Scenic waterfall is popular draw for Gadsden area visitors
By Jennifer Kornegay
Nestled in Alabama’s northeast corner among the southernmost Appalachian mountains’ rounded peaks and on the banks of the Coosa River, Gadsden boasts some of Alabama’s loveliest scenery. And Noccalula Falls Park gleams as the glittering centerpiece of its natural beauty.
The 500-acre oasis — sitting less than three miles from the city’s revitalized and bustling downtown — beckons residents and visitors with a range of activities, special events and its namesake waterfall, a 90-foot cascade roaring over a massive rock ledge and cloaked in a tragic legend.
According to local lore, Noccalula was a heartbroken Native American princess who chose to throw herself over the falls into Black Creek Ravine when her father, the tribe’s chief, tried to force her to forsake her true love and marry someone else. A statue of the princess preparing for her dramatic plunge stands at the top of the falls.
Further in the park, a botanical garden, pioneer village, mini golf course, petting zoo (with kangaroos, goats, mini horses and more), playground and picnic pavilions await, while a train traversing part of the property offers rides. A web of well-maintained trails winds through the forest lining Black Creek, with a 1.7-mile path leading down to the bottom of the waterfall and continuing behind its foamy sheets.
The park has always been a jewel in Gadsden’s crown—it’s one of the most visited attractions in the state—but recent improvements and additions add to its appeal, including a new $12-million campground facility, expansions to the trail system, a suspension bridge spanning the creek, and a staircase leading down into the gorge and some of the trails making them more accessible.
“People love that you can go behind the falls,” says John Moore, Gadsden’s director of commercial development. “I’ve seen so many folks posting on social media, from all over the Southeast, coming here to Gadsden to see the falls and hike that trail.”
One of the park’s now-popular offerings proved itself when city leaders were unsure of its value. “We have a lot of people coming to fish the rainbow trout we stocked in Black Creek,” says Moore. “But initially, we weren’t sure the investment was worth it. It wasn’t a ton of money, but we really didn’t know people would care.” They do. With only a couple of other waterways in the state supporting trout, avid anglers showed up and keep coming. “It’s been a huge success, and we have fishermen come from about a 100-mile radius.”
Holiday display draws big crowds
The waterfall, trails, trout and train draw folks to the park year-round, but every November through early January, the park hosts its largest crowds at night, when more than 200,000 people flock to bask in the glow of 10 million twinkling colorful lights arranged in multiple fanciful scenes — from pouncing tigers and marching nutcrackers to fields of giant flowers and snowmen whose “singing” is synchronized to popular holiday tunes. They take it all in on foot, strolling the park’s paved walkways, or aboard the train.
“It’s become a holiday tradition for many,” Moore says. “People from all over come here for Thanksgiving or around Christmas, and after the meal or whatever gathering, they load up all the extended family and come see the lights.” He credits that with the event’s ongoing success. “There are so many return visitors,” Moore says, “but we also get lots of people coming with no ties to Gadsden; they come from Texas, Florida, Louisiana, as well as every corner of Alabama.”
While the light displays wow visitors, so do food trucks offering seasonal treats including hot cocoa, kettle corn and mini cinnamon-sugar donuts; a winter wonderland area complete with softly falling “snow;” and pictures with Santa. And a green not-so-jolly guy gets his due, too; the Grinch is also on hand and happy (at least as happy as the Grinch can be) to pose for photos.
With other special events in spring and early fall, plus the park’s daily options for fresh-air fun, there’s plenty to see and do, and for those wanting to make a weekend out of the experience, the park recently completed an enticing option. Its new campground features 73 hook-up sites for RVs, as well as a pool and renovated bathroom facilities.
But Noccalula Falls remains the key piece of the park’s allure. Simply standing at its edge and watching sheets of water plummet into the creek below, the sun’s rays turning every drop into a sparkling diamond, is alone worth the visit.
Look Past the Park
While you’re in Gadsden, don’t forgo its other attractions.
The River: Explore the Coosa River via a paddleboat rented at Coosa Landing, or on Riverwalk Park’s elevated waterside boardwalks and fishing piers.
Downtown: Dig through yesterday’s treasures at Dusty Things. Stock up on state pride at The Alabama Gift Company, which is packed with Alabama-made goods like Jennifer’s Kitchen pepper jellies, Betsy’s Cheese Straws and creams and cuticle balms from 1818 Farms. Dine on pimento cheese pups and hearty burgers at The Rail Public House. Or snack on a square of black walnut fudge from Sinful Sweetz and sip a honeysuckle latte from Hubcap Coffee, a cute café housed in a former gas station.
The Amp: The Mort Glosser Amphitheater, nicknamed The Amp, was built in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration and features WPA’s signature stone in its design. The city recently upgraded the historic, open-air venue, outfitting its 1,600 rock seats by adding wood benches extending out from the stone. “It preserves the character but makes the seats more comfortable,” Moore says. The seat improvements, plus renovated, updated bathrooms and a new canopy covering the stage, have allowed the city to bring more events to The Amp, with multiple concerts, plays and other entertainment gracing its stage all year long.
Event-Full
Noccalula Falls Park’s calendar stays packed. Here are a few can’t-miss events.
Alabama Wine Festival, Sept. 18-19
Christmas at the Falls, Nov. 13-15, November 20-Dec. 23 & Dec. 26-Jan. 2
Spring Lantern Festival, Feb. 13-April 15 (Friday-Sunday only)
Smoke on the Falls BBQ Competition, held annually in April
Visit noccalulafallspark.com for times, ticket prices and more details.
