Fly & Drive guide
Fly into CHA, drive to Little River Canyon
Your route
CHA
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field)
Little River Canyon
About 1 h 48 min · 64 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to CHA
Compare fares into Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field).
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
02Car at CHA
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Little River Canyon. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: abdallahh from Montréal, Canada · CC BY 2.0
04 · First night near Little River Canyon
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Little River Canyon
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Little River Canyon
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Managing Access at Little River Canyon National Preserve
Entry to the National Preserve and scenic overlooks is generally free, but a day-use fee is required for the Canyon Mouth Park area. Camping and lodging are not provided within the preserve boundaries, so reservations for nearby DeSoto State Park or Fort Payne accommodations should be secured separately. Check the official National Park Service portal for seasonal changes to the fee system or facility closures.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, October – November
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Little River Canyon?
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) (CHA) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from CHA to Little River Canyon?
Roughly 1 h 48 min (about 64 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Little River Canyon?
Entry to the National Preserve and scenic overlooks is generally free, but a day-use fee is required for the Canyon Mouth Park area. Camping and lodging are not provided within the preserve boundaries, so reservations for nearby DeSoto State Park or Fort Payne accommodations should be secured separately. Check the official National Park Service portal for seasonal changes to the fee system or facility closures.
