Noccalula Falls

Noccalula Falls from the left side
Noccalula Falls from the right, most photographed side.

Noccalula Falls Campground and Park are part of the Gadsden, AL City Park. It’s a gorgeous place with a serene, peaceful feel.

The campsites are spaced very closely together, but there weren’t many sites occupied. Plus we got sites at the edge of the campground, so it felt spacious to us.

Noccalula Falls Campsite
Cindy and my campsites

My little van got lots of stares (probably of incredulity!) and one middle aged couple seemed fascinated by it and wanted a detailed tour. Then they asked if I lived in it!

It is remarkably comfortable. I am still amazed at how it can hold everything I need.

Heading toward the Falls
The wedding chapel

Cindy hiked all the trails except the one that goes behind the falls. It’s rugged and she was afraid her dog might lurch or lose his footing. And she wasn’t ready to meet Noccalula’s fate!

More photos of the falls. They fascinate me! The statue depicts Noccalula, the legendary Indian maiden who threw herself in the gorge when her father insisted she marry a man she didn’t love. The falls were called Black Rock Falls before they were renamed for the legend. I like the sound of Noccalula better, too. 🙂

We had hoped to tour the entire park, but my COPD is progressing and there are lots of hills. So I didn’t get to do my usual exploring. But Cindy and I still had a wonderful time. I still excel at eating hickory cooked hamburgers and home made potato salad! And short walks, good conversation, and drinking coffee.

We thought of riding the train through the park, but didn’t want to leave the dogs. But we both had a wonderful time and didn’t feel like we missed out on anything.

What are these strange smells, Mom?
Mallards at Noccalula Falls
Mallards
A cheeky squirrel stealing Mikkey’s food from right under our noses. There were also jet black squirrels there, but they were more skittish and I couldn’t get a decent photo of one. Also pictured is a scene I enjoyed of a mom and son feeding the geese.

I plan to get serious about catching up on Casita maintenance and fixes this week so Ron and I can camp together. I missed him!

Waters plunging over the rocks. Also, the black rocks that surround the falls area intrigue me.

Link to van build photos



by tinycamper on April 24, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in Camping, diy camper van, Garden & Nature, micro van camper, minivan camper, tiny camper
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Posted by tinycamper on April 24, 2019

https://tinycamper.wordpress.com/2019/04/24/noccalula-falls/

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22 Comments

  1. Mike and Gerri Jones

     /  April 24, 2019

    What a beautiful campground!! We’ve never been there but it’s halfway (if we go back roads) to visit Mike’s mom!!
    I was going to ask about your Casita but you answered my question….you still have it!!! Yay!!
    Mike and I have an Oliver Legacy Elite II since we are full-timing!! Needed a tad more space and it’s four season!!!

    Like

    • tinycamper

       /  April 24, 2019

      Gerri, it is beautiful! Be warned, though, when there is no rain, the falls dry up.

      I went to the Oliver website to see what your Ollie looks like. WOW!!!!!! It’s awesome!

      Yes, we still love our Casita. But I needed a daily driver anyway, and decided to make a weekend runaway with it. It is just pure fun!

      Like

  2. janispaqu

     /  April 24, 2019

    Wow that looks like a beautiful place! So glad you finally got to go camping!

    Like

    • tinycamper

       /  April 24, 2019

      So am I, Janis. I really needed that trip. The drive through the Appalachian foothills was gorgeous, too!

      Like

  3. ann

     /  April 24, 2019

    Nice place!

    Like

  4. Judy Crankshaw

     /  April 25, 2019

    That looks like a wonderful place to camp. Wouldn’t it be great if more municipalities had camping facilities? Our camping friends don’t have any good choices except for State Parks that are 30+ miles from our home.

    Glad you got out and had a great time. If I were to see you in a campground, I’d ask for a tour, too.

    Camp On!

    Like

    • tinycamper

       /  April 25, 2019

      Not only was it beautiful, but two nights were only $35! And the drive there was through the Appalachian foothills, so it was kind of like driving in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Where do they get that gorgeous blue color? Will have to look it up!

      Being a tinycampers yourself, you would probably like the van. 🙂

      Like

  5. Carla Freeman

     /  April 25, 2019

    Looks devine! I’ve had that entire area in NE Bama on my radar to visit…I couid use a few hills in my life. 😊

    Like

    • tinycamper

       /  April 25, 2019

      Carla, the drive itself is beautiful — at least from the south. I’m guessing it only gets better farther north based on reviews of state parks in northern Alabama that I’ve read. And drooled over! Maybe Ron and I can check them out as soon as I get the Casita back in shape.

      She needs so much TLC because I did not feel well enough to do the maintenance I should have for a long time.

      Those falls apparently go dry when there is little rainfall. So call ahead before you go. Or head for one of the lovely NE Alabama state parks. Wouldn’t it be amazing to run into each other there?

      Like

  6. LinnithArnold

     /  April 25, 2019

    You were very close to where I visit every year. Turrentine Street or Ave. in Gadsden is named after some of my family. Have been to Top of The River to eat catfish. I was born in North Alabama!

    Like

  7. Jo Harmon

     /  April 26, 2019

    What a wonderful place to camp. Love the falls. Was this your first time using your van?

    Like

  8. judilyn

     /  April 28, 2019

    What a great respite from everyday life! The scenery is so relaxing!!

    Virtual hugs,

    Judie

    Like

    • tinycamper

       /  April 28, 2019

      Judie, it felt so peaceful and safe that I took a long nap with the rear doors wide open so I could enjoy the breeze.

      Like

  9. Jeana Riley

     /  May 2, 2019

    Oh, Wow! Are you from or do you live in Alabama? I am a relatively new follower and had no idea that you were anywhere in the area. I live in Birmingham. I’m originally from Texas but have lived here since 1997. I’ve been to the falls and to probably every state park in Alabama and then some. There are some beautiful spots to camp in. Little River Canyon is gorgeous if you enjoy such falls.

    Like

    • tinycamper

       /  May 2, 2019

      Jeana, I live in Georgia right off I-20 about 15 miles from the Alabama border! Small world! 🙂

      I have loved everywhere I’ve camped in Alabama so far, and am looking forward to doing more camping there, especially in the northeastern corner.

      Like

      • Jeana Riley

         /  May 4, 2019

        I was just camping in the Talledega Nat’l Forrest week before last. Right around the Heflin, AL area. I lived in Griffin, GA for almost 5 years(2011-2016) while I worked in mid town ATL. Beautiful places in GA to camp. Going to try North GA around Hiwassee (sp) b4 Memorial weekend. Love GA mountains!!!

        Like

        • tinycamper

           /  May 4, 2019

          We’ve camped at Coleman Lake several times, and once in one of the hunters’ camp–I think it was called Turnipseed. That was a long time ago! Also Cheaha Mountain.

          I LOVE the Georgia COE campgrounds. Always on beautiful expanses of water. I hammock camped on John’s Mountain many years ago. And so much still to explore!

          Like

        • tinycamper

           /  May 4, 2019

          Forgot to say, we always go through Griffin on our way to Florida, then spend a night or two at High Falls SP. 🙂

          Like

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