its name with abundant rhododendron bushes that bloom spectacularly in late spring, creating tunnels of pink and white flowers. Along the loop, hikers pass two waterfalls and scenic views of the Little River, which carved this dramatic canyon over millions of years. The moderate difficulty involves some rocky sections and elevation changes as the path descends toward and rises from the river. The canyon’s unique east-to-west orientation creates habitat for plants typically found much farther north. This trail provides an excellent introduction to the natural beauty of Little River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi River.