Noccalula Falls Park announced Wednesday that its newly renovated camp ground would hold its Grand Opening in mid March.

“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Noccalula Falls Campground! After a transformative renovation, our state-of-the-art facilities are ready to welcome you back beginning in mid March 2025. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of nature and the joy of camping. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, there’s something for everyone at Noccalula Falls Park and Campground!”

~ Noccalula Falls Park and Campground on social media

The Campground had been closed for just over a year, to go through the renovation process. The city of Gadsden, who owns and manages the park property had approved Lambert Contracting LLC’s $11,376,500 bid in mid January 2024. The project was projected to take around a year to complete. The city said the project was necessary, because recreational vehicles were being manufactured larger, and the park did not have enough spaces to accommodate larger vehicles. It appears that due to adding larger sites, the total number of sites will decrease. Different sized sites will still be available.

The renovations included many new or upgraded features. The campground had never been renovated, and was certainly dated. In addition to larger, pull through sites the upgrades also included:

• Realignment + expansion of the internal roadway network (including decorative lighting)
• New utility services
• Reconstruction + realignment of RV parking spots
• Bathhouse renovations
• New zero-entry swimming pool + large pavilion
• New administrative office
• Reconstruction + resurfacing of lower parking lot
• New gateway signage
• Landscaping upgrades

According to the Park Website, the amenities included with the campground are:

Also included in the full amount of the renovation was the replacement of the fire department located at the edge of the property that services the park and the local Lookout Mountain Community in the area. Previous to the Campground project the park had also recently unveiled its new animal barn in the petting area, to replace one that had burned down.  They had also bought new electric trains you can ride through the park on, replacing the older fuel driven ones.

The park is popular with both locals and out of town and out of state visitors. The park is the site of many popular local events such as the Barbarian Challenge, Art on the Rocks, The Annual Pow Wow, numerous art and craft events and car shows. It is also the unofficial southern starting point for the Worlds Longest Yardsale. One of the most popular events is Christmas at The Falls and the Christmas Light Display that runs from Thanksgiving to New Years.  It is one of the most popular attractions in North Alabama, and is a huge draw for the Gadsden area as far as tourism goes.

The Park had teased the day prior to posting the announcement that big news was coming. Yesterday, they announced the reopening of the campground. Initial reactions ranged from excitement about the new renovations, to concern about the rise in cost. Many complained that the prices were entirely too high for the area, and gave examples of places they believed were cheaper per night to go, such as The Grand Canyon, Gatlinburg, or Panama City.

To see first hand the pricing, we went to the website and saw what it would cost to reserve for the weekend, for two nights, when the dates became available.

We Selected a Friday and Saturday night, March 21st-23rd, a two night stay. To book, you enter the length of your rig, and the year it is. Then select the site you like from a map of the campground.

The prices range from $65-75 base. We picked one near the pool, site C10 on the map. A lot of the complaints on the pricing were based on the taxes and charges that are added on at check out. Those include a $1.50 lodging charge per night, a $5 a night City of Gadsden Surcharge, a 12% Tax, credit card fees, and a $9.99 Service Fee.  Our Grand total for the two night stay added up to $175.16

One of the other most commented topics was the lack of tent camping. Previously, the park had been very popular with tent campers. Many believed this option was still going to be available after the renovations, but it appears that has been eliminated for now. The tent option was especially popular with hikers, and provided a lower cost option for those who do not own a recreational vehicle. There are some reports that it may be considered on a primitive level in the future in later stages of development. For now though, that option is not available.

Greater Gadsden Area Tourism did respond to the feedback on the announcement posting on Facebook:

“Dear Visitors – Please keep in mind that this Campground had never been renovated and now EVERYTHING is brand new: The larger, pull-through sites, the swimming pool, the office, utilities, etc. The new price also *includes 4 Park Passes (a FREE $40 value add)*. The Park is 500 acres and includes 90′ waterfall, trails, creeks, playground, miniature train, petting zoo, sensory garden and more. This is not a State park, but rather a local City owned and managed Park. They care about the Park and they care about its’ visitors. We look forward to seeing you back in Gadsden, Alabama or welcome you for the first time this year. For a complete list of events, please check out the Official Event Calendar https://greatergadsden.com/events/”

There are many things you can enjoy at no cost at all. It is said the original owner of the land stated when he passed control to the city, that he wanted it to remain where there was no cost for locals to enjoy the view of the falls. You have a wonderful view of the 90 foot Noccalula Falls, the Legend of Noccalula monument, many well maintained hiking and mountain biking trails, suspension bridge, playground, a chapel, picnic areas, a military park with artifacts on display, and the creek to enjoy. These are all accessible to anyone with no admission charge.

The park itself features a pioneer village, electric train, petting zoo, sensory garden, beautiful landscaping, walking trails, and gift shop included in admission. There is also at an additional cost, or sometimes with special officers included, mini golf course. Seasonally, you can also purchase a permit, to hike into the gorge and fly fish for trout that are stocked into the creek.

What is not in doubt, is that the park is a beautiful natural resource to the entire North Alabama area. It is a great place to go to enjoy the outdoors and beauty of the area year round. There are enjoyable activities for people of all ages and physical ability. If you have not made a visit recently, plan to do so soon. As early as March, book a stay and check out the new campground facilities and let us know what you think!

For more information, or to book  you can visit the Park Site:

https://www.noccalulafallspark.com/

Also to visit Greater Gadsden:

https://greatergadsden.com/