Noccalula Falls and other Alabama, AL Things to Do Tips

Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, Alabama

by Stephen-KarenConn , 2 more photos

Noccalula Falls, which drops a spectacular 90 feet over a Lookout Mountain ledge, is the centerpiece of a Gadsden city park which offers much of interest for the entire family. A day could easily be spent here to enjoy it all. Ammenities at the park include:

Picnic Grounds
Jack's Restaurant
Souvenir Shop
Playground
Deer Park
Petting Zoo
Pioneer Homestead
Botanical Gardens
Nature Trails
Carpet Golf
Train Rides
and more.

According to legend, the falls is named for Cherokee Princess Noccalula, who threw herself from a rock ledge into the falls and died, rather than marry a wealthy neighboring chief, as arranged by her father. Her heart had already been given to a young brave in her own tribe, but he had been banished

I have been to Noccalula Falls in late summer when a relatively small amount of water was flowing over the ledge. This picture was taken in December, after a day of rain. The falls are beautiful in any season.

Hours:
Open daily year round, 9:00 a.m. 'till dusk.

Admission:
Ages 6-11 $1.00
Adults $1.50

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Phone: 256-543-7412
Address: 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL 35999
Directions: In Northeastern Alabama, just off I-59, on Hwy. 221, on the north side of Gadsden.
Website: www.alabamatravel.org/north/nfpc.html

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Things To Do: Alabama Band Headquarters

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Updated by Stephen-KarenConn

on Dec 7, 2004

Alabama Band Headquarters

Without doubt one of the best known exports from the state of Alabama is the music of the country group Alabama. In their 25 years as a performing musical group Alabama has sold more than 65 million albums, had 42 #1 hit singles, and has been recepient of over 150 awards, including two Grammies.

Here in the group's home town of Fort Payne, you may visit the Alabama Band Headquarters, home of the Alabama Fan Club, Gift Shop and Museum.

The Alabama Band Museum displays favorite personal mementos of the band members, gifts from fans, and several of their prestigious awards. A video provides a sample of the band performing in addition to personal information.

Admission to the gift shop and fan club headquarters is free; the museum costs $3.00.

Hours:
8-5 Monday - Saturday
12-5 Sunday

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Phone: 1-800-557-8223
Address: 101 Glenn Blvd. S.W., Fort Payne, Alabama 35967
Directions: In Northeast Alabama, take 1-59 exit #218 at Fort Payne and follow the Museum/Fan Club signs, one mile on the left.
Website: www.thealabamaband.com
Other Contact: fanclub@thealabamaband.com

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Things To Do: Cheaha State Park: Alabama's Highest Point

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Updated by Stephen-KarenConn

on Dec 7, 2004

Observation Tower atop Cheaha

Mountain

Cheaha State Park sits dramatically atop Alabama's highest point at 2,407 feet. The 2,719 acres of the park is surrounded by the much larger Talladega National Forest which comprises one of the prime wild areas in Alabama. Cheaha was established in 1939 and is one of the oldest state Parks in Alabama. The groundwork for the park began even earlier with the work of the Civilian Conservation Corp.

Facilities at the Park include a restaurant-motel complex, rental chalets and cabins and both modern and primitive camping areas. There are numerous hiking trails, some of which lead to dramatic rock outcrops and cliffs which offer spectacular views. Connecting trails in the Talladega National Forest make this an excellent destination for serious backpackers as well as day hikers. There is also a 6.2 miles trail designated for mountain biking, that varies from easy to technical. The Doug Ghee Tail is a 1,520-foot ADA accessible trail to a breathtaking overlook.

Cheaha State Park is open year round, but the gate closes at 9 p.m. to all except overnight guests. All park trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Admission
$1.00 to enter the gate to the 2 1/2 mile loop road that leads to most of the Park's major features.

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Phone: 256-488-5115
Address: 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta, AL 36258
Directions: South of Anniston, Alabama off I-20 and US-431, on AL-281.
Website: www.alapark.com/parks/park.cfm?parkid=7

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Things To Do: Tannehill Historical State Park

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Written by Stephen-KarenConn

on Dec 6, 2004

Restored Ruins of the Tannehill

Ironworks

On my recent trip to Alabama I scheduled a half-day for the Tannehill Historic State Park, and it was not nearly enough time to take in all the many sights and activities offered in these most interesting 1,500 acres. To begin with, there are more than 50 restored historic buildings, including the Tannehill Iron Works which date back to 1830. At the height of production Tannehill turned out as many as 20 tons of iron a day. On March 31, 1865, it all ended in fire and destruction at the hands of the Eighth Iowa Calvary during a Union army raid on Confederate war industry sites.

I find it interesting that such places of death and desolation often become meccas for rest, relaxation and contemplation. The Park contains the Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama and many other attractions which include:

Minature Railway
Crafts Cabins
Pioneer Farm
Hiking Trails
Buggy Rides
195 Improved Campsites
James Scott Young Country Store
Gristmill
Cotton Gin
Country Church
Cane Creek School
Fishing Creek
Picnic Area
Numerous Special Events and Activities
and a whole lot more.

If you have an interest in the outdoors, history, crafts, or just plain sightseeing, this is a park which is definitely worth a visit - or many visits.

Admission:
$3.00 Adults (12 years & older)
$2.00 Seniors (62 & older)
$1.00 Child (Ages 6-11)
Ages 5 & under free

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Phone: 205-477-5711
Address: 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla, AL 35111
Directions: Less than 30 minutes southwest of Birmingham on I-59, take Exit #100 and follow the signs.
Website: www.tannehill.org

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Things To Do: Selma: Alabama's Largest Historic District

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Updated by Stephen-KarenConn

on Dec 8, 2004

Stephen Hanging Loose on a Caboose

in Selma

Selma reeks with history. On the banks of the Alabama River, just 45 miles west of the Capitol city of Montgomery, Selma has been the focal point for important historical events for 175 years, since well before the Civil War. It is the beginning point for America's newest Historic Trail, and home of the largest historic district in Alabama, with over 1,250 structures.

It was from Selma that Martin Luther King Jr. led his famous march to Montgomery in 1965, an event which is remembered today in Selma's National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. Other important museums in the city include the Old Depot Museum, the Slavery and Civil War Museum, and Brown Chapel AME Church, headquarters for the 1965 voting rights marches. Those with an interest in American history don't want to miss Selma.

"Seeing all this pieces together history."
USA Today

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Directions: 45 miles west of Montgomery on US-80.
Website: www.selmaalabama.com

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Things To Do: Alabama State Capitol Building

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Updated by Stephen-KarenConn

on Dec 7, 2004

Alabama State Capitol Dome

by Stephen-KarenConn , 2 more photos