Noccalula Falls Gorge Trail

Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden features a dramatic 90-foot waterfall and a trail system that descends into the gorge below. The Gorge Trail passes behind the waterfall, through rock shelters and small caves, and along the creek through a lush forest environment protected by the canyon walls. Native American legend tells of a young Cherokee woman named Noccalula who leaped from the falls rather than marry against her will, and a statue at the falls commemorates this tragic story. Beyond the gorge trails, the park includes a pioneer village, botanical gardens, and a small zoo. The gorge trail’s unique features—including the behind-the-falls experience—make this one of Alabama’s most memorable short hikes.