Noccalula Falls and Noccalula Falls Park offer several attractions topped with an impressive 90 foot waterfall. There is miniature golf, a small zoo, hiking trails, a sightseeing train, and historic buildings to explore.  You can also park at Jack's and skip the park entrance fee altogether.

• 0.1 mi round trip
• Nice View
• Great for Kids
• Great for Dogs

As a large family, we find renting a home for a night much more relaxing than a hotel, and it's so nice to have a place nearby to crash after a long day of hiking! You can find nice, affordable homes on Vrbo.

Noccalula Falls is just north of Gadsden and just a short detour off of Interstate 59. It's a product of Black Creek and a large drop into a canyon below, but be warned, the flow in the creek can be pretty pitiful in the dog days of summer. So, either stick to peak waterfalling season in the spring, fall, and winter or just plan to go after strong rains.

When we were there, we took a couple of hours to explore the park, ride the train with the kids, and eat a picnic lunch. Visiting in May, there was a good combination of warm sun and high water flows over the falls.

If you take more time, a hike up the Black Creek Canyon below the falls is a good way to spend a few hours.

Gadsden and Noccalula Falls is about 45 minutes down I-59 from the Fort Payne and Mentone area, home of the highest concentration of must-see waterfalls in Alabama. If you head north to DeSoto Falls, you can hit Griffin Falls and High Falls on the way.

Another option is heading south to Talladega National Forest to see Salt Creek Falls and Cheaha Falls.

Or if you want more choices, we have listed 10 of the best waterfalls you can visit for a day trip.  You can check that out as well.

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