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Cathedral Caverns State Park: An Underground Wonderland

Discover Alabama's 'Coolest' Underground Adventure: Explore massive caverns, stunning formations, and scenic hiking trails at Cathedral Caverns State Park.

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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 enjoy hiking trails and camping within the park's scenic 493 acres [1, 2, 8].

A brief summary to Cathedral Caverns State Park

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 [8, 9].
  • Pets are not allowed inside the cave or park buildings [7, 9].
  • Check the park's website for special events like gem mining and educational programs [1].
  • Consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions like Lake Guntersville or the Marshall Space Flight Center [8, 9].
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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 US-72 East to County Road 63 in Woodville. Turn right onto County Road 63 (Cathedral Caverns Highway), then left onto Cathedral Caverns Road [10]. The park entrance is well-signposted. Parking is available near the Visitor Center [4, 7]. Parking is free, but can fill up quickly during peak season [4].

  • Walking

    From the parking area near the Welcome Center, follow the paved, ADA-accessible path towards the cave entrance [3, 10]. The path is approximately 1.3 miles round trip [7, 16]. Be aware of some steep and slippery areas [10]. Pets are not allowed on the cave tour [7, 9].

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Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of Northern Alabama, invites you to discover a subterranean world of natural wonders [1, 8]. Originally named 'Bat Cave,' the cavern boasts a massive entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, potentially a world record for commercial caves [1, 6, 8, 11]. The cave was later renamed Cathedral Caverns due to its cathedral-like appearance, complete with towering stalagmites and delicate stalactites that resemble ornate columns [1]. Inside, you'll find 'Goliath,' one of the world's largest stalagmites, standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet [1, 3, 5, 8]. Other notable features include the 'Frozen Waterfall,' a massive flowstone formation, a 'Stalactite Forest,' and the 'Mystery River,' an underground river flowing through the caverns [1, 6, 8]. The 'Big Room' is so large it could fit a football field [1]. Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, gem mining, and a campground with primitive and modern campsites [1, 4, 5, 8]. The park is open year-round, with cave tours available daily [1, 7]. The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it an excellent destination in any season [8, 9]. Cathedral Caverns has a rich history, with archaeological evidence suggesting Native American occupation as far back 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]. The cave was developed as a tourist attraction in the 1950s and became an Alabama State Park in 2000 [2, 8].

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