Thursday, January 08, 2009

NOCCALULA FALLS


This 100-foot natural wonder waterfall, located in Gadsden, Alabama, is named for Noccalula, a young Cherokee maiden who plunged to her untimely death rather than forsake her true love. She is memorialized by a statue and the engraved story of her fate.
The above picture is a more normal flow than the ones below after about 8 inches of rain in 2 or 3 days. During the dry months it slows to a trickle so we made a special trip today to see what a big rain would do with it.
The above is a brass plaque telling the story of Noccalula, the Cherokee maiden.

This is a statue of her. Notice the rainbow behind her. The air was full of mist coming from the falls.



The rainbows constantly moved around as the water plunged over the falls. The mist reminded me of what we experienced at Niagara Falls.







The flow was quiet a bit more a day or two ago or so a park worker told us





A double rainbow






There is a huge cavity under the falls







This train runs all through the park when it's operating.









This is a downstream view.









The water was too swift for the ducks so they are taking a break.









This is a footbridge over the creek. They had access blocked because of the danger.












This duck stood out from the rest. Probably an alien.













Top edge of the falls.












The City is building this Chapel for weddings. It will be ready to rent soon.















This is the park's new entrance. The park will reopen in March I believe.













2 comments:

Deann said...

What a beautiful day to visit the falls! They sure are impressive after a big rain. I love the photos... especially the ones with the rainbows!

P.S. I didn't realize that the park is closed right now. Glad we haven't made a trip up there recently!

Tattycat said...

These pictures are fantastic! You did a great job with them. It's good to see the contrast between today and a more natural flow too. Thanks!