JSU officials: “Canyon Center will not shut down or close”

Jacksonville State University has a clear message for those concerned about the future of the Canyon Center. Following news that the National Park Service lease for a portion of the building will be terminated at the end of the year, JSU President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. said the university “remains committed to the Little River Canyon Center’s ongoing operations and programming.”

While a portion of the facility is leased to the National Park Service, JSU is responsible for the building’s management, operations, and programming.

“Jax State’s role in managing and maintaining the Canyon Center will remain unchanged,” said Killingsworth, “and we do not anticipate any disruptions to our services, educational programs, or community engagement efforts. The Canyon Center will continue to serve as a hub for conservation, research, and outdoor recreation for visitors, students, and faculty alike.”

Since opening in 2009, the Canyon Center has supported the region’s tourism industry, which has a significant economic impact on DeKalb County and surrounding areas. Tourists spent an estimated $159 million in DeKalb County in 2023. The Little River Canyon National Preserve, which the center adjoins, drew an estimated 763,000 visitors last year.

The Canyon Center features a Grand Hall, HD movie theater, gift shop, natural history library, exhibits, classrooms, outdoor amphitheater, and scenic trails for both education and adventure. It hosts concerts, workshops, hikes, lectures, and other activities year-round for students of all ages and the general public.

“Our commitment to education, conservation, and community programming remains strong,” said Pete Conroy, Canyon Center founder and director. “Since 2009, the Park Service has partnered with us, sharing responsibilities in education, visitor services, law enforcement, and community outreach. We are proud of this collaboration, which has been recently recognized for its strong economic impact.”

The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rooms within the center are available to rent for meetings, corporate retreats, and special events. The building itself is a model of sustainability, earning LEED Silver Certification for its innovative environmental design, which includes geothermal heating and cooling, recycled materials, and enhanced insulation.

“As we move forward, we will work closely with our partners and stakeholders to evaluate any potential impacts (of the lease termination) and ensure the continued success of this important facility,” Killingsworth said. “We appreciate the ongoing support of our community and look forward to many more years of serving the public at the Little River Canyon Center.”

The Little River Canyon Center is located at 4322 Little River Trail NE, Fort Payne, Alabama, on Highway 35 near Little River Falls. To learn more about activities at the center, visit www.jsu.edu/epic/canyoncenter.