Etowah
Etowah County boasts an abundance of outdoor activities for those wishing to stay active. Situated along the banks of the Coosa River and only 60 miles from Birmingham, Etowah County is the perfect place to retire. The county is home to the communities of Gadsden, Rainbow City, Glencoe, Southside, Attalla, Hokes Bluff, Sardis City, and Altoona.
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NATURE PARKS & TRAILS
Gadsden and Etowah County is home to numerous outdoor venues for biking, hiking, paddling, climbing, golf, tennis, and more.
Nestled along the banks of the Coosa River, Etowah County is the perfect location for retirees looking to stay active after retirement.
FISHING AND CAMPING
The Coosa River and H. Neely Henry Lake are home to some of the best fishing in the South with beautiful mountain views. Spotted bass, crappie, largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish make Gadsden fisheries a year-round playground for fisherman. Creeks along the Coosa are growing in popularity for both kayak and fly fishing.
The lake was formed by the Neely Henry Dam (57 ft high), built in 1966 by Alabama Power Company for hydroelectric power and recreation.
Marvelous Quality of Life
I have lived all over the country, and I must say that living in the Gadsden, AL area is the best ever. Beautiful mountains, lakes, and friendly people all add up to a marvelous quality of life!

- Dave Tumlin
Attractions for Senior Living
Etowah County has a wide-range of leisure, cultural, historic, and recreational activities to offer. In addition, the Coosa River and Noccalula Falls combine to give the county abundant natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Noccalula Falls Park
Find the Perfect Home
Looking to relocate or retire in beautiful North Alabama? Use ValleyMLS.com to search for your next home or to connect with local REALTORS® ready to guide your search every step of the way.
Upcoming Events
McGee Farms
- McGee Farm
- Recurring daily
Experience a real pumpkin patch! Each year, McGee Farm welcomes thousands of visitors to its pumpkin…
Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
Athens State University welcomes old-time music lovers of all ages to the campus from October 4-7…
Boaz Harvest Festival
October 6-7, 2023 During Harvest Festival, an assortment of arts and crafts vendors for shoppers to…
Little River Orchard, LLC
- Little River Orchard
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Join us in beautiful Mentone for U-Pick Apples events! Little River Orchard will have U-Pick days…
Cruise & Croon
Presented by the All American Cruisers, Cruise and Croon welcomes locals and visitors to the…
The Belue Place Pumpkin Patch
- The Belue Place Pumpkin Patch
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
Featured in "25 Pumpkin Patches In Alabama you need to visit this Fall" The Belue Place resides on…
The Belue Place Pumpkin Patch
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Saturday
Featured in "25 Pumpkin Patches In Alabama you need to visit this Fall" The Belue Place resides on…
Canyon Half Marathon
- Recurring on the 2nd Saturday of October
Fort Payne, AL - Jacksonville State University and the Little River Canyon Center is pleased to…
Scottsboro BBQ Festival
The picturesque downtown square of Scottsboro will be the backdrop for the annual Scottsboro BBQ…
3rd Fridays in Downtown Decatur
- 3rd Fridays Downtown Decatur
- Recurring monthly on the 3rd Friday
Be a part of Decatur’s downtown street festival each third Friday from April to October. The stores…
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CONTACT US
256.350.3500 / info@northalabama.org

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