Rickwood Caverns State Park, Blount Mountain Travel Guide

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

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Rickwood Caverns State Park

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

370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, Alabama, 35180, US
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rickwood Caverns State Park.

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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Explore Rickwood Caverns State Park on the Map

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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.

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].