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Noccalula Falls Park: A Natural and Historical Haven

Discover the beauty and legend of Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama. Explore nature, history, and family fun in the Appalachian foothills.

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Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama, is a 250-acre park centered around a stunning 90-foot waterfall. The park offers a blend of natural beauty, historical attractions, and recreational activities, making it a must-see destination in Northeast Alabama [5, 2]. Visitors can explore a gorge, botanical gardens, a pioneer village, and enjoy train rides and a petting zoo [2].

A brief summary to Noccalula Falls Park & Campground

Local tips

  • Visit after a good rain for the most impressive waterfall display [7].
  • Consider taking the miniature train for a comprehensive tour of the park [2, 6].
  • Explore the Gorge Trail to walk behind the falls, but wear appropriate footwear as it can be slippery [2, 7].
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park's scenic picnic areas [3, 7].
  • Check the park's website for special events like 'Christmas at the Falls' [2, 15].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Noccalula Falls Park is located at 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904. From I-59, take exit 188 and follow the signs to the park [4]. Parking is available within the park [11, 12]. Parking fee is included in the admission price.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Noccalula Falls Park, you can take a local Gadsden bus to a nearby stop and then take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park entrance. Taxi/ride-share from downtown Gadsden to the park is approximately $10-$15.

  • Walking

    For those staying at the Noccalula Falls Campground, the park entrance is a short walk away. Follow the internal park roads or trails to reach the main park attractions. Note: The campground is located at 1600 Noccalula Rd [15].

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Discover more about Noccalula Falls Park & Campground

Noccalula Falls Park, located in Gadsden, Alabama, is a captivating destination steeped in natural beauty and local legend [10]. The park's centerpiece is the majestic Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall that plunges into Black Creek Gorge [2, 5]. The name 'Noccalula' is believed to come from the Cherokee term for 'place where water thunders' [5]. The park's history dates back to the mid-19th century, with early settlers recognizing the falls as a scenic attraction [9, 10]. In the late 1800s, a tavern and dance hall even operated in a cave behind the falls [5]. The park owes its existence to former Gadsden Mayor R.A. Mitchell, who purchased the land in 1909 with the vision of creating a public park [4, 5, 10]. The legend of Princess Noccalula adds a poignant layer to the park's allure [4, 5, 10]. As the story goes, Noccalula, a Cherokee maiden, tragically leaped to her death rather than marry a man she did not love. A nine-foot bronze statue of Noccalula stands at the gorge's edge, commemorating her sacrifice [4, 5]. Today, Noccalula Falls Park offers a diverse range of attractions [2, 7, 8]. Visitors can explore the Gorge Trail, which leads behind the waterfall, and discover caves, an abandoned dam, and Civil War carvings [5, 2]. The park also features a pioneer village with historic structures, a botanical garden, a petting zoo, and a miniature train ride [2, 7, 8]. The Black Creek Trail System offers miles of hiking and biking paths [15]. Whether you're drawn to the stunning waterfall, the historical significance, or the recreational opportunities, Noccalula Falls Park provides a memorable experience for all [2, 7, 8].

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