Etowah County is a perfect mixture of the arts and outdoors. It’s home to beautiful places honoring a legend, an exotic animal preserve, great fishing, comfortable camping, two wineries, a craft brewery, and two museums to see beautiful art. Take a trip to Etowah County for an authentic adventure.
Noccalula Falls Park
Noccalula Falls Park's main attraction is the gorgeous 90-foot waterfall with a statue of Princess Noccalula overlooking the canyon. The park also features nature trails, botanical garden, pioneer village, and petting zoo. Another favorite attraction at Noccalula Falls Park is their C.P. Huntington Train. The train operates daily and takes visitors on a scenic one mile ride in and around the park. Unlimited train rides included in park admission. (photo by North Alabama Ambassador Pat Yancey)
Neely Henry Lake and Coosa Landing
Neely Henry Lake is a beautiful lake that boasts of some great fishing and Coosa Landing is a public boat launch with paved and lit parking for over 100 boats. You'll also find a bait and tackle shop located onsite with a public bathroom.
James D. Martin Wildlife Park
Walking along a boardwalk that goes out into Neely Henry Lake is one of the highlights of James D. Martin Wildlife Park in Gadsden, and our Ambassador Justin Carter captured it beautifully. You can even visit some wooded islands that are along Black Creek. Lots of birds like egrets, herons, and eagles make their homes in this park, so you'll be sure to see some majestic birds. (photo by North Alabama Ambassador Justin Carter)
River Rocks Landing Campground
River Rocks Landing Campground is a beautiful place to go and relax and is newly renovated. The campground features a 12-foot walk around with porch swings & fishing docks, lodge, conference center, and chapel.
Maraella Winery
Maraella Winery is located in the picturesque foothills of the Applachian Mountains. Established in 2005, the vineyards include estate grown and bottled Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wills Creek Vineyards
Discover the tranquil world nestled in the pea-shell hills of the Duck Springs Valley. At Wills Creek Vineyards, enjoy free wine tastings from over 20 varieties of wine. Relax on the deck overlooking the vineyard and duck pond with wine by the glass and cheese and sausage platters.
Back Forty Beer Company
Inspired by an old agricultural term referring to the 40 acres of land farthest from the barn, the name of Back Forty Beer Company is a bit of a contradiction. They source their ingredients close to home for beers like the Truck Stop Honey Brown and Freckle Belly India Pale. Get a taste as you tour the microbrewery or take a seat in the taproom, both located in downtown Gadsden.
Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts and Imagination Place
The Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts is home to three art galleries, Imagination Place Children’s Hands-on Museum, 72-foot working model railroad, and Gadsden Community School of the Arts.
Horse Pens 40
Horse Pens 40 is a historic outdoor nature park, a natural wonderland of unique rock formations nestled atop Chandler Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians. Located on top of the third highest mountain in Alabama at 1500′ above sea level, it is blessed with a moderate climate that allows everyone to enjoy it’s beauty year-round. The stone formations here are said to be among the oldest naturally exposed stones in the world, dating from 600 million to over 1.3 billion years old. (Info and photo from Greater Gadsden Tourism)
