Cathedral Caverns State Park: An Underground Wonderland

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of northern Alabama, invites you to explore a subterranean landscape filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders [2]. The park's centerpiece, Cathedral Caverns, was initially known as Bat Cave before Jacob Gurley opened it to the public in the 1950s [1, 3]. Its cathedral-like appearance led to its renaming [1]. The State of Alabama purchased the cave in 1987 and opened it as a state park in 2000 [1, 2]. 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, 8]. Inside, you'll find remarkable formations, including Goliath, one of the world's largest stalagmites, standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet [2, 3]. Other notable sights include the Frozen Waterfall, a massive flowstone formation, and the Stalactite Forest [2]. The Big Room, the main chamber, is large enough to fit a football field [2]. Guided tours, lasting approximately 90 minutes and covering 1.5 miles, lead you through the cave's wonders [2]. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the geological formations and the cave's history [2]. The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round [3, 8]. Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers hiking trails with scenic views and gem mining, a popular activity for all ages [1, 2, 3]. The park also provides camping facilities, including primitive and modern campsites [2, 3]. Archaeological excavations near the entrance suggest Native American occupation dating back thousands of years [5, 7]. The cave has also served as a filming location for movies [7].