| Little River | |
| Subdivision Type1: | Country |
| Subdivision Name1: | United States |
| Subdivision Type2: | State |
| Subdivision Name2: | Florida |
| Subdivision Type3: | County |
| Subdivision Name3: | Gadsden |
| Subdivision Type4: | District |
| Subdivision Name4: | NWFWMD |
| Length: | 14miles |
| Source1: | Confluence of Attapulgus Creek and Willacoochee Creek |
| Source1 Location: | Freemont, Florida |
| Source1 Coordinates: | 30.6133°N -84.4858°W |
| Mouth: | Lake Talquin |
| Mouth Location: | Ebenezer, Florida |
| Mouth Coordinates: | 30.4531°N -84.5383°W |
| Basin Size: | 315sqmi |
The Little River is a minor river in the Florida Big Bend. A tributary of the Ochlockonee River, it is approximately 14miles in length[1] and is located entirely within Gadsden County.
Forming at the confluence of Attapulgus Creek and Willacoochee Creek which drain part of southwestern Georgia, the river flows south through Gadsden County east of Quincy, draining part of the Red Hills before entering Lake Talquin State Park before reaching its terminus, flowing into Lake Talquin, a reservoir on the Ochlockonee River.
The river flows through Little River Conservation Area, a 2119acres tract purchased by the State of Florida using Florida Forever funds for the protection of wildlife habitat and floodplain forest along the middle river.[2]
The Little River, although not a designated canoe trail, is often used by canoeists, especially on the lower river. The forests surrounding the river are also popular for hunting, while bream and pickerel provide fishing opportunities.[1]
Birch, pine, red cedar and willows can be found lining the riverbanks, while damselflies, snapping turtles and other wildlife are also present.[1]
A tropical disturbance that moved inland from the Gulf of Mexico on 20 September 1969 produced heavy rainfalls, exceeding 20inches, over part of Gadsden County between the 20th and 23rd of that month, including 10.87inches at Quincy during six hours on 21 September.[3] On the Little River near Quincy, peak discharge on 22 September was 45600cuft/s.[3] Between 6a.m. 21 September and 6a.m. 22 September, the river level rose 21feet, with the river's discharge exceeding that of a 50-year flood by a factor of 2.99, while at the US 90 bridge the westbound lanes were submerged under six inches (152 mm) of water.[3]
| Crossing | Carries | Image | Location | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headwaters | ||||
| 500089[4] | SR 12 Havana Highway | Littman | ||
| 500018 500063 | US 90 Blue Star Highway | Quincy | ||
| 500097 500098 | Interstate 10 | |||
| rail bridge | CSX Transportation | |||
| 500045 | CR 268 High Bridge Road | |||
| Mouth at Ochlockonee River | ||||