ALT continues to work to protect the Little River by securing lands from further development along the rim of its canyon  and by pro­tecting riparian areas along all major tributaries. Protection of freshwater ecosystems by securing riparian areas is critical to preserving the character of the land and to protecting habitat among endangered species in this watershed.

According to the Longstreet Highroads Guide to the North Georgia Mountains, Little River Canyon, which runs on long, flat Lookout Mountain is one of the deepest gorges in the eastern United States. With an average depth of 400 feet, it is 700 feet at its deepest point and three quarters of a mile across, Little River flows through the middle of the canyon and, therefore, down the spine of Lookout Mountain, making it the only river in North America to flow its entire length along a mountaintop. Little River is classified as an Alabama Wild and Scenic River.

The Little River and its canyon are a worthy focus of riparian protection efforts by ALT, which has received a grant from the Munson Foundation, with  matches from the Lyndhurst Foundation and dona­tions from area donors. To date, we have assisted the protection of almost a mile and a half of riverfront along the Little River.