Gadsden

Travel Guide

Guntersville which includes 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 RM294 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
RM294
RM336 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
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! (536 reviews)
Clean and Comfortable in a Convenient Location
"The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. The toilet was an amazing upgrade standard height no clog toilet! The place was quiet and right on the river. It is located close to restaurants and shopping centers. The only downside was that the pool was closed! It was the middle of summer and a ..."

Reviewed on 15 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
The price is RM446 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
RM446
RM505 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
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! (959 reviews)
"Perfect. Very clean. Staff was invited. Not a fan of the breakfast choices but there was a variety. It just depends on your appetite. I stay here everytime I’m in town.."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gadsden
Hampton Inn Gadsden

Hampton Inn Gadsden

2.5 out of 5
129 River Rd, Gadsden, AL
The price is RM512 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
RM512
RM580 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Gadsden. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Gadsden ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (543 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Hampton Inn Gadsden
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.
stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier

4 out of 5
26800 Success Dr SW, Madison, AL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Wheeler National ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (169 reviews)
"The design of the property is great. It has secure entrances and all rooms open to a courtyard. The layout provides a window on each side of every room. The room itself was very spacious. It felt very much like an apartment. The room and property were very clean with the exception of the elevator, ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

stayAPT Suites Madison-Greenbrier
Phoenix All Suites West Hotel

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel

3.5 out of 5
533 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Gulf Shores Beach and Gulf State ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (741 reviews)
It was nice
"I expected a higher quality hotel experience but the hotel room was nice and it's location and view to the beach was wonderful."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Phoenix All Suites West Hotel
Phoenix All Suites

Phoenix All Suites

3.5 out of 5
201 East Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Gulf Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (457 reviews)
"Absolutely loved this place. Definitely will use this place again."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Phoenix All Suites
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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