Bluffs of Weiss

 

Weiss Lake Property Daytrip to the Noccalula Falls Park 

Spectacular Beauty

Do you love waterfalls? Don't miss a daytrip over from your Weiss Lake property at The Bluffs to the breathtaking 90-foot natural waterfall at Noccalula Falls. The falls, which are tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Alabama, are simply a thing of beauty. The park, in which Noccalula Falls is situated, is studded with grand canyons and magnificent nature trails, where you can experience some great walking and hiking facilities.

Nestled amidst the greenery of the park, is also a quiet village with hand-hewn log buildings representing pioneer living conditions and a huge lush green campground. The village holds a country store, a covered bridge, a smoke house, a gristmill, a blacksmith shop, a gift shop, a children’s playground and a camping ground for all.

History of Noccalula Falls Park

The Falls, originally known as Black Creek, attained its name after the Indian maiden Noccalula. So the Noccalula Falls Park has a Native American history of its own. It speaks of a young Cherokee maiden, Noccalula, daughter of an Indian Chief, who plunged into premature death when she was disappointed in love.

Her father, through a statue placed right on the foot of the Noccalula Falls, thus immortalized her memory. The other attractions of the park include adventurous hiking trails, a botanical garden with more than 25,000 azaleas and rare species of plants and animals, a war memorial, sightseeing trains, picnic pavilions, and green-carpeted golf course. The trails in Lookout Mountain Parkway actually originate from the Noccalula Falls Park.

The Noccalula Falls Park cascades into a ravine, generating a spectacular sight as the mist gathers on the ravine. If you visit the place just when the first streaks of sunrays reflect on the ravine, you will see a magnificent rainbow formed on the vapory ravine. You can stroll around the park or catch the small train through the Botanical garden to watch the various rare species of plants, animals and herbs.

Other trails and interesting attractions in Noccalula Falls Park

The park offers various walking and hiking trails, out of which a 65-mile trail ending at DeSoto Falls in DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne is the most spectacular trail to be followed. The Park includes four waterfalls and many Native American sites, all of which possess a history of their own. Another interesting feature of the park is the origin of Lookout Mountain Parkway, a scenic drive extending for 100 miles to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

There is also a swimming pool, a bathhouse, a miniature golf course, a big picnic area, a huge playground, and all-year-round camping facilities. The Petting zoo and animal habitat house offers you with the view of various species of animals, birds and plants.

Visiting Noccalula Falls Park

The Noccalula Park is located in Etowah County on Noccalula road at the foothills of Lookout Mountain. To visit the park, you have to exit 188 off I-59 east on Noccalula Road for at least 2 miles. As you follow the signs to Noccalula Campgrounds, you should turn into the Park and ultimately reach the Noccalula Park following Route 35.

The falls are just off the parking lot, you cross the footbridge to go to the other side and get the best view of the Noccalula Falls. Adults and children can visit the Falls Park between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on daily basis.