Cathedral Caverns State Park: An Underground Wonderland

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Discover Alabama's underground wonderland: Explore massive caverns, stunning formations, and natural beauty at Cathedral Caverns State Park.

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Cathedral Caverns State Park

Explore the depths of Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, home to one of the largest cave openings in the world and stunning geological formations. Discover the beauty of 'Goliath,' one of the world's largest stalagmites, and experience the thrill of gemstone mining in this natural wonderland.

A brief summary to Cathedral Caverns State Park

637 Cave Rd, Woodville, Alabama, 35776, US
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Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

Book your cave tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability [1].
The cave temperature is a constant 60°F (15°C), so dress accordingly [7, 8].
Pets are not allowed inside the cave or park buildings [5, 8].
Check the park's website for special events like gem mining for kids [1].
Combine your cave tour with a hike on one of the park's scenic trails [1, 7].

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Getting There

Driving

Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776 [1]. From Huntsville, take I-565 East and merge onto US-72 East. Continue to Country Road 63 in Woodville, then turn right onto Cathedral Caverns Highway. After approximately 3 miles, turn left onto Cathedral Caverns Road [9]. Ample parking is available near the Visitor Center [1, 5].
Walking

From the parking area near the Visitor Center, follow the paved path towards the cave entrance [4, 9]. The walk is short and accessible, leading directly to the main entrance of Cathedral Caverns [1, 3]. The main path through the caverns is wheelchair accessible [1, 3].

Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of northern Alabama, offers visitors an unforgettable journey into the subterranean world [1, 2]. Originally named 'Bat Cave,' the caverns boast a massive entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, potentially a world record for commercial caves [1, 3, 7]. The cave was renamed Cathedral Caverns due to its cathedral-like appearance, complete with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that resemble ornate columns and sculptures [1]. Discovered in the 1950s and opened to the public in 1955, the State of Alabama purchased the caverns in 1987, officially opening it as a state park in 2000 [1, 2, 7]. Archaeological excavations indicate Native American occupation dating back as far as 7000 BCE [2, 6]. During the Civil War, the Kennamer family even took refuge in the cave after their home was burned down [2]. Inside, marvel at 'Goliath,' one of the world's largest stalagmites, standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet [1, 3, 7]. Other notable features include the 'Frozen Waterfall,' a massive flowstone formation, a 'Stalactite Forest,' and the 'Mystery River' [1]. The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it an ideal destination in any season [7, 8]. Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers hiking trails with scenic views, gem mining, and camping facilities [1, 7, 4]. Whether you're an avid spelunker, a nature enthusiast, or a family seeking a unique adventure, Cathedral Caverns State Park promises an awe-inspiring experience [1].