Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Gadsden fall weekend guide: Waterfalls, wine + tigers, only 1 hour from Birmingham
Reading time: 6 minutes
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This can be a busy time of year for football games, seasonal events and more, but we all need a little weekend escape, right?
What if we told you there’s an easily accessible hub for a relaxing, nature-filled weekend just a short distance away? Gadsden is about an hour northeast of Birmingham, and we gathered a weekend plan that covers Noccalula Falls, a scenic winery, exotic animals and more.
Here are just a few reasons why Gadsden and gorgeous Etowah County are calling your name. See why this easy road trip will have you feeling refreshed, revived and ready for all that fall has to offer. 🍂
Friday in greater Gadsden: Rev up or wine down
Downtown Gadsden is packed with fun options on Friday nights. (Greater Gadsden Area Tourism)
Load up your car in Birmingham, and you’ll pull into downtown Gadsden by sunset. Drop your gear off and choose a vibe that speaks to you:
- 🚙 Rev up: Time to hit downtown Gadsden’s friendly historic district for some mixing and mingling along Broad Street. Stroll through locally-owned shops, find a bite to eat. We recommend The Rail Public House for a burger, pimento cheese “pups” and a frosty can of Gadsden’s own Back Forty Truck Stop Honey.
- Hot tip: If your trip falls on the first Friday of the month, you’re in for a treat: Downtown First Friday brings Broad Street to life with classic cars, live music, food vendors, shopping and extended business hours (including special extended hours at The Gadsden Museum of Art!). The event is free and makes a great introduction to the city. Catch the next First Friday on October 2!
- 🍷 Wine down: If kicking off your Gadsden weekend with a glass in your hand is more your speed, head to Attalla’s Wills Creek Vineyards & Winery. Their Friday Night Wine Down events pair dinner and wine with a scenic countryside setting.
- Chill tip: Check out their Facebook or call ahead (256) 538-5452 to learn the latest + reserve your seat.
Saturday in greater Gadsden: Chase waterfalls + look for tigers
Make plans to spend some time with Mother Nature and her natural beauty this fall. (Greater Gadsden Area Tourism)
Your Saturday adventures begin in nearby Attalla. Pop into Hector’s Kitchen for a breakfast Cuban and a stout cup of Colombian coffee. Take them to go and check out historic Attalla and its local shops, sipping as you stroll.
From here, things get a little wild. You’re heading a short half-hour drive northeast to Untamed Mountain Wild Animal Preserve (formerly known as Tigers for Tomorrow). It’s a nonprofit nature preserve and environmental educational center located on 140 scenic acres. Kids (and adults!) will enjoy spotting tigers, lions, bears, wolves, leopards and more.
After your “safari” adventure, it’s time to head back to home base in Gadsden. With scenic Noccalula Falls as your destination, you can opt to spend the afternoon a few ways, including:
- 🚂 Stroll through the park ground via paved walking trails, check out the surrounding gardens or even hop on the park’s authentic Huntington miniature train for a different POV.
- 👟 Step it up a notch via the 1.7-mile Black Creek Trail System for a hike or bike ride. There are plenty of paths to explore from this main trail, totaling more than 15 miles of groomed trails throughout the park.
Regardless of the adventure you choose, you’ll have worked up an appetite. There are a few standout spots for a quick bite or takeout—locals love Kati Thai Cuisine near the Falls for its authentic dishes and friendly service.
Or, if you’ve still got some “gas in the tank,” opt for a meal with a view. Head to nearby Rainbow City for Little Bridge Marina on Neely Henry Lake and the Coosa River. You’ll find Southern barbecue favorites, which you can enjoy while watching the river flow by.
Sunday in greater Gadsden: Toast to a fantastic weekend
Start with brunch in the heart of downtown Gadsden: There’s plenty of options for all tastes, including Nola’s Clover on Court Street, which serves deliciously filling Irish pub-style classics with a Cajun accent
Take your time before heading home—it’s only an hour back to Birmingham, after all—and go for a scenic drive along the Coosa River. Soak in the turning fall leaves and beautiful nature, and get excited for your next trip to beautiful Northeast Alabama and all the adventure it has to offer year-round.
You can’t miss: Loblolly Fest—Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
There’s been lots of local buzz about a new entertainment venue in the greater Gadsden area. Known as The Bluff Amphitheater, it’s just a few miles east in Hokes Bluff. While they’ll host concerts and fun events throughout the year, their signature event is coming up soon, just in time for your visit.
Country music star (and Hokes Bluff native) Drake White has been behind the site’s restoration into a music venue, and he’s celebrating its recent opening with Loblolly Fest on Saturday, October 17th! Here’s what to know:
- What: Loblolly Fest
- Where: The Bluff Amphitheater in Hokes Bluff, AL
- When: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Cost: $94.35+
- Tickets: find more info + reserve your spot at thebluffal.com
How to plan your visit to greater Gadsden this fall
It’s so easy to plan a getaway to the greater Gadsden area this autumn. Here’s where to find all you need to craft a wonderful weekend away:
- Find lodging options in greater Gadsden, including hotels, rentals + campgrounds.
- We’ve provided some great dining suggestions, but here are even more—grouped by location + cuisine type.
- Need more things to do? We’ve got a bunch of fun activities around the greater Gadsden area for you here.
You can stay in the know about the growing greater Gadsden region by visiting their website, following them on Instagram and Facebook and signing up for their newsletter.
What kind of fall adventure are you planning? Book a one-hour road trip to Gadsden for the perfect way to spend a fantastic fall weekend.
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