Gadsden Kiwanis Park/Ola Lee Mize Patriot Park
Gadsden Kiwanis Park/Ola Lee Mize Patriot Park: A Tribute to Service and Recreation
Noccalula Falls Park: A Natural Wonder with a Tragic Tale
Discover the beauty and legend of Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama – a natural escape with hiking, history, and family fun.
Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama, is home to a stunning 90-foot waterfall and a rich tapestry of history and legend. The park offers hiking trails, a petting zoo, a miniature golf course, and a replica train ride, making it a destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Noccalula Falls
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Gadsden, Alabama, US
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Getting There
Driving
Noccalula Falls Park is located at 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Alabama 35904. From Gadsden, follow Noccalula Road north. The park entrance will be on your left. Parking is available within the park. Parking fees are included in the park admission.
Public Transport
The Greyhound bus stops in Gadsden. From the bus station, a taxi or ride-sharing service can take you to Noccalula Falls Park, approximately 5 miles away. Taxi/ride-share cost is approximately $15-$25.
Walking
If you are near the park, for example, if you are at the Jack's fast food , you can walk to the top of the falls for free. From there, you can walk down the trail and enter the gorge from the free side.
Local tips
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Consider visiting during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and beautiful foliage.
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Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the Gorge Trail.
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Check the park's website for special events and seasonal hours.
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If you're not interested in hiking to the base of the falls, you can get a great view of it from the top, past the park entrance, which is free.
Discover more about Noccalula Falls
Noccalula Falls Park, encompassing 250 acres in Gadsden, Alabama, centers around the majestic Noccalula Falls, where Black Creek plunges 90 feet over a Lookout Mountain ledge. The park's name likely comes from the Cherokee term meaning 'place where water thunders'.
The park has a long history, with the falls becoming a popular attraction as early as the 1840s. In the late 1800s, a tavern and dance hall even operated in a cave behind the falls. Today, visitors can explore the park's many facets, including the Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge, a pioneer homestead, and botanical gardens displaying over 25,000 azaleas.
The park is named after a Cherokee princess, Noccalula, who, according to legend, leaped to her death rather than marry a man she did not love. A nine-foot bronze statue of Noccalula stands above the falls, commemorating her tragic story.
Visitors can hike the Gorge Trail to the bottom of the falls, explore caves, and view Civil War carvings. A replica C.P. Huntington train offers a scenic ride through the park. The park also features a petting zoo and a playground, making it a family-friendly destination.
Noccalula Falls Park is more than just a pretty place; it's a place steeped in history, legend, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in hiking, history, or simply enjoying the scenery, Noccalula Falls Park has something to offer everyone.
A brief summary to Noccalula Falls
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More about Gadsden
Discover Gadsden, Alabama: Explore stunning waterfalls, rich history, vibrant arts, and Southern hospitality in this charming city nestled in the Appalachian foothills.
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