Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford announced the city is beginning construction on a project to increase accessibility and safety down to the gorge at Noccalula Falls Park. The city will install 8-foot timber steps with landings in an effort to improve pedestrian access into the gorge below Noccalula Falls. Construction began this week and is expected to be completed and open to the public by May. 

“We are excited to see this project through to completion,” said Mayor Craig Ford. “Improving access to this natural resource builds upon our vision of a more accessible recreation community throughout Gadsden. We have fly fisherman, bird watchers, hikers, runners, and more who would like to enjoy more of the gorge area, but the trek down has been too treacherous. These steps will make it easier, and more importantly safer, for individuals to walk down to the gorge and enjoy this beautiful resource.” 

The City of Gadsden received a partial ADECA Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant for the installation and construction of additions to the Black Creek Trail System. The project is in partnership with the Gadsden Runners Club and the Friends of the Falls and is expected to greatly enhance the ability of the public to enjoy the Black Creek Trails and improve access for trout fishing. The total project is expected to cost approximately $250,000.