Noccalula Falls — Attraction in Gadsden

Our family's story from July 2019: Our family has been so blessed in a time of trauma that we need to share. Our sweet Caroline (rising 2nd grader, 7 yrs old) was in a horrific bike accident while on a public bike trail in Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama on July 18, 2019. We were on a family bike ride to get ice cream in a public -CITY - park. Although there was some fencing in other parts of the trail, creating an illusion of safety, we didn't realize that the section we were on included a 40 foot cliff just off the trail (extremely close to the trail and the campground where children played on the trail all day). There were NO signs or fences in this particular section. Caroline went ahead of us, hit a rut in the trail, lost control and went straight over the cliff and laid motionless on the ground. It was one of the most unspeakable, nauseating sights for a parent to witness. Long story short, trying to get to her was challenging, but with help we got to her, found her broken helmet and her little body starting to move, got her down a trail (about 1/4 mile) and then up the cliff in a safer area. We rode with her in EMS (thank you first responders!) to Children's Hospital Birmingham (great team of nurses and doctors!) . Her injuries were numerous - lacerated spleen, punctured lung, fractured scapula, concussion - but these stabilized and she showed no other significant head or neck injury. What an absolute miracle! This fall could easily have been life-ending or life-changing. With all of this being said we are appalled by ALABAMA law and its lack of consideration of visiter lives and safety. Alabama Recreation Use Statues states the following (which applies to cities and towns as "owners" of parks): *Alabama Code 35-15-23. Limitations on legal liability of owner An owner of outdoor recreational land who either invites or permits non-commercial public recreational use of such land does NOT by invitation or permission thereby: (1) Extend any assurance that the outdoor recreational land is SAFE for any purpose; (2) Assume responsibility for or incur legal liability for any injury to the person or property owned or controlled by a person as a result of the entry on or use of such land by such person for any recreational purpose; or (3) Confer upon such person the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed. **Alabama is NOT a safe place to take your children for recreation purposes. Private property is one thing but CITY property should be required to maintain their areas and required to keep it safe for public use. The city of Gadsden, Alabama refuses to fix the fencing issue OR put up any signage. Parks and Recreation department stated "since we cannot fix the entire park that has ledges we will not be add any addition fencing" and that "they saw no need". Currently, there is NOT any signage stating that danger is present right beside our plenty of rest at the campground. Normally you have to hike to a waterfall and signage would be present along the trail. This was NOT obvious when coming to the trail from the campground as we did. The 40 foot cliff was right beside the walking/biking trail and was camouflaged by small brush and the city gave the illusion of safety with other short sections of fence. This law does NOT protect visitors or tourists, but gives carte blanche to any city to leave public dangers in place……..this is crazy! How can anyone promote a state recreation venue that does not have the care of their youth in mind, but only the revenue generated by the...

Absolutely stunning after spring rains. It's rare to find accessible 90ft waterfalls without having to drive and hike considerable distances. This is a very well-maintained natural resource complete with a pioneer village and activities for the family. On the park side, you pay a small fee to get to the falls on a light to light-moderate trail depending how far behind the falls you go. It becomes moderate-difficult, even treacherous after rain, to continue out the other side, but it is possible and very rewarding. You can walk the entire circuit around the gorge using a suspension bridge on the opposite end from the falls. There are signs all over the place preventing you from getting turned around. When there aren't signs there are orange paint markers and white reflective tags on trees. You can also enter the gorge from the opposite side of the creek from the park without paying a fee. You can then take the suspension bridge to the other side to get to the falls more easily. There are plenty of opportunities to shoot video and photography of rapids, cliffs, flora, and fauna. It's an experience you shouldn't pass up if you have an...

Visit this awesome waterfall spot. Public park. So if you are looking for a hidden gem, this is not for you. Great hiking to waterfall, sometimes a little steep and there are boulders to maneuver. Interesting history of the park. Makes a great afternoon trip with kids and friends who enjoy being in nature. I brought my dog, and she hiked and climbed with us. Odd there is a jacks fast food in the adjacent lot, but if you or your kids get hungry there’s a quick easy solution. All though it’s not the healthiest choice, you can grab some food and sit in the park at the picnic tables and refuel. There isn’t any getting back in the car with hungry, tired children, and trying to find the nearest place for food. At Christmas they light up the park and offer train rides. I thought it was great fun, easy, and inexpensive way to spend...