NEWS

New, safer steps down to gorge at Noccalula Falls Park to be installed

Greg Bailey
The Gadsden Times

Gadsden city officials are aiming to make things safer for those enjoying the scenic beauty of the gorge at Noccalula Falls Park. 

They announced this week that 8-foot timber steps, with landings, will be installed leading to the gorge. Construction should be completed and the steps open to the public in May, according to a news release. 

The project is expected to cost about $250,000 and is funded by an ADECA Recreational Trails Program grant announced in 2021 for the construction and installation of additions to the Black Creek Trail System. 

Materials for new steps down to the gorge at Noccalula Falls Park sit ready for installation. City officials say the project should be completed and open to the public in May.

It’s being done in partnership with the Gadsden Runners Club and Friends of the Falls. 

“We are excited to see this project through to completion,” Mayor Craig Ford said in the release. “Improving access to this natural resource builds upon our vision of a more accessible recreation community throughout Gadsden.  

The work area for new steps leading to the gorge at Noccalula Falls Park is pictured. The project will cost about $250,000 and is funded by an ADECA grant, and is designed to improve safety for those wishing to explore the gorge.

“We have fly fisherman, bird watchers, hikers, runners and more who would like to enjoy more of the gorge area, but the trek down has been too treacherous. These steps will make it easier — and, more importantly safer — for individuals to walk down to the gorge and enjoy this beautiful resource.”   

Ford signaled earlier this year that his administration would like to invest from $10 million to $15 million in upgrades at Noccalula Falls Park, instituting “about 80%” of a plan for improvements to the Noccalula Corridor in a presentation from Design Alabama.