Traveling to Beautiful Gadsden, Alabama, and Etowah County

Etowah County, Alabama, is picturesque and a beautiful place to visit. The whole state of Alabama is full of many beautiful parks and areas in which to visit, however, the Coosa River that flows around the community of Gadsden, Alabama, is just as it should be every year, full of attractions and packed with family fun. Gadsden is a wonderful growing community, with welcoming people and loaded year round with fun vibrant activities including many festivals. www.cityofgadsden.com/

The Riverfest is a favorite annual activity for everyone in the surrounding areas. The Riverfest includes not only entertainment by various artists each year but a wonderful arts and crafts line up with plenty of vendors to stroll through and the festival is continuously growing as the years past. There are many food vendors with almost everything imaginable to eat, also plenty of kid activities everywhere throughout the Riverfest and this year they had a whole gigantic amusement area setup in Moragne Park.

Noccalula Falls Park is another one of the local sites and offers a heartwarming story or legend that it centers on. Originally Naccalula Falls was known as Black Creek Falls and a great Indian Chief's daughter named Noccalula who was noted for being loving and kind, was always courted by many young Indian braves. However only one brave who was in his own right a chief to a neighboring tribe, was favored by the girl's father, the chief. He had much to give to his daughter and would take good care of her, thought the chief. Noccalula had already given her heart however to a young brave within her own tribe. Unfortunately the young warrior had little to offer except his skill and loyalty. The old chief wouldn't listen to his daughter and ordered her to make ready for her marriage to the other chief and the young warrior was driven from the tribe to make certain the marriage agreement would proceed. The preparations of the wedding finally commenced and a great food banquet was set out. Noccalula made ready for the marriage in festive Indian wedding costume, however she was deeply upset and stricken with grief thereby slowly slipping away from the festivities. She went to the Falls and threw herself to her death into the rushing water. The chief was so troubled and grief-stricken by his daughter's death then named the Falls Noccalula, as it is still called to this day.

Along with the beautiful gardens sit within Noccalula Park, the park also houses a small pioneer town, full of rustic log buildings that appeal to days gone by. The small pioneer village represents the harsh living conditions of the Appalachian people of the past. It represents the struggles and hardships many faced as they settled here. They fought the Indians, traveled the mountains and dealt with a rough life. There are many things to see and learn from in the village and it makes a wonderful backdrop to the natural splendor of the park.

The Noccalula Park also features many campgrounds, picnic areas for visitors to the area to enjoy. As well as an old fashioned railroad with working train, miniature golf course and beautiful kids playground. It also has a country store, mill and a old fashioned covered bridge. Call 256-543-7412 for campground information www.noccfalls.homestead.com

In the Kyle Building in Gadsden is the Imagination Place which is a kids learning masterpiece that includes a playground and exhibits with a hands on learning experience. A child's size city full of activities, a dessert making area, a huge tornado exhibit among other interesting equipment and learning programs. www.culturalarts.org 256-543-2787 The Imagination Children's Museum is extraordinary.

Gadsden, Alabama is a beautifully laid community with a wonderful historic neighborhood restored to its fullest. The street lamps line a magnificent shopping mecca with little specialty stores and antique markets. The Gadsden people are welcoming and the small town feel makes it a great place to spend some quality vacations and enjoy everything this part of Alabama has to offer. The area is full of lodging for any budget, including the camp facilities. As well as some of the best down home southern food around. www.downtowngadsden.com

Another great place to see some beautiful scenery is the James D. Martin Wildlife & Walking Trail Park is located off US 411 and not far from the Gadsden Mall area. Gadsden has a wonderful nature trail which borders the H. Neely Henry Lake which has been deemed a green space. The area is enjoyed by all area hikers, bikers and visitors who love all that nature has to offer Gadsden and Coosa River also has a 1,000 ft. boardwalk in which to wander the day away. Many people enjoy the peaceful atmosphere just sitting on benches and watching those that love to fish off the boardwalk.

I lived in Alabama for many years and enjoyed traveling around the state visiting its attractions and communities. I thoroughly appreciate all this world has to offer and small town communities like Gadsden are what makes this country great.

References for this article include: www.gadsdentimes.com
www.gadsdenchamber.com
www.etowahcounty.org