Background

Cathedral Caverns State Park: An Underground Wonderland

Discover Alabama's hidden gem: Explore the majestic Cathedral Caverns with its massive stalagmites, scenic trails, and family-friendly activities.

4.8

Explore the depths of Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, home to stunning geological formations, including one of the world's largest stalagmites. Originally named 'Bat Cave,' this natural wonder offers guided tours through its vast chambers and accessible pathways, making it a memorable experience for all ages [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 season, to ensure availability [1].
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the 1.5-mile cave tour [3, 6, 8].
  • The cave temperature is a constant 60 degrees, so dress accordingly [8, 9, 15].
  • Pets are not allowed on the cave tour or inside park buildings [6, 8, 15].
  • Check the park's website for events like gem mining and educational programs [1].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL [1]. From Huntsville, take I-565 East and merge onto US-72 East [10]. Turn right onto Country Road 63 (Cathedral Caverns Highway) and then left onto Cathedral Caverns Road [10]. Follow the signs to the park. Parking is available near the Welcome Center [5, 6]. Parking is free for day-use visitors [6].

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Cathedral Caverns State Park, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from nearby towns like Woodville or Scottsboro. Expect to pay around $20-$40 for a one-way trip, depending on the distance and service [9, 15].

Unlock the Best of Cathedral Caverns State Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of Northern Alabama, invites visitors to discover the breathtaking beauty hidden beneath the earth [1]. The park's main attraction, Cathedral Caverns, boasts one of the largest cave entrances in the world, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high [1, 2, 9]. Originally known as 'Bat Cave', the caverns were renamed for their cathedral-like appearance, complete with towering stalagmites and delicate stalactites [1]. The cave was first opened to the public in 1955 and became a state park in 2000 [1, 2]. Inside, marvel at 'Goliath,' one of the world's largest stalagmites, standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet [1, 2, 4, 9]. Other notable features include the 'Frozen Waterfall,' a massive flowstone formation resembling a frozen cascade, and the 'Stalactite Forest,' an area filled with countless stalactites hanging from the ceiling [1, 4]. The 'Big Room,' the main chamber of the cavern, is large enough to fit a football field [1]. Guided tours lead visitors along wheelchair-accessible concrete walkways, providing insights into the cave's geological history and unique formations [2, 4]. The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees temperature year-round [8, 9, 15]. Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers hiking trails with scenic views, gem mining activities, and camping facilities [1, 9, 15].

Popular Experiences near Cathedral Caverns State Park

Popular Hotels near Cathedral Caverns State Park

Select Currency