Gadsden

Travel Guide

Guntersville showing signage
Photo by Tina Folsom
Photo by Mandy Mitchell
Photo by Russell Hewatt
Photo by Gerrit Ebert

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 €66 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€66
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gadsden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (542 reviews)
"Great place for the money!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €103 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
€103
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Gadsden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (974 reviews)
Nice
"Nice hotel. Bed was good. Clean."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden
Super 8 by Wyndham Gadsden AL

Super 8 by Wyndham Gadsden AL

2 out of 5
2110 Rainbow Dr, Gadsden, AL
The price is €61 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€61
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Gadsden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (306 reviews)
Update
"Great stay with a great view over the country club golf course and had made great improvements to rooms"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Gadsden AL
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.
Home on the Coosa Private with Great Sunsets

Home on the Coosa Private with Great Sunsets

Gadsden
Stay at this vacation home in Gadsden. Enjoy free WiFi, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions Silver Lakes Golf Course and Gadsden Mall are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"What a gem of a spot! We’ve had the best time relaxing, recharging, and soaking up the peaceful vibes on the river. The rocking chairs on the porch quickly became our favorite hangout—morning coffee just hits different with that view!This place had everything we needed and more. Best of all, it was ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Home on the Coosa Private with Great Sunsets
Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118

Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118

Guntersville
Stay at this cabin in Guntersville. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Marshall County Park and Guntersville City ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (201 reviews)
"Very peaceful"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2025

Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118
'Paradise Cove' Cabin w/ Boathouse & Dock

'Paradise Cove' Cabin w/ Boathouse & Dock

Guntersville
Stay at this cabin in Guntersville. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Buck Island and Gunter's Landing Golf ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (68 reviews)
Fishing trip
"We had the best time staying here! Andy was awesome and so welcoming! Will be back for sure!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

'Paradise Cove' Cabin w/ Boathouse & Dock
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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