Celebrate the Arrival of Autumn at one of Alabama's Most Scenic Natural Wonders

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - Sept. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will make their way to the Little River Canyon the second Saturday in October for a day of guided hikes, music, food, and other free family fun. A joint effort by the Little River Canyon National Preserve and the Friends of the Preserve, Rendezvous at the Rim and Half Marathon is a celebration of the arrival of autumn and an opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery, enjoy educational hikes, and learn about native animals, geology, and the skills needed to care for the Canyon. The second annual event is set for October 12, 2013.

Runners will take to the streets beginning at 8 a.m. for the Little River Canyon Half Marathon. Possibly one of the most scenic half marathons in the country, the certified course loops 13.1 miles on paved roads, starting and ending at the Little River Canyon Center. The first five miles will follow the Little River Canyon National Preserve’s scenic and sometimes challenging rim of the canyon, as the remainder winds through gently rolling farm country including Randy Owen Drive and his famous Tennessee River Music Hereford and Angus Cattle Ranch. Proceeds benefit outdoor education programs and local conservation efforts. Registration is available online at http://beta.active.com.

At 8:30 a.m., Rendezvous at the Rim gets underway with Growl Prowl where children are led on an interactive hike with a naturalist. As they encounter animal clues along the trail, the children become different animals following the leader in animated motions, such as hopping like a rabbit, leaping like a frog, and buzzing like a bee.

Throughout the day, a variety of activities will keep festivalgoers busy and entertained. Bring your camera and join DeKalb Tourism President and former Kodak executive John Dersham for a photography improvement hike. All ages are invited to participate. Festivalgoers can participate in a tree, wildflower and geology identification hike or learn about the history of the Little River Canyon from Park Ranger Larry Beane and the DeKalb Historical Society. Fly fishing demonstrations will be provided by Jacksonville State University Biologist Chris Murdock.

Children will also want to check out Critter Tales, a hand-on program about animals including live snakes led by Jacksonville State University Field Schools Assistant Director Renee Morrison, and there will be a Un-natural Trail Hike where children can practice their observation skills by looking for items along the trail that do not belong there.

Additional activities include live music, natural history hikes, nature art activities, a bug safari and rock climbing demonstrations.

For those who work up an appetite, plenty of concessions will be available. Breakfast biscuit sandwiches will be for sale for $4 each. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., festivalgoers can purchase a picnic lunch containing hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, baked beans and cold slaw for $6. Proceeds from food concessions benefit Friends of the Preserve at Little River Canyon.

The event wraps up at 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call DeKalb Tourism President John Dersham at 256.845.3957 or visit www.friendsofthepreserve.org.

The Friends of the Preserve is a support organization not directly affiliated with the National Park Service but that abides by National Park policies and procedures. For more information, visit www.friendsofthepreserve.org.