Discover Gadsden

In Gadsden, different travel interests come together: nature, birdwatching, paddling, art and architectural history. If you’re looking for a hotel, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. Options range from outdoor trails to museums and a historic district.

Nature Trails and Scenery

Noccalula Falls plunges more than 90 feet into the Black Creek gorge. At Noccalula Falls Park, paved walking paths start at the Admissions Pavilion. More than 15 miles of maintained singletrack trails also intersect with the main path, making them suitable for hiking, running and mountain biking. This gives you a choice of different ways to get active: a walk on paved paths or a stay focused on hiking, running and mountain biking. The singletrack trails connect exactly these three activities.

Birdwatching and Water

At James D. Martin Wildlife Park, a 0.25-mile trail leads to a waterfront birdwatching area and boardwalks over the lake. If you want to watch birds, the season also matters: bald eagles are occasionally seen there in winter. This nature experience differs from the longer singletrack trails at Noccalula Falls Park: the focus here is on the waterfront, the lake and seasonal sightings.

The Alabama Scenic River Trail is a paddling route that follows the Coosa River through Gadsden. Coosa Landing has a four-lane boat ramp. When planning your time on the water, you can distinguish between these different options: a paddling route along the river and a boat ramp. Consider whether paddling or access to a boat ramp is relevant to your trip.

Art, History and Architecture

The Gadsden Museum of Art has five art galleries across two floors. On the third and top floor, the museum presents a historical exhibit with artifacts and information about surrounding towns in Etowah County. Art and regional history offer different perspectives there. The museum was founded in 1963 by the Gadsden Art Association (GAA); this year is part of the institution’s own history.

The building stock in the Downtown Gadsden Historic District includes commercial and public buildings. Architectural styles range from the Victorian era to early modernism. Those interested in architecture will find a different way to explore history here than in the museum’s galleries and historical exhibit: the focus is on buildings and their range of styles.

An Option for Younger Children

Imagination Place is designed primarily for children ages 2 to 10. It includes KidsTown USA, a permanent exhibit designed entirely to a child’s scale. For planning a trip with children, the stated age range provides a practical guide; the exhibit’s concept also differs from the nature and history themes at the other destinations.

Find Hotels in Gadsden That Suit Your Trip

Then compare the specific information about hotel locations and amenities with your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Attalla

For the broader travel overview: Etowah.