Gadsden, AL

Travel Guide
Photo by Tina Folsom
Not only a gateway to the surrounding countryside, this small city is also a worthy destination in its own right. Enjoy its rich arts and culture scene.

A visit to the city of Gadsden lets you experience the best of the countryside without sacrificing city conveniences. Enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation at nearby parks and delve into the local art scene at its galleries.

The area was once a settlement for the Cherokee Nation and later became a city in the 1840s. The region played an important role in the Civil War and in Alabama's 20th-century industrial success. Search for reminders of these aspects of its history as you wander around the city today.

Learn about Gadsden’s past by visiting museums and galleries around town. The Central-Carver Legacy Museum tells the story of the city’s first full 12-year public school for African-American students, while the Alabama Trail of Tears Memorial remembers the forced removal of thousands of Native Americans. Elsewhere in town, the Gadsden Museum of Art, Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts and Walnut Gallery showcase local artists and host a variety of events.

Escape to nature among the hills and rivers just outside the city limits. Amble along the trails of Noccalula Falls Park and admire views of the 90-foot (27-meter) waterfall. Don’t miss the Pioneer Village within the park, which recreates conditions for early settlers in the Etowah region. The park also features memorials, sightseeing trains and gardens. Hike or bike around the Black Creek Trail to follow the course of the gorge.

Step aboard a boat and travel across H. Neely Henry Lake to reach the James D. Martin Wildlife Park. Take your binoculars and look for herons, egrets and other bird species. Both the James D. Martin and Noccalula parks are less than 10 minutes away from Gadsden by car.

Fly into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport for access to Gadsden. The city is about an hour’s drive away. One of the best times to come here is in April, when the city hosts its annual Chocolate Festival.

Red Roof Inn Gadsden
Red Roof Inn Gadsden
2 out of 5
1600 Rainbow Dr, Gadsden, AL
The price is ¥10,594 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥10,594
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this hotel in Gadsden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (325 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"Clean, comfortable and quiet. But rooms could use sub updates such as painting and caulking in bathroom"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Red Roof Inn Gadsden
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden
2.5 out of 5
116 Walker Street, Gadsden, AL
The price is ¥14,680 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥14,680
per night
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gadsden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (748 reviews)
Clean
"Clean with free breakfast and parking."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden
Hampton Inn Gadsden
Hampton Inn Gadsden
2.5 out of 5
129 River Rd, Gadsden, AL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥18,797 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥18,797
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this hotel in Gadsden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (454 reviews)
"very clean, pleasant staff."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Hampton Inn Gadsden
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118
Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118
Guntersville
Stay at this cabin in Guntersville. Enjoy onsite parking, barbecue grills, and a patio. Popular attractions Lake Guntersville State Park and Guntersville City ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (150 reviews)
Fishing Trip with boat
"Lodging was satisfactory but docks need some work for boats. Nothing to secure/tie boats off too."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023

Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118
"The Cabin" at North Alabama Sailing Marina - Sail, Fish, Ski or Just Relax!
"The Cabin" at North Alabama Sailing Marina - Sail, Fish, Ski or Just Relax!
Guntersville
Stay at this cabin in Guntersville. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (243 reviews)
Thanksgiving getaway.
"We had so much fun. The cabin is so clean."

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

"The Cabin" at North Alabama Sailing Marina - Sail, Fish, Ski or Just Relax!
Rustic Mountain Lakefront Cottage
Rustic Mountain Lakefront Cottage
Scottsboro
Stay at this ski cottage in Scottsboro. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (172 reviews)
Worth it
"Great"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Rustic Mountain Lakefront Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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