Gadsden brings together several travel interests: the waterfall and trails at Noccalula Falls Park, birdwatching by the lake, paddling on the Coosa River, as well as art, regional history, and activities for children. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gadsden, these interests can help guide your plans for your stay. Nature and water sit alongside museums and architecture here.
Waterfall, Trails and Birdwatching
Noccalula Falls plunges more than 90 feet into the Black Creek Gorge. At Noccalula Falls Park, paved walking paths begin at the Admissions Pavilion. There are also more than 15 miles of maintained singletrack trails that intersect with the main path and are suitable for hiking, running, and mountain biking. You can choose between a walk on paved paths and a longer network of trails; the activities differ, as do the routes.
The James D. Martin Wildlife Park offers another way to experience nature: a 0.25-mile trail leads to a shoreline birdwatching area and boardwalks over the lake. Bald eagles can occasionally be seen in winter. Seasonal birdwatching and the lakeside trail offer a different focus from the trails at Noccalula Falls Park: here the focus is on the shoreline and birds, while there it is on the waterfall and various trail activities.
The Coosa River is another way to connect your Gadsden visit with the water. The Alabama Scenic River Trail is a paddling route that follows the river through Gadsden. Coosa Landing has a four-lane boat ramp. This makes it possible to distinguish a paddling- or boating-focused interest from a visit centered mainly on walking trails, birdwatching, or culture.
Art and History
The Gadsden Museum of Art combines art with a look at regional history. It has five art galleries on two floors. On the third and top floor, the museum presents a historical exhibit featuring artifacts and information about surrounding towns in Etowah County. The museum was founded in 1963 by the Gadsden Art Association. For those choosing between art and history, a visit offers both galleries and a distinct focus on regional history.
You can explore architectural history in the Downtown Gadsden Historic District. The district includes commercial and public buildings in styles ranging from the Victorian era to early modernism. This complements a museum visit with a different subject: instead of galleries and an exhibit, the focus here is on the different architectural styles and types of buildings.
An Activity for Children
Imagination Place is designed primarily for children ages 2 to 10. It includes KidsTown USA, a permanent exhibit designed at a child’s scale. If you’re traveling with children in this age range, you can consider this as a possible focus alongside nature, paddling, and culture. Its explicitly child-focused design sets it apart from the other topics mentioned.
Choosing a Hotel in Gadsden
When choosing a hotel in Gadsden, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: waterfalls and trails, birdwatching, paddling, art and architecture, or activities for children. The attractions offer different interests without requiring a set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Attalla.
See the broader travel guide: Etowah.
