Little River Canyon National Preserve

09/02/2026

On September 2, 1945, World War II officially came to an end when Japan signed the surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The day became known as Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day.

The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., features 24 bronze bas-relief panels illustrating the war effort, including scenes capturing the celebrations of V-J Day. The final panel depicts jubilant crowds celebrating the end of the war, including a scene reminiscent of the iconic gatherings in New York’s Times Square following President Harry S Truman’s announcement of Japan’s surrender.

NPS Photo

09/02/2026

Yeah, yeah. It’s still early. But leaf-changing season will be here before you know it. Are you wearing a carved pumpkin on your head yet? Is that pumpkin spice? No? Give it time.

While we’re here, autumn is a great time to visit national parks. From September through December, depending on the climate and conditions, forests, woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands can put on spectacular displays of color.

Before you venture out, check the park’s website for current conditions, weather, road and trail information, closures, rules, and other trip-planning advice. Because the leaves may be changing, but the need to plan ahead remains evergreen.

09/01/2026

“Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!" - Ms. Frizzle

Seat belts, everyone! School is back in session for many. As we always say, national parks are America’s biggest classrooms. Take your students beyond your classroom with lesson plans, in-park and virtual learning experiences, and teacher training designed to spark a little curiosity, discovery, and adventure.

P.S. While on a park field trip, your bus won’t literally be shrinking, going into space, or taking a detour through a grizzly bear’s digestive system. Which is probably for the best. We imagine the permission slip for that sort of excursion would be several pages long, with boxes for “Yes,” “No,” and “I understand the bear may eat the bus.”

The good news is your class can still dive deep into those topics, and plenty more, at a national park. The bus can remain reassuringly bus-sized and, most importantly, uneaten.

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Photo

08/31/2026

World War II Across America’s National Parks: An Introduction

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we embrace the story of America from our founding to today. National parks help preserve many chapters of that story, including one of the most defining events of the 20th century: World War II. Sixteen million Americans served under arms, more than 400,000 were killed, and countless millions more supported the war effort at home. The war touched every part of American society, and little was left unchanged—including national parks.

For the next 16 weeks, leading up to the 85th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the National Park Service will take you across the country to explore America's experience in World War II through the lens of national parks. These sites preserve different parts of America's wartime story, including both triumphs and tragedies. This list of parks is by no means exclusive, nor are the stories that will be shared. They represent just a fraction of the war's impact on our parks and the nation, with many of those impacts still felt today.

To follow the series, use . Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a new park will share its story and point you to the next stop in the journey.

The series begins here at .

Image Caption: WWII enlisted visit Grand Canyon National Park.
Image Credit: NPS/Emily Welch

08/31/2026

Search and recovery efforts continue following the flooding in Grand Canyon National Park. One body has been recovered and recovery operations for a second body are currently underway. Preliminary assessments indicate approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed. Forecasted weather may affect the timing and pace of operations.

Visitors are asked to remain out of the closure area while search and recovery operations continue. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch remain closed until further notice.

For current conditions and updates, visit: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

08/31/2026

08/30/2026

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for more than 20 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29.

If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB).

This includes people who may have been:
• Traveling the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch
• Staying at Bright Angel Campground or Cottonwood Campground
• Traveling through “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch

📞 NPS ISB Tip Line: 888-653-0009
📧 Email: [email protected]

Please provide any information you have, including a person’s name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name.

Full news release: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/public-assistance-requested-to-account-for-individuals-following-grand-canyon-flash-flood.htm

08/30/2026

Calling all explorers, curious minds, budding historians, wildlife watchers, and future park protectors!

Today is National Junior Ranger Day, a chance for kids of all ages to learn, explore, and discover the stories, science, history, and wildlife that make national parks special.

Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, complete the activities, talk with a ranger, ask questions, and earn your badge. You might even discover something you didn’t expect. That’s part of the adventure.

Because caring for special places starts with understanding why they matter. We’ll see you out there!

08/29/2026

National Park Week rolls on…

Jessica Bowron, NPS Comptroller Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, joined National Capital Parks East staff and community members to celebrate National Park Week and experience some of the many ways visitors connect with these parks.

At Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, she toured the home of statesman and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, whose life and legacy continue to inspire generations. She also stopped by Anacostia Park to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Late Skate at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion—NPS’s only roller-skating rink—and enjoy a longtime community tradition that brings people together through music, movement and outdoor fun.

From preserving and sharing stories of American history to maintaining places where communities can gather, recreate and enjoy the outdoors, dedicated employees at National Capital Parks East and across the National Park Service make these experiences possible. They work on the front lines and behind the scenes to care for our parks, protect their stories and ensure these special places remain welcoming and accessible to all.


NPS Photos/Lubanovich

08/04/2026

Don't forget about our National Photography Day Contest!

Do you enjoy capturing the scenic beauty of Little River Canyon? Would you like to share your photos with a wider audience? If yes, then you’re in luck!

📸 In honor of National Photography Day coming up on August 19th, Little River Canyon National Preserve will be having a photography contest. We invite you to submit your favorite photos that you’ve taken of the park.

📆 You can submit up to 5 photos per person, and you can submit photos that you’ve taken in the past year (July 2025-present). Submissions open on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, and close on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

🤳🏼 All photographs must be originals taken by the individual submitting the photo. While you may utilize techniques such as long exposure, please refrain from applying filters, heavy editing, or using AI to make edits or create photos. Please submit only scenic photographs, including, but not limited to plants, animals, waterfalls, insects, and sunrises/sunsets. DO NOT send in photographs that include people. We can’t wait to see your amazing photos!

🏅 The top 3 photographs will be displayed on our page and in the lobby of the Little River Canyon Center during National Park Week (August 22-August 30). Please email your photos to Angela Bates at [email protected] and include your name in the body of the email and image file name.


*All submitted photos will become the property of Little River Canyon National Preserve and, as such, will be in the public domain and not subject to copyright laws.*

📸Photo Credit: Brittney Nelson 2025 1st Place Contest Winner!

07/31/2026

Happy World Ranger Day!

On World Ranger Day, we celebrate the dedication, courage, and commitment of rangers who protect and care for national parks and protected areas around the world. Rangers serve in countless roles, from law enforcement and search and rescue to conservation, fire management, interpretation, and education, helping safeguard the places, stories, and communities entrusted to their care.

The day also recognizes the power of collaboration among rangers worldwide, including efforts by the National Park Service to share knowledge, exchange expertise, and advance innovative approaches to protecting our natural and cultural heritage.

Today, we honor the rangers who answer the call to serve and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting these special places for generations to come.

Image: A close-up of a classic park ranger flat hat bathed in sunset light, resting on a rocky surface at Acadia National Park.

07/29/2026

The park is going to be doing a lot of ranger programs in the future! Please help us welcome Daniel Bowles to Little River Canyon National Preserve!
Daniel is an American naturalist, artist, and writer from Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Covenant College with a degree in Environmental Biology. His work combines scientific knowledge, fine art, and storytelling to inspire appreciation for the natural world. Following college, he became a park guide with the National Park Service at Little River Canyon National Preserve, where he leads interpretive programs focused on wildlife, botany, outdoor recreation, and nature journaling.

As an artist, Bowles creates nature-inspired paintings and illustrations, often emphasizing conservation and the beauty of Southern Appalachian landscapes. As a writer, he has authored fantasy novels and nature-related works that blend adventure, mythology, and environmental themes. Keep an eye out for many upcoming programs at Little River Canyon!

NPS Photos

07/21/2026

Do you enjoy capturing the scenic beauty of Little River Canyon? Would you like to share your photos with a wider audience? If yes, then you’re in luck!

📸 In honor of National Photography Day coming up on August 19th, Little River Canyon National Preserve will be having a photography contest. We invite you to submit your favorite photos that you’ve taken of the park.

📆 You can submit up to 5 photos per person, and you can submit photos that you’ve taken in the past year (July 2025-present). Submissions open on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, and close on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

🤳🏼 All photographs must be originals taken by the individual submitting the photo. While you may utilize techniques such as long exposure, please refrain from applying filters, heavy editing, or using AI to make edits or create photos. Please submit only scenic photographs, including, but not limited to plants, animals, waterfalls, insects, and sunrises/sunsets. DO NOT send in photographs that include people. We can’t wait to see your amazing photos!

🏅 The top 3 photographs will be displayed on our page and in the lobby of the Little River Canyon Center during National Park Week (August 22-August 30). Please email your photos to Angela Bates at [email protected] and include your name in the body of the email and image file name.


*All submitted photos will become the property of Little River Canyon National Preserve and, as such, will be in the public domain and not subject to copyright laws.*

📸Photo Credit: Brittney Nelson 2025 1st Place Contest Winner!

07/15/2026

Join us on Thursday, July 30 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm for a Ranger-guided Plant Identification walk at the Beaver Pond Trail. The trail is rated easy and is a 1 1/2-mile loop. Free event! Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water!

NPS Photos

07/13/2026

Join us Saturday, July 25, from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm for a Ranger Mini Weekend Bio Blitz program. Meet at the Little River Falls Picnic Area and the Little Falls Trail Head! We will welcome everyone to a trail-specific bio blitz as we seek to add observations of all species to our iNaturalist database. Advanced-level hike into the canyon, focusing on nature!
Moderate-Rated Trail. Free event. Please wear hiking boots and bring water!

NPS Photo

07/11/2026

Join us on Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00 am for a Ranger-led program: Field Sketching Above the Canyon at the Bridge Trail. Meet at the Little River Canyon Center and we will walk the Bridge Trail and draw as we go. All ages welcome. Easy trail! All supplies provided. Free Event!

NPS Photos