A 90-foot waterfall on Black Creek, the centerpiece of a 500-acre family park in the Appalachian foothills.
Noccalula Falls drops about 90 feet over a sandstone ledge into a gorge at the edge of Gadsden, in the foothills of the Appalachians. The main overlook sits right at the parking area, so the view is immediate; a path and staircase descend into the gorge for a closer look from the base and for access to the Black Creek Trail along the gorge floor.
The waterfall sits inside a 500-acre city park that also has a botanical garden, a pioneer homestead, the 1899 Gilliland-Reese covered bridge, and other paid attractions, so budget time and admission accordingly. Flow is heaviest after rain and can slow noticeably in a dry summer. Check the park's current hours and ticket prices before visiting, since they change by season.
Know before you go
Noccalula Falls Park, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL.
Open year-round; flow is strongest after rain, weaker in dry summer stretches.
Overlook at the parking area; stairs descend into the gorge to the Black Creek Trail.
Paid park admission; check current rates on the park's website.
The main overlook is near parking; the gorge-floor trail involves stairs.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Noccalula Falls Park — official site ↗
- Noccalula Falls Park — Park Information ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
