Noccalula Falls Climbing

The Southeastern Climber's Coalition (SCC), in partnership with the City of Gadsden, recently opened Noccalula Falls Park to climbing and bouldering. Encompassing 500 acres of land situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Noccalula Falls Park and Campground is a must-see destination in Northeast Alabama. Created and managed by the City of Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department, the original park opened in 1953 and has since become the destination of hikers, campers, and families from all over the world.

Black Creek pours over the park's namesake falls, then rushes down through the bottom of the gorge. Sandstone cliffs line the north and south side of the gorge, and large, tumble-down boulders lay along the creek and up the forested slopes.

Climbing and bouldering development has just begun, so check back regularly for new routes and problems. Developing new routes and problems requires applying for a permit through the Noccalula Route Development Task Force. Developing without a permit is strictly prohibited. Please visit the SCC's website at seclimbers.org/project/nocc… to learn more about the permit process.

Currently, most of the developed climbing routes are on the north side of the gorge, and are a mix of trad and sport. The climbs are generally short - under 60 feet - but the rock quality is good. Climb only on established routes, and do not climb anywhere near the falls. All climbing must be started from the Gorge Trail along the base of the cliff. Setting top ropes from the top of the cliff is strictly prohibited.

Bouldering exists in 4 distinct areas along the creek. Boulder only on established problems and only within the identified areas. Take care not to damage vegetation with crash pads, and walk only on existing paths.

Refer to the Noccalula Climbing Map for more information on climbing and bouldering locations.