[4] The Little River flows for almost its entire length along the middle of Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama.

The Little River flows another 23 miles (37 km) from the confluence of the forks, through the canyon, to its end at Weiss Lake.

[5] The river is said to be among the cleanest and wildest waterways in the South, undammed aside from a small and derelict hydroelectric project at DeSoto Falls on the West Fork near Mentone, Alabama.

The project was abandoned after a couple of years, though visitors may still see associated debris in Pine Tree Hole, in the bottom of the canyon.

[citation needed] An unmaintained but fairly well-defined trail proceeds approximately eight miles to the canyon mouth.

The river is popular with practiced whitewater enthusiasts who are willing to carry their vessels down to Pine Tree Hole.

The immediate area of the canyon is being encroached upon by real estate speculation, construction of vacation houses, and even subdivision development.