Rainbow City is a city in northeastern Alabama, located in Etowah County near Gadsden. It sits along the Coosa River, about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. The city is known for its river setting, nearby Noccalula Falls, parks, and easy access to the foothills and outdoor landscapes of the southern Appalachian region.
Location Map of Rainbow City, Etowah County, Alabama
About Map: The map shows the location of Rainbow City in Etowah County, in the U.S. state of Alabama.
Rainbow City Map, Alabama
About Rainbow City Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Rainbow City in Etowah County, Alabama. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Rainbow City Located?
Rainbow City is a city located in Etowah County, Alabama, the United States. It lies in northeastern Alabama along the Coosa River, just southeast of Gadsden and about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. Attalla is around 8 miles northwest, while Jacksonville is about 25 miles southeast. Rainbow City is positioned near 33.946° North latitude and 86.052° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 9,602 residents. The city covers about 25.17 square miles, or 65.19 square kilometers. Rainbow City was incorporated in 1950 and developed as a residential and commercial community in the Gadsden area. Its location near the Coosa River has influenced the area's landscape, recreation, and transportation. One of the best-known attractions nearby is Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, where a waterfall drops over a rocky gorge surrounded by wooded trails and historic features. Rainbow City also provides convenient access to the Coosa River and nearby mountain and forest areas. A unique fact about the community is its name, which was selected to reflect the colorful image of a rainbow and distinguish the city from neighboring Gadsden. The surrounding area combines river valleys, forested hills, and ridges associated with the southern Appalachian foothills. Interstate 59 and US-411 provide major road connections to Gadsden, Birmingham, Chattanooga, and other communities across northeastern Alabama.
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Rainbow City City Facts
| City | Rainbow City |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Etowah County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Northeastern Alabama and Southern Appalachian Foothills |
| Incorporated | 1950 |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Total Area | 25.17 sq mi (65.19 sq km) |
| Land Area | 24.93 sq mi (64.57 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.24 sq mi (0.62 sq km) |
| Elevation | 560 ft (171 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 9,700 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 9,602 |
| Population Density | 385 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 35906 |
| Area Code | 256 |
| Major Highways | I-59, US-411, AL-77, and AL-132 |
| Public Transit | Etowah County public transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Noccalula Falls Park, Coosa River, James D. Martin Wildlife Park, and nearby Gadsden attractions |
| Official Website | https://www.rainbowcityalabama.gov/ |
Distance from Rainbow City, AL to Nearby Cities
- Gadsden, AL – 5 miles (8 km)
- Attalla, AL – 8 miles (13 km)
- Glencoe, AL – 10 miles (16 km)
- Southside, AL – 10 miles (16 km)
- Albertville, AL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Jacksonville, AL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Anniston, AL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Oxford, AL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Fort Payne, AL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Guntersville, AL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Scottsboro, AL – 45 miles (72 km)
- Birmingham, AL – 60 miles (97 km)
- Decatur, AL – 75 miles (121 km)
- Huntsville, AL – 65 miles (105 km)
- Rome, GA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Chattanooga, TN – 75 miles (121 km)
- Montgomery, AL – 140 miles (225 km)
- Atlanta, GA – 110 miles (177 km)
Top Attractions in Rainbow City
- Noccalula Falls Park – A major nearby attraction featuring a waterfall, wooded trails, gardens, historic structures, and views of the Black Creek gorge.
- Coosa River – The river provides a scenic setting near Rainbow City and supports boating, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing.
- James D. Martin Wildlife Park – A riverside recreation area in the Gadsden area with walking paths, fishing access, wildlife habitat, and views of the Coosa River.
- Noccalula Falls Botanical Gardens – Landscaped gardens and natural areas within Noccalula Falls Park provide walking routes and seasonal scenery.
- Gadsden Museum of Art – A nearby cultural center featuring rotating art exhibitions, local artists, and community programs.
- Gadsden Historic Downtown – The nearby downtown area includes historic buildings, local businesses, restaurants, and civic landmarks.
- Coosa Landing – A riverfront area in Gadsden offering boat access, walking areas, fishing, and views of the Coosa River.
- Neely Henry Lake – A large reservoir on the Coosa River south of Rainbow City, popular for fishing, boating, water recreation, and wildlife viewing.
Airports Near Rainbow City, AL
- Gadsden Municipal Airport (GAD) – 8 miles
- Anniston Regional Airport (ANB) – 35 miles
- Guntersville Municipal Airport (8A1) – 35 miles
- Huntsville International Airport (HSV) – 70 miles
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – 70 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Rainbow City website and local government records.
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