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A system of easy to intermediate multi-use trails that wrap around and along the Black Creek gorge.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

0%

Singletrack

680' 207 m

High

533' 162 m

Low

35' 11 m

Up

153' 47 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly Noccalula Falls Park is right next door, with a miniature train ride, petting zoo, botanical gardens, pioneer village, and mini-golf.

Dogs must be on a leash. Open sunrise to sunset.

Overview

The main Black Creek Trail is a very family-friendly crushed gravel pedestrian path, used by cyclists, runners, and walkers. It's wide and has great views of the Black Creek Gorge, including lookout pavilions and resting benches. Dogs are welcome but leash a leash is required. Terrain is easy with the exception of going down the mountain itself, you must return up the same path. Connecting to the main trail are 7 other multi-use groomed trails, adding about 5 more miles of riding. These trails are not very stroller-friendly, so you might want to stick to the main trail for that. There are map kiosks at several entry points and the trails are well marked. You can download a trail map here: greatergadsden.com/guides/

Need to Know

The main Black Creek Trail is marked every tenth of a mile with markers for distance. Just remember that what you walk down you must also walk back up! The best place to access the trail system is to park in the parking lot of Noccalula Falls Campground and join the trail next to the Wedding Chapel.

Downtown Gadsden is just two miles away and offers great food and shopping options.

Description

This a crushed gravel trail that is suited for all skill levels and is handicap accessible. The trail starts near the wedding chapel and Noccalula Falls. It winds alongside Black Creek with a viewing deck about halfway down the mountain. The viewing deck has picnic tables and trash cans for someone wanting to pack a lunch. The trail continues along the creek and flattens out at the bottom of the mountain for about one mile where it ends at the Etowah county rescue squad building. The trail is scattered with several wooden benches for rest stops and also has one spot where you can venture into the creek itself to cool off during hot summer days. This is 1.7 miles each way and can be accessed from either end.

There are seven trails that connect to the main Black Creek Trail. They are called The Family Loop, Jeep Hill Trail, Moonshine Ridge, Jeep Hill Connector, Cascade, Whatley Trail, and Black Creek Bend. They are perfect for hiking/walking, trail running, and mountain biking. They are professionally-built, groomed trails ranging from easy to upper intermediate.

History & Background

Take in the beautiful scenery that is Noccalula Falls, Black Creek and Cascade Creek. The trails have a great view of the Noccalula Falls Gorge, and also several other large boulder formations in the creeks. During the fall and winter months, the fallen foliage reveals great views of the canyon itself and the beauty of the creek snaking through.

Contacts

Shared By:

Greater Gadsden Area Tourism

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 4 votes

#992

Overall
  5.0 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#9

in Alabama

#992

Overall
33 Views Last Month
8,754 Since Mar 13, 2014
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Switchback going towards the viewing deck!
Mar 13, 2014 near Gadsden, AL
trail from the lower end headed back towards the top of the trail.
Mar 13, 2014 near Gadsden, AL
Small creek crossing on the green trail.  This crossing was hand built with nearby rock and gravel to give a smooth path across the wet weather branch.
Feb 18, 2014 near Gadsden, AL
Trail near the lower end, close to the etowah county rescue squad.
Mar 13, 2014 near Gadsden, AL
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