County of sign: Cleburne County
Location of sign: US 278, Alabama state line
Text on sign:
Welcome to
Alabama
the Beautiful
Governor Robert Bentley<
"Majestic mountains, wild rivers, breathtaking canyons. Many of Mother Nature's most stunning creations can be found right here in the United States. In a new photographic series exploring America's natural beauty, weather.com is choosing and highlighting seven spectacular wonders from each state. Here, we take a look at Alabama, the Heart of Dixie, a state rich in history, Southern charm and amazing sights.
"Perhaps Alabama's most popular waterfall, the picturesque Noccalula Falls, which is located in Gadsden, is a site steeped in legend. Princess Noccalula, the daughter of a Cherokee chief, was said to have jumped from the precipice near the falls after her father ordered her to marry a man she didn't love. But beyond the legend, Noccalula Falls is known for its towering 90-foot drop over Lookout Mountain ledge into the lush Black Creek Ravine. The waterfall also has a gorge trail winding through its basin and past caves, an aboriginal fort, an abandoned dam, pioneer homestead, and Civil War carvings. In 2011, three kayakers went over the falls for a documentary they were producing.
"Noccalula Falls Park is home to Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge, and the park features botanical garden, pioneer homestead, nature trails, picnic areas and a year-round campground." ~ The Weather Channel