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Cathedral Caverns State Park: An Underground Wonderland

Discover Alabama's hidden gem: Cathedral Caverns State Park, home to a massive cave, stunning formations, and outdoor adventures.

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Explore the depths of Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, and discover a world of stunning geological formations. Originally named Bat Cave, this natural wonder boasts one of the largest cave entrances globally and features the colossal stalagmite, Goliath, alongside hiking trails and gem mining activities [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, 3].
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for the cave tour, as the path can be slippery [2, 14].
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave temperature remains a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit [2, 3, 8].
  • Explore the park's hiking trails for scenic views of the surrounding landscape [2, 3].
  • Consider participating in gem mining, a fun and educational activity for all ages [1, 2, 3].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL 35776 [2, 14]. From Huntsville, take I-565 East and merge onto US-72 East [16]. Turn right onto Country Road 63 (Cathedral Caverns Highway) and then left onto Cathedral Caverns Road [16]. Ample free parking is available near the visitor center [2, 14, 17]. Parking can fill up quickly during peak season [13]. There is one main parking lot for day-use visitors to Cathedral Caverns State Park that is located in the northern corner near the Visitor Center [13].

Unlock the Best of Cathedral Caverns State Park

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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 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].

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