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Rickwood Caverns State Park: A Subterranean Wonderland

Discover ancient formations and underground wonders at Rickwood Caverns State Park, a natural treasure in the heart of Alabama.

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Explore the depths of Rickwood Caverns State Park, a 380-acre natural preserve in Warrior, Alabama. Descend into a 260-million-year-old cave system, marvel at unique limestone formations, and discover the fascinating history of this subterranean world.

A brief summary to Rickwood Caverns State Park

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended, especially during peak season and holidays.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave temperature remains a constant 62°F (17°C) year-round.
  • Check the park's website for information on seasonal events like "Wonderland Under Warrior" during the holidays.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Rickwood Caverns State Park is located off I-65. From I-65 Northbound: Take Exit 284 to State Highway 160. Turn left onto State Highway 160 and travel 100 yards to Skyline Drive (Cr-8). Turn right onto Skyline Drive and travel 2.5 miles to Rickwood Caverns Road (Cr-4). Turn right onto Rickwood Caverns Road and travel 1.5 miles to the park entrance on the right. From I-65 Southbound: Take Exit 289 to CR-5. Turn right onto CR-5 and travel .5 miles to Rickwood Caverns Road (CR-4). Turn left onto Rickwood Caverns Road and travel 2.5 miles to the park entrance on the left. Parking is available at the park entrance. Parking is free.

Unlock the Best of Rickwood Caverns State Park

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Discover more about Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns State Park offers a unique opportunity to explore the geological wonders hidden beneath the surface of Alabama. The park's centerpiece is a vast cave system, carved from an ancient ocean bed and teeming with 260-million-year-old limestone formations. The caverns were brought to public attention in the early 1950s by Eddie Rickles, a Boy Scout leader, and Sonny Arwood. Together, they developed the cave into a commercial attraction, aptly named Rickwood Caverns. In 1974, the State of Alabama acquired the property, transforming it into a state park for all to enjoy. A guided tour takes you through the "miracle mile" of the cave, revealing stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations that are still actively growing. Keep an eye out for the fossils of marine life embedded in the cave walls, a testament to the cave's ancient origins. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) year-round, providing a cool escape in the summer and a warm refuge in the winter. Above ground, the park offers a variety of activities, including hiking trails, a playground, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool fed by the cave's cool waters (though the pool is currently closed for repairs). For a unique experience, visit during the holiday season for "Wonderland Under Warrior," when the cave is transformed into a dazzling display of festive lights and decorations.

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