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Cathedral Caverns State Park: An Underground Wonderland

Explore Alabama's Cathedral Caverns State Park: Home to the world's largest cave entrance and stunning geological formations.

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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama. Explore the vast caverns, marvel at 'Goliath,' one of the world's largest stalagmites, and enjoy hiking trails and gemstone mining in this natural wonderland [1, 2].

A brief summary to Cathedral Caverns State Park

  • 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 seasons, to ensure availability [2].
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the cave tour, as the path can be slippery [2, 12].
  • Bring a light jacket, as the cave temperature remains a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit [2].
  • Check the park's website for events like gem mining for kids and educational programs [2].
  • Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the park's scenic picnic areas [2].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL 35776 [2, 12]. From Huntsville, take I-565 East and merge onto US-72 East [18]. Turn right onto Country Road 63 (Cathedral Caverns Highway) and then left onto Cathedral Caverns Road [18]. Follow the signs to the park [4]. Parking is available near the Visitor Center [4, 13, 14]. Parking is free [12, 14].

  • Taxi

    From Huntsville, a taxi or rideshare to Cathedral Caverns State Park will take approximately 40 minutes and cost $70-$85 [15].

Unlock the Best of Cathedral Caverns State Park

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Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, originally known as Bat Cave, is a stunning natural attraction in Woodville, Alabama [1, 2, 10]. Purchased by the state in 1987 and opened as a state park in 2000, its cathedral-like appearance gives the park its name [1, 6]. The cave's massive entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, is considered one of the largest commercial cave openings in the world [1, 2, 6, 7, 10]. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of geological formations, including 'Goliath,' a stalagmite that stands 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet [1, 2, 6]. Other notable sights include a frozen waterfall, a stalactite forest, and the Mystery River [2, 10, 17]. Guided tours are the best way to experience Cathedral Caverns, providing insights into the cave's history and geology [2]. The temperature inside the cave remains a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round [1, 6, 7]. Beyond the cave, the park offers hiking trails, gem mining, and camping facilities [2, 6]. The park encompasses 493 acres, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities [1, 6]. Cathedral Caverns also has a rich history. Jacob Gurley opened the cave to the public in the 1950s and named it Cathedral Caverns after his wife noted that one of the rooms resembled a cathedral [1, 6, 7, 10]. Evidence suggests human habitation in the cave dates back 8,000 years [10].

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