Noccalula Falls

All throughout Alabama, there are incredibly beautiful waterfalls. I, unfortunately, have only been to one of these waterfalls, but the one I went to is a sight to behold: Noccalula Falls.

Noccalula Falls is located in Gadsden, Alabama. Which is about forty minutes away from Jacksonville. The falls are right in the middle of the city so, if you are not paying attention, you may drive right past it.

The name of the park comes from a legend of the area. In the legend, a woman of the Cherokee tribe by the name of Noccalula was ordered to marry a certain man by her father. But she was in love with a different man her father did not approve of. In response to this, she jumped to her death at the falls. Whether this legend is true or not has been under debate. But I would like to believe it is true.

The land was owned by the former mayor of Gadsden, R.A. Mitchell, in 1909. After he passed, it was passed along to his daughter Sadie Mitchell and she offered to give it to the city in the 40s. the city did not finally purchase it until 1946 for $70,000.

The park itself sits on about 250-acres of land. The most well-known part of the park in the waterfall that can be seen when you enter. The waterfall is about 90 feet tall and truly a sight to see. Depending on whether it has recently rained or not, the water can be more of a stream or can have raging waters. Which is how it looked when I went this past weekend.

Near the falls is a long trail that goes all about the Black Creek Gorge. Along the trail you can see an aboriginal fort, a dam, a pioneer homestead, carvings from the Civil War, and a newer built suspension bridge. In my trip, I only saw the suspension bridge.

The park also includes a petting zoo, mini-golf course, the Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge that was built in 1899 and a train ride. There is also a nine-foot-tall bronze statue of Noccalula right by the falls.

The park was successfully named on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in May of 1972. And in 2017, it was rated as the best campsite in Alabama. Three people actually successfully kayaked over the falls as well in 2011.

The park also has a botanical garden that has over 25,000 azaleas.

Noccalula is a beautiful place that I would highly recommend to anyone. Make sure to check if a rain has come through to see it in full force.