Gadsden, AL

Travel Guide

Guntersville featuring 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
$65 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Sep 4 to Sep 5
$74 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
Total includes taxes and 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! (546 reviews)
"Walkable to restaurants of preference."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 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
$105 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
$119 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (989 reviews)
"Great room"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 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
$65 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$74 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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. ...
7/10 Good! (313 reviews)
"Good place to stay"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 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)
"LOVED IT! Very clean ! Wonderful hosts ( Beth and Kevin)Wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful place!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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! (205 reviews)
"The cabin was very cute & functional. There needs to be more silverware. Also the cabin did not cool down very well. The little ac over the couch only worked on low cool. Check-in was very easy. The pontoon closest to the marina may have a small leak as the cabin is lower on that side. Would definitely ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Floating Cabin Lake Guntersville Cabin number 118
Spectacular Lake Views, Bright & Cozy Interior, Great Fishing

Spectacular Lake Views, Bright & Cozy Interior, Great Fishing

Langston
Stay at this vacation home in Langston. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Guntersville Lake and Langston City Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
Nice place to relax by the lake
"The house on the lake was perfect for our family. It was a quiet area to just relax and play in the water. The private dock was a good area to fish off of, or to just jump in and float around. This is definitely a place we want to visit again."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Spectacular Lake Views, Bright & Cozy Interior, Great Fishing
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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