We decided to drive 9 hours to get to Central Alabama to see our grandchildren. My son-in-law and daughter made several trips to waterfalls in the area and wanted to show us, Noccalula Falls, while we were in Alabama. They considered it the best falls in the area.
The Noccalula Falls was once known as the Black Creek Falls based on the Legend of Noccalula, the daughter of an Indian Chief. She was known for her beauty and character. Noccalula fell in love with a young brave from her own tribe but her father wanted to marry her off to a wealthy and powerful chief from a neighboring tribe. This way they could exchange for items that the tribe needed.
Book Top Attractions Below
The beautiful princess ended her life quietly on the falls on her wedding day while the tribe was enjoying the great feast. Her father, who was remorseful, named the cascade after her.
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What Noccalula Falls Has To Offer Families
We head out to Noccalula Falls, which is a part of the Black Creek Ravine. I was impressed with the park for several reasons! The Falls are about 90 feet high. You can walk for about 1.5 miles down to the gorge and look up at the falls.
There is plenty to see and do in Noccalula Falls. You can spend the whole day. The train makes it easy to get around, and with the playground and petting zoo, the kids will remain occupied. There is plenty of shade for doing the hotter summer months.
They offer camping, fly fishing, cabin rentals, venue rentals, botanical gardens and much more! See our top 5 favorite things to do at Noccalula Falls below!
Our Top 5 Reasons To Visit Noccalula Falls
- Take the train! There are trails leading all over the park. But my daughter was almost 8 months pregnant when we took our trip. The train is great if you have little ones or if you want to limit your walking. Take a ride on the authentic Huntington miniature train!
- Kids love the petting zoo! They actually have a lion there which if she is out you are pretty close up! We saw all kinds of wildlife in the animal area. Some were native to Alabama but most were not.
- Playground, picnic, and camp. The park offers so much and at reasonable prices. The campground runs along the Black Gorge with tent, cabin or RV hookups.
- Mini Golf! For a separate fee, you can also play minigolf with the kids.
- Pioneer Village is great for kids to pretend they are living in Pioneer times! There are various outbuildings placed around the property in the Pioneer Village for kids to explore along with the tools they used to live.
Getting Around Noccalula Falls
Train stations are located throughout the property so you can pick up the train rather than walk to the next display. There are some hilly areas but I would consider this an easy walking experience for both little kids and older adults. The trails were mostly asphalt and nicely maintained grounds made it a pleasant experience.
Pioneer Village at the Falls
The bonus is every holiday season the park is covered in holiday lights! You can see they were starting to put up the lights in some of my pictures!
Petting Zoo at Noccalula Falls
Location and Hours Information
NOCCALULA FALLS PARK & CAMPGROUND, 1500 NOCCALULA ROAD, GADSDEN, AL, 35904, UNITED STATES(256) 549-4663
Park Admission
(Regular season: March – October, Weekends on in November. Closed January and February.)
(Prices may vary for special events.)
Adults
$ 6.00 per visit
$ 15.00/person Season Pass
Senior Adults / Military
$ 4.00 per visit
$ 10.00/person Season Pass
Children (ages 4-12)
$ 4.00 per visit
$ 10.00/person Season Pass
Children 3 and under
FREE
Attractions
- BLACK CREEK TRAILS
- PETTING ZOO
- BOTANICAL GARDENS
- TRAIN
- FALLS
- WEDDING CHAPEL
- MINI GOLF
- CAMPGROUND
- CABINS
- FLY FISHING
Book Haunted Night Walking Tours Below
Let us know your favorite falls in Alabama in the comments!
We did not stay near the falls. We opted, instead to stay on Lay Lake so we were more centrally located to other events we had going on in Alabama. This is a great recreational area to stay in when visiting Central Alabama. We were able to score a great home on Lay Lake on VRBO.
90 responses to “5 Reasons You Need To Visit Noccalula Falls, Alabama”
What a beautiful part of Alabama. I have only been to Huntsville and was stuck in a hotel for most of it. I love the waterfall and the zoo. The lion reminds me of Bauer when he is sleeping. LOL!
Haha … Bauer must be so handsome!
Looks like a marvelous place to explore and have fun!
It really is! I hope you enjoy it if you ever make it there!
This looks like like a great vacation for kids!
The kids love it!
Noccalula Falls looks like the perfect destination for families. There’s so much to do – would love to check it out!
Thanks! I hope you get there soon!
Looks very scenic! We have been through Alabama, but never here!
Be sure to add it to your list next time!
Looks like a beautiful area, but the story behind it is tragic. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Melissa!
What a beautiful place to visit! I love waterfalls and this one is even better because it has animals as well. The last time I’ve see a llama was when we were in Peru. Brought back memories
They are feisty! I love looking at them!
Oh, I am a HUGE fan of waterfalls! The sound is sooooo refreshing. I love the fact that they have a train, too ~ what a great way to limit walking if you have physical restrictions or….well, are pregnant! Thanks for sharing this family adventure with us!
Thank you! I appreciate you looking!
What a beautiful place! Looks like fun for the whole family.
Thank you, Amanda!
This looks like an amazing place to visit. I love the idea that the little train takes you to different areas. I know my family would love the pioneer village portion.
That train makes it fun for the kids and older folks like me. Nothing like getting a ride!
What a fun place to take the kids!!
I would have loved this when I had littles!
How fun! My family would love to visit. They love animals so that would definitely be a bonus. I would want to take them to the actual falls!
I wanted to go down there. There is access but we were on a tight schedule and my son in law drives slow.
We are planning a 3 or 4 week road trip next summer and I think you just put Lay Lake. on the list. Looks dreamy!
Great! I can’t wait to hear about it!
Looks like so much fun! The raccoon! I just love raccoons…
Me too Meagan! I was hoping they would release him back.
We like views of the water very much, so your cabin seems like an excellent place to spend a vacation. Pioneer Village looks like a fun place, too. Your adventures with your family, both sports and recreational, seem to have been a great adventure.
Lay Lake was my favorite part. Thanks, Dawnmarie!
I would take the train and visit the waterfall. The dock on the lake looked very relaxing too.
Thanks, Missy!
Noccalula Falls looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing this. Looks like a great area to explore 🙂
It is beautiful! Thanks, Liza!
I love that you were so close to the lake. It looks peaceful and beautiful.
It was! They had great decks overlooking the lake.
Such a pretty place! I love the falls. And your Airbnb was so nice too. Gorgeous views of the lake. Looks like there’s lots to do in the area.
Thank you, Cindy!
That dock looks really inviting right now! I would be there all day fishing, most likely!
If we did not have so much planned I would have done the same thing!
This place looks beautiful and the waterfall. WOW
Thank you Lina!
This looks like a great place for children and adults. I think the pioneer village and the meeting zoo would be our kids favorites. I would love the lake and the falls.
I was surprised how extensive the petting zoo was! My fave was the lake for sure!
This sounds like a neat place to visit. I need to come for a visit.
Can’t wait to hear about it!
I’ve never heard of this place. It looks amazing! I love that parrot!
They were cool! Thanks, Charlene!
What a fun place! I’ve never spent a lot of time Alabama, just might have to visit.
Me either! Let us know if you do!
If I had kids…this would be a perfect stop on the way to Florida – thanks for sharing!
Thanks Judean!
What a beautiful location! I think I would spend all my time sitting in the chair by the dock. Or by the waterfalls. Just lovely!
I am a water person too. It is what water people do! lol
Waterfalls, trains, playgrounds, animals….you’re speaking our language! I’ve added it to my list of places to visit in Alabama!
Cool Kristi! I can’t wait to hear about it!
Being born and raised in Alabama, I can’t believe how many places I still need to explore within my home-state!
Wow! Let me know how you like it Kyndall!
At first, I thought it said there is a lion cub at the petting zoo! I was equally excited and confused. Looks like an awesome place to take my family!
LOL I should have been more specific, just outside the petting zoo, there is a BIG lion!
It’s so nice you had some time to spend with your grandchildren. Looks like you had a great time.
We did! Thank you Jennifer!
Alabama has waterfalls? I’ve never visited this State, but your info makes it interesting to have a visit. Plenty to do and see, good to know info!
And the mountains too! I had no idea either Hera!
Is that Santa driving the train??
It must be his second job! LOL
Looks like a beautiful place. And I love that you picked a rental right on the water. That’s doing it the right way!
Always! We love lake homes!
It looks so peaceful and can I say that I just adore that little train! Like, seriously….adore it! My grandsons would have a blast!
I loved that little girl in the photo!
That tree is amazing! Great photos!! Looks like a gorgeous place to get away.
Thanks, Laura!
What a great place. I will be in Huntsville while my son is attending space camp. I wonder how far it is from there. I have some research to go.
You should! Let me know how it goes!
What a beautiful place to visit! I have not spent as much time I was l would like too in Alabama…I am going to check this out next time I am there!
We love it up there!
I love a good train ride! My kids live for it!
As they should!
What a fun family getaway for all ages…love waterfalls and the lake life!
Me too! Thank you!
This sounds like a fun and relaxing place to visit! I bet my grandkids would love the train and the petting Zoo!
It was! Thank you, Lori!
Looks like a great park and so much to do! I love the train.
Thanks, Pam!
You guys go on some really great adventures! How do you find your destinations?
Wow, thanks! I feel like there is so much to do still!
What a beautiful place Lay Lake is! I’ve never been to Alabama and this place looks like a great place to lay back and relax with family.
Your pictures are beautiful and definitely make me want to visit! Looks like a fun place.
What a beautiful and peaceful-looking area! I love the waterfall and all the cute activities for the kiddos!
Thank you Laura! Sometimes I think state parks give the best value for families wanting to get outdoors! They have so much to offer.