First of all, there is a tragic love story that begins the legend of Noccalula Falls. After reading a version of the legend written by Mathilde Bilbro, I can give you a short summary of the story. Centuries ago the location was known as Black Creek Falls. An Indian Chief lived high up in the mountains overlooking the falls. He had a beautiful young daughter, Noccalula, who was now at the age of marriage. Many of the young warriors in the village tried to persuade her father to let them be the one to win her hand.

However, since her father was more interested in material gain, his choice was a rich and powerful chief from a nearby tribe. That way, a large dowry of horses and other items could be given in exchange. The only problem was that Noccalula was in love with a young warrior from her own tribe. Still, all of her pleading could not change her father’s mind. Her young warrior was known for his bravery and fighting skills but had little to offer as a dowry. Finally, her young lover was driven from the tribe so that he would not interfere with Noccalula’s marriage to the wealthy chief.

To make a long story short, Noccalula had lost the man she loved, and she felt hurt and betrayed by the father she loved. During all of the wedding festivities there was little notice taken when Noccalula left and wandered away. She felt her only choice was to end it all by jumping. To this day, the name given to the
Falls by her grief stricken father has endured.

Noccalula Falls Park as I stated previously is located in Gadsden, Alabama, in Etowah County. The water flows from Black Creek and has a 90ft drop over Lookout Mountain into a huge ravine. A statue of Noccalula poised to jump is on display near the ravine. The park is quite large and consists of the falls, botanical gardens, train rides for the kids, a playground, deer park, and souvenir shop. There is a large pioneer homestead with log cabins decorated just like the old pioneers would have used. There are video games, shelters for barbecues or picnics, volleyball and putting golf setups. There’s even a large campground.

You can believe that after a good rain the falls are even more spectacular. I grew up in Gadsden so I’ve been up there a few times. Still, I don’t think you fully appreciate the legends and the places that were a part of your hometown and your childhood, until you grow up and move away.

Maybe you’re thinking to yourself that you’ve never even heard of Gadsden, Alabama. Well, that’s possibly true. I don’t hear about it much myself when I look at publicized information about Alabama. However, Gadsden is a mid-sized city of over 100,000 people and growing very fast. It used to be more of an industrially focused city with Goodyear Tire Company and Republic Steel being a couple of the major employers.

That has now changed as the focus becomes technologically based companies. Take heed, because you will probably begin to hear more and more about Gadsden in the future. After all, you’ve just gotten information on it by reading this article on Noccalula Falls. Go ahead and give it a try. It’s not New York but I’m sure you’ll have an enjoyable time.

Copyright © 2007 Felecia Okpagu

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