Attalla is part of Etowah County in Alabama. Attalla was founded in 1870 on land donated by plantation owner W. C. Hammond. It was established as a city government in 1872 and was officially named "Attalla" in 1893. According to the city's history, Attalla's name came from the Cherokee word "otalie," meaning "my home." Another translation for the Cherokee word is "mountain." Attalla is located on the former site of a Creek War-significant Native American village.
Attalla sits in an exceptional location in northern Alabama. The city was once a booming rail and mining center and is also home to Alabama's initial hydroelectric dam. David Brown, a Cherokee, prepared the "Cherokee Spelling Book" held in Attalla.
Big Wills Creek is one of the best fishing locations in Attalla. The creek flows through the center of Attalla and is open for kayaking, swimming, fishing, and tubing. Anglers can hook various fish species in the creek, such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, and common carp. Next to Big Wills Creek is Little Wills Creek. A small creek near Gadsden and Attalla is home to fish species like largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, spotted bass, rock bass, and mangrove red snapper.
Anglers can also take a tour at fish the waters of Lake Rhea. The lake is known for its cold water coming from an underground spring. Lake Rhea is a favorite swimming spot and is an area to visit for anglers wishing to catch largemouth bass, spotted sunfish, and channel catfish. Meanwhile, bass fishing is prominent in Clear Creek and Line Creek. Different species of bass are found here, like rock bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass. Bass fishing is open throughout the whole year.
Clayton Fish Pond and Noccalula Falls are other fishing locations in Attalla, near Gadsden. These fishing areas are best to visit to target Skamania trout, rainbow trout, green sunfish, warmouth, redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and bluegill.
Attala is the best location to visit with family and friends.
Tigers for Tomorrow, situated in Untamed Mountain, is a wild animal preserve and environmental education center in Attalla. The center is home to over 160 animals, which include tigers, mountain lions, African lions, bears, wolves, black leopards, and more. The center aims to uphold the highest standards of care and respect for native and exotic animals needing secure and permanent homes. Tigers for Tomorrow is open to the public as a premier wild animal park and family recreational destination in North Alabama.
Tourists who love a glass of fine wine can visit the Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery. Groups of visitors can enjoy a wine tasting of up to 20 varieties that are also available for purchase. They can also take a quick tour of the processing rooms to see how wines are made and processed. Wills Creek Vineyards and Winery also offers monthly wine-making classes and other seasonal events. They also have unique gifts and souvenirs for wine and food lovers. Make sure to contact the winery and book your visit in advance.