By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — After nearly three months of closure, Canyon Mouth Park is ready to reopen. 

Canyon Mouth Park, which is a popular location at the southern end of Little River Canyon, was initially closed on April 3 to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health. However, on Easter Sunday, heavy storms brought massive amounts of damage to the area. 

"The floodwaters, which had water flowing over the entirety of Canyon Mouth Park, washed picnic tables, garbage and recycling bins, and split-rail fencing from their foundations, some of which were mostly buried in sand deposits alongside and in the river," said the National Parks Service in a news release. "Canyon Mouth Park received heavy erosion damage — portions of the trail were under 6-plus feet of water." 

According to the release, National Park Service staff, along with Youth Conservation Corps workers, began the cleanup process on Tuesday, June 16. 

Canyon Mouth Park is the only fee area at Little River Canyon National Preserve. Daily passes are $15 and annual passes are $35 (cash only). American The Beautiful passes are also valid for entrance via the park's fee machine.