TENNESSEE VALLEY-Take two days to explore the stunning scenic splendor of northeastern Alabama with visits to waterfalls in Gadsden and Fort Payne and the federally protected magnificence of Little River Canyon. There are also opportunities for antiques shopping, taking a walk on the wild side and enjoying a taste (or two) of Alabama wine before you leave.
Tragic Beauty
Start in Gadsden with a visit to one of the area’s prettiest gems, Noccalula Falls (1500 Noccalula Falls Road; 256-549-4663). Torrents of shimmering water take a dramatic plunge into Black Creek Ravine to form this 90-foot-high waterfall. According to local legend, so did a Cherokee princess with the same name. In a tragic end to a Romeo and Juliet-style love story, Noccalula threw herself over the falls rather than forsake her true love by a forced marriage to another. A statue at the edge of the falls illustrates and honors her sacrifice.
The city of Gadsden has long recognized the allure of the waterfall, and has protected it and built a 250-acre park around it, complete with a pioneer village, a botanical garden, a mini-zoo, a train that traverses the property and a fabulous playground with pavilions. You can take in great views of the waterfall simply by walking into the park, but taking the steep trail down to and under the falls is well worth some heavy breathing. During summer’s swelter, it’s at least 10 degrees cooler in the shade of the woodland path, and when you get up to the waterfall, the soft mist dancing in the air is a soothing refresher.
Into the Deep
Thirteen miles from DeSoto Falls is Little River Falls. It plummets 45 feet and is the glittering showpiece of Little River Canyon. Little River is one of the country’s longest rivers to form and flow on top of a mountain. Over eons, its clear waters have cut through sandstone and carved an extensive canyon and gorge system as they descend.
Little River Canyon is home to many rare, threatened and endangered species of both plant and animal life, including carnivorous green pitcher plants and the blue shiner fish.
Drive on 89 South to Highway 35 to visit the Little River Canyon Center (4322 Little River Trail NE ; 256-845-3548) and watch the 15-minute video to learn more before going to view Little River Falls. Continue to Highway 176, also known as Canyon Rim Parkway, and drive 11 miles along the edge of the canyon through the 14,000-acre Little River Canyon National Preserve. Multiple scenic overlooks offer majestic views of the falls as well as sheer rock faces, soaring hawks and the Little River. Grace High Falls are also visible on this drive, but they are a bit fickle, only appearing when there’s been enough rain. Tall and slim with a gentler flow, the falls are a treat for those who catch them at the right time. Further into the preserve, Canyon Mouth Park has picnic tables and access to trails that weave through the lower canyon’s boulders and creeks.
Canyon Rim Parkway offers multiple scenic overlooks for majestic views of Little River Falls, Little River and the canyon.
Media Release/ Jennifer Kornegay/Alabama Tourism Department
