The hike to the famous Hippie Hole includes a beautiful hike through the forests of the Little River Canyon National Preserve to the famous “swimming hole” called Hippie Hole by the locals. The first half of the hike is through remote forest, not modernized and hiking boots and a walking stick are required. After about half an hour you come to a “stair case” of large rectangular “steps,” like they were laid by golems, and you take them all the way down to the gorgeous Hippie Hope swimming hole. Hippie Hole is the local nickname; the official name (see the image) is Little Falls. The trail is also very well marked. This is a there and back again hike so you benefit from the following:
- You experience a beautiful hike through the forest that you get to see coming and going.
- A helluva workout marching down the stone staircase to the watering hole; then turning around and hiking right back up. Your calves and thighs will delightfully feel it the next morning.
- Little River Canyon National Preserve is full of other trails with varying difficulty. You have other options for the rest of your day!
- If you drive around the main road that takes you to all the various trails, you find the famous Mushroom Rock, see picture below. It is a giant worn tall rock formation that has worn away leaving this “mushroom” of a rock remaining in the middle of the road.
- The visitor center is extremely clean, with a charming museum where they were playing Baroque music! It is a very relaxing place to get a snack and freshen up. Enjoy the museum about the geological origins of Little River Canyon National Preserve and its history becoming a national preserve.
We stayed in nearby Fort Payne, Alabama and we have these 2 recommendations if you stay overnight. Get a drink or a beer to unwind at the local restaurant Vintage 1889, but then have your meal, a fine steak, fish or burger (but we recommend the steak) at Santa Fe Cattle Company. The ribeye and sirloin were each perfect, and sit at the bar for the best experience.
Please look around American Geode for other hiking and rockhounding ideas!
