Little River originates in the Piedmont region of Georgia and flows approximately 105 miles southeastward before joining the Withlacoochee River near Troupville in Lowndes County. However, its upper reaches traverse the counties of Taliaferro, Warren, McDuffie, and Columbia before entering the Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond Lake) reservoir system near the Georgia-South Carolina border. The river's headwaters begin in Taliaferro County, where it flows through rural agricultural land and pine forests characteristic of Georgia's upper Coastal Plain transition zone. As it progresses through Warren County, the river maintains a relatively modest gradient, creating a tea-colored blackwater stream typical of southeastern rivers. The waterway continues through McDuffie County, passing near Thomson, before entering Columbia County where it encounters the expansive Clarks Hill Lake.

Paddling opportunities on Little River vary considerably by section and season. The upper reaches in Taliaferro and Warren counties offer intimate creek paddling when water levels permit, though these sections are highly dependent on recent rainfall. The most accessible and documented paddling occurs in the Columbia County area, where the river approaches and enters Clarks Hill Lake. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintain several access points along this lower section, including boat ramps at the lake itself. Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year, with the most reliable paddling conditions typically occurring from late winter through spring following adequate rainfall. Summer and fall often see dramatically reduced flows, particularly in the upper sections, sometimes rendering portions too shallow for navigation.

The river corridor supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various waterfowl. Bald eagles are occasionally spotted near Clarks Hill Lake during winter months. The riparian zones feature river birch, sycamore, and willow along the banks, with loblolly and longleaf pine dominating the upland areas.

Access to Little River is most practical in Columbia County, where the river meets Clarks Hill Lake. The communities of Appling and Lincolnton (in Lincoln County, just across the lake) serve as the nearest population centers. McCormick County, South Carolina lies on the opposite shore of Clarks Hill Lake, though direct river access from McCormick is limited. The upper sections of Little River flow through private agricultural land, making access challenging without landowner permission. Most recreational use concentrates where the river enters the Corps of Engineers-managed lands surrounding Clarks Hill Lake, where public access is guaranteed and facilities are maintained.