Noccalula Falls

Gadsden, Alabama, United States

---

Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama, is a 90-foot waterfall located within a 500-acre city park nestled in the Appalachian foothills.

The falls drop into a scenic gorge surrounded by hiking and biking trails that pass historic buildings, caves, a pioneer village, and remnants of early settlements. The park includes a petting zoo, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and two miniature trains that offer tours through the park's various attractions.

Central to the park is a nine-foot bronze statue of Princess Noccalula, a Cherokee woman who, according to legend, tragically leapt to her death at the falls to avoid an unwanted marriage. The falls and park are not only significant for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities but also for their cultural history, having been developed as a public park starting in the mid-20th century on land purchased by a former Gadsden mayor.

Visitors can hike behind the falls, explore the botanical garden, and enjoy family-friendly amenities year-round.