Noccalula Falls, Tennessee Valley Travel Guide

4.7 (1002)

Discover the beauty and legend of Noccalula Falls, a captivating natural attraction in Gadsden, Alabama. Explore trails, gardens, and historical sites.

Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama, centers around a stunning 90-foot waterfall cascading into Black Creek Gorge. The park offers trails, a petting zoo, a pioneer village, and a miniature train ride, all steeped in the local legend of Princess Noccalula.

A brief summary to Noccalula Falls

Gadsden, Alabama, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Noccalula Falls.

Visit after a period of rainfall to see the waterfall at its fullest and most impressive.
Consider taking the miniature train ride for a relaxing tour of the park's highlights.
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the Gorge Trail, which can be slippery in places.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's scenic picnic areas.
Check the park's website for information on seasonal events and hours of operation.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

DeSoto Falls

U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art

Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Explore Noccalula Falls on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Noccalula Falls, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From downtown Gadsden, head north on Broad Street, which becomes Noccalula Road. Continue for approximately 3 miles. The entrance to Noccalula Falls Park will be on your left. Parking is available within the park. Expect to pay an entrance fee of $8 for adults and $6 for children (ages 4-12). Parking is included in the admission fee.
Walking

If you are near the Black Creek Trail, you can access the park and falls via the trail system. The Black Creek Trail is a 1.7-mile crushed stone path that starts at Noccalula Falls Wedding Chapel and leads to the Black Creek Gorge. From there, you can access the Gorge Trail and the falls. Note that there is an entrance fee to access the park's amenities.

Discover more about Noccalula Falls

Noccalula Falls Park, a 250-acre oasis in Gadsden, Alabama, invites visitors to witness the breathtaking 90-foot Noccalula Falls as it plunges into the Black Creek Gorge. The waterfall's name is derived from a Cherokee term, *ama uqwalelvyi*, roughly translating to "place where water thunders".The park is interwoven with the tragic legend of Princess Noccalula, a local tale of a young Cherokee woman who leaped to her death rather than be forced into a marriage against her will. A nine-foot bronze statue of Noccalula stands overlooking the falls, a memorial to her sacrifice.Established as a public park in the early 1950s, Noccalula Falls Park has evolved into a destination offering a blend of natural beauty and historical attractions. Visitors can explore the Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge, a pioneer village depicting 18th and 19th-century life, and botanical gardens displaying over 25,000 azaleas. A miniature train provides a mile-long journey through the park's history and scenery. For those seeking adventure, trails wind through the gorge, past caves, and Civil War carvings.The park also features a petting zoo, a playground, and a mini-golf course. Special events, such as Christmas at the Falls and Smoke on the Falls, add to the park's appeal.