Overview
Gadsden is a city in the Appalachian foothills of Alabama.
1 sights · 4 things to do · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Gadsden
Noccalula Falls Park
Pristine falls on Black Creek imbued with a Cherokee legend give the park its namesake at the top of Lookout Mountain, but also you'll find here a pioneer village near the top of the falls, a gift shop, hiking trails, an…
Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge
Restored covered bridge, moved from nearby to present location.
Gadsden Museum of Art
Here is where Gadsden tries to get cultural, with art and history exhibits. Attached is the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts with an Imagine Place, performing arts, and more exhibits.
Riverwalk City Park
Try this out for some riverside views of the Coosa River and Gadsden skyline behind.
James D. Martin Wildlife Park
Another venue for the outdoor enthusiast, this one in the backwaters riverine environment of the Coosa River, with boardwalks and trails.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Mar. (climate data from nearby Mountains)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BHM Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Birmingham — 53 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HSV Huntsville International Airport, Huntsville — 61 mi away. Directions
You can only take the Amtrak as far as the 4th Street station in Anniston.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Gadsden Museum of Art, Riverwalk City Park, James D. Martin Wildlife Park
- Afternoon Noccalula Falls Park, Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Gadsden was settled in the early 1800s. It has prospered over the years through riverboat commerce, steel production, railways, and agriculture. Though the industry slumped in the late 1980s, and then moreso with the departure of Goodyear, the city was awarded the All-America City Award in 1991 for tackling community-wide challenges. The population in 2019 was about 35,000.
Get in
By plane
By train
You can only take the Amtrak as far as the 4th Street station in Anniston.
By car
I-59 has three exits in Gadsden:
- 188 to Reece City (Al-11) & Noccalula
- 183 to Atalla & West Gadsden
- 182 to I-759, East Gadsden and Rainbow City
I-59 can be reached from I-24 in Chattanooga, TN or I-459 and I-20 in Birmingham.
AL-431 (Huntsville to Opelika) and AL-278 (SR-74, Hamilton to Piedmont) merge in Gadsden.
By bus
Place Greyhound Bus Lines
See
Do
Do Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge
Restored covered bridge, moved from nearby to present location.
Do Riverwalk City Park
Try this out for some riverside views of the Coosa River and Gadsden skyline behind.
Buy
Sleep
Nearby
Jacksonville
City / town · 7 listings · 20 mi away
Anniston
City / town · 9 listings · 26 mi away
Oneonta
City / town · 6 listings · 27 mi away
Guntersville
City / town · 2 listings · 29 mi away
Fort Payne
City / town · 9 listings · 34 mi away
Heflin
City / town · 7 listings · 35 mi away
Arab
City / town · 1 listings · 35 mi away
Cedartown
City / town · 8 listings · 43 mi away
My experience
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