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Rickwood Caverns State Park: A Journey into Earth's Depths

Discover ancient formations, unique wildlife, and outdoor adventures at Rickwood Caverns State Park in Warrior, Alabama. A natural wonder awaits!

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Explore the 'miracle mile' of Rickwood Caverns, a 380-acre Alabama State Park featuring stunning 260-million-year-old limestone formations, unique cave wildlife, and a cool, constant temperature. Above ground, enjoy hiking, camping, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

A brief summary to Rickwood Caverns State Park

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the cave tour, as it involves walking and climbing 365 stairs [4, 10].
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater for the cave, as the temperature remains a constant 62°F (17°C) [4, 6].
  • Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended, especially for large groups, and can be made online [4, 10].
  • The swimming pool is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day [1, 3]. Check the park's website for specific dates and times [3].
  • Consider camping at the park to fully experience the natural surroundings and enjoy discounted cave tour rates [14].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Rickwood Caverns State Park is located at 370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, AL 35180 [5, 7]. From I-65 Northbound: Take Exit 284 to State Highway 160. Turn left onto State Highway 160 and travel 100 yards to Skyline Drive (Cr-8). Turn right onto Skyline Drive and travel 2.5 miles to Rickwood Caverns Road (Cr-4). Turn right onto Rickwood Caverns Road and travel 1.5 miles to the park entrance on the right [15]. From I-65 Southbound: Take Exit 289 to CR-5. Turn right onto CR-5 and travel .5 miles to Rickwood Caverns Road (CR-4). Turn left onto Rickwood Caverns Road and travel 2.5 miles to the park entrance on the left [15]. Parking is available within the park. Standard entrance fees are $3 for adults (ages 12+) and $2 for children (ages 5-11) [4, 6]. Cave tour tickets are $19 for adults and $9 for children (ages 5-11) [4, 10]. Expect higher traffic during peak season.

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Discover more about Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns State Park, located near Warrior, Alabama, invites you to discover the wonders hidden beneath the Earth's surface [2, 3]. The park's main attraction is a vast cave system, showcasing 260-million-year-old limestone formations sculpted over millennia [3, 4]. The caverns were brought to public attention in the early 1950s by Eddie Rickles, a Boy Scout leader, and Sonny Arwood [1, 2]. Combining their names, they opened Rickwood Caverns as a commercial entity in 1954 [1, 2]. The State of Alabama acquired the property in 1974, reopening it as a state park [1, 2]. Descend 175 feet below ground into a world of "living" formations, where mineral-rich water continues to build stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones [4, 8]. The cave maintains a constant 58-62°F (14-17°C) temperature year-round [4, 6]. Fossils of marine life are clearly visible in the cave walls and ceilings, a testament to the cave's origin as an ocean bed [3]. Guided tours lead you through the 'miracle mile', revealing natural bridges, an underground pool, and the rare, sightless cave fish [2, 3, 8]. Above ground, the 380-acre park offers a variety of activities [2]. Hike the Fossil Mountain Trail, where you can observe leaf and seashell imprints in the rocks [4, 6]. During the summer, take a dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool fed by the cave's cool waters [1, 3]. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a campground with developed campsites [2, 3].

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