The purpose of John Little State Natural Reserve, in Monterey County, is to preserve and protect an area of steep, rugged cliffs on the Big Sur coast where Lime Creek enters the Pacific Ocean. The unit contains the original 1917 cabin of early conservationist Elizabeth K. Livermore. The unit is NOT open to the public.

John Little State Natural Reserve is a scenically valuable point of land between State Highway 1 and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The reserve embraces both banks of Lime Creek in Monterey County and a small portion of the reserve extends across Highway 1 at the north end. The reserve forever protects, in an unspoiled condition, the scenic and natural values of the property.