HomeAlabamaGadsden › Gorge Trailhead

Gorge Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Running trail in Gadsden, Alabama · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Gorge Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceLoopScenic

What runners say about Gorge Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (31 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“A beautiful day at Noccalula Falls for a mountain bike race!”

Beautiful trail. Fairly easy but lots of rocks to navigate. The Gorge trail, part of the Black Creek Trail system, is a loop trail that takes you under the Noccalula Falls. My granddaughter liked it so much we hiked it twice. She especially enjoyed going all the way down to the creek and putting her feet in the water.

★★★★★ — Kevin , Jul 2023

This is a somewhat difficult trail because it is a lot of rock climbing up and down, but if you're able it's worth it. We only got to do part of it and that was to walk from the stairs to the falls. Will be back and highly recommend.

★★★★★ — Lara , Jan 2026

We entered the campground and made our way to the back of the park where the cabins are. We parked at a trail map which did not say"you are here". We crossed the road and followed the railed path up the hill to a set of stairs. At the bottom of the stairs we turned left.

★★★★☆ — June , Jul 2025

Wife and took our dog on this hike in early Oct 2023. It's been very dry, so the falls were near non-existent. But, still really cool walking under it.

★★★★★ — Charlie , Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 31 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“A beautiful day at Noccalula Falls for a mountain bike race!”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“We hiked a very rocky path which had mini detours down to the water.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“The Gorge trail, part of the Black Creek Trail system, is a loop trail that takes you under the Noccalula Falls.”

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Plan your run at Gorge Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Where to find Gorge Trailhead

Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904

Get directions

Running trails near Gadsden

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Noccalula Falls

4.8 ★★★★★ 1,007 reviews

Gadsden, AL

LitScenic

Popular natural attraction with a main track, known for waterfalls and trails.

under a mile away

Noccalula Falls Suspension Bridge

4.1 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews

Gadsden, AL

Scenic

under a mile away

Noccalula Falls Park

4.9 ★★★★★ 20 reviews

Gadsden, AL

LitScenic

under a mile away

Black Creek Walking Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 52 reviews

Gadsden, AL

Scenic

under a mile away

The James D. Martin Wildlife Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 72 reviews

Gadsden, AL

BoardwalkScenic

2.6 miles away

Riverwalk City Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 107 reviews

Gadsden, AL

ScenicDog-friendly

Tranquil wooded site featuring a river view, plus walking and fishing opportunities.

2.7 miles away

All running trails in Gadsden, AL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.