Ribbon Cutting for Newly Renovated Noccalula Falls Campground
Gadsden- A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, March 27th for the newly renovated Noccalula Falls Campground. The ceremony was held in a pavilion located near the new swimming pool at the now re-opened facility on Lookout Mountain in Gadsden. Those in attendance heard from Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford, Noccalula Falls Park Director Christina Richardson, Director of Engineering Heath Williamson, contractors from the project, Director of Commercial Development and Community Affairs John Moore, and District 7 City Councilman Chris Robinson. The Etowah Chamber and members of Friends of the Falls, Members of the City of Gadsden, the Etowah County Commission, and many others were in attendance.
The 12 million dollar project took just over a year to complete. It was funded primarily from revenue generated from the annual Christmas light display event held at Noccalula Falls Park. The event draws locals, and visitors every year from all over the Southeast. The campground had been closed for the renovation project, and just recently re-opened. The goal was to have the park open for Spring Break. When we arrived, there were campers spread through out the park, who seemed to be enjoying the new facility. Officials told us there were only a limited amount of spots available on Thursday, and they expected it to be fully booked for the weekend. New Campground manager Tru Humphrey was kind enough to give us a golf cart ride and tour of the new facility.
The Campground features over 70 spots for recreational vehicles. Many of the old spots were enlarged to accommodate the size of larger RVs that are being manufactured larger than those of the past. Each spot has a full hook up, as well as a combination fire pit and grill. The sites can be seen in the gallery below:
Visitors to the new park who were familiar with the grounds prior to the renovation may be a little disoriented at first. The landscaping that was taken on was a massive project that required a lot of dirt and rock to be moved, as well as many trees. The appearance now is drastic enough, that you may not even recognize the area. Talking with Councilman Chris Robinson, who has been a long time camper at the park, it was hard to know exactly where we were standing in comparison to the old campground. The old bathhouse location was one of the remaining points of reference. Robinson discussed how in the old campground their spot was what they jokingly referred to as the “dust bowl” or the “mud bowl” when it rained. With the new grass, and as the newly planted trees grow, Robinson believes that the new campground will provide a much more pleasant experience for campers.
The tree removal was a point of contention with many locals initially. Mayor Ford addressed those concerns, and we addressed them with officials at the event. They said it was impossible to move the amount of dirt and rock they did without having to do so. That, as well as putting in new sewer lines. New trees were visible throughout the park, and are laid out in a way that as they grow back, they will provided much more shade than is currently there. The area was still beautiful as it is now, and will only improve with time. Campers we spoke to were extremely happy with the new appearance of the grounds.
Just North of the pavilion where the ceremony was held was the new zero entry pool. The new pool was relocated from the old location that was near the entrance to the park. It sits near the original bath house location, and is more central for campers not located near the gate.
Campers also have access to a new bathhouse located near the gate to the campground, that included laundry facilities:
There are community areas to enjoy as well, such as a fire pits, a gift shop and store, changing rooms, and pillions.
Visitors to the park can enjoy the Noccalula Falls Park, featuring a 90 foot waterfall, an electric train, gardens, a gift shop, petting zoo, numerous beautiful hiking and mountain biking trails, fly fishing when in season, a mini golf course, the Ola Lee Mize Veterans Park, and shops and restaurants in nearby Downtown Gadsden, and the Coosa River.
Conveniently located atop Lookout Mountain, in Etowah County, the park and campgrounds are located near Interstate 59. You can explore Gadsden, or are an easy day trip drive to Mentone, Fort Payne, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Tallagega, Anniston and Oxford, and even Atlanta.
To see more on the park or book a camp site visit their page here: https://www.noccalulafallspark.com/
Other Local information can be found at these sites:
https://www.cityofgadsden.com/
The ribbon cutting ceremony can also be seen in its entirety below:
Mayor Craig Ford Opening Remarks:
Christina Richardson, Director of Noccalula Falls Speaks:
Heath Williamson Director of Engineering and Contractors:
John Moore and Chris Robinson:
Mayor Craig Ford Closing Remarks:
Photo Gallery:
