Cathedral Caverns State Park, Lookout Mountain Travel Guide

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

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Cathedral Caverns State Park

Explore the depths of Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, home to one of the world's largest commercial cave entrances and stunning geological formations. Discover the beauty of 'Goliath,' a massive stalagmite, and enjoy hiking trails in this 493-acre natural preserve.

A brief summary to Cathedral Caverns State Park

637 Cave Rd, Woodville, Alabama, 35776, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cathedral Caverns State Park.

Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended, especially during peak season and school field trip months (February, March, April, May, September, October, and November).
The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the cave floor can be damp and slippery.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park's designated picnic areas.
Consider combining your cave tour with gemstone mining for a fun and educational experience.

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Explore Cathedral Caverns State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cathedral Caverns State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL 35776. From Huntsville, take I-565 East, then merge onto US-72 East. Continue to Country Road 63 in Woodville, turn right, and then left onto Cathedral Caverns Road. Follow the signs to the park entrance. Parking is free and plentiful. There is one main parking lot for day-use visitors near the Visitor Center.
Walking

From the parking area near the Welcome Center, it is a short, paved walk to the cave entrance. The path is ADA-accessible and approximately 1.3 miles to the depths of the cave. Cart tours are available at no additional cost for those needing assistance. Be aware that some areas may be steep and slippery.

Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in Woodville, Alabama, invites visitors to explore a subterranean world filled with natural wonders. Originally known as 'Bat Cave,' Jacob Gurley opened the caverns to the public in the 1950s, renaming it Cathedral Caverns due to its cathedral-like appearance. The State of Alabama purchased the park in 1987, and it officially opened as a state park in 2000.The cave's massive entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, is considered a possible world record for commercial caves. Inside, marvel at 'Goliath,' one of the world's largest stalagmites, standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet. Other notable features include the 'Frozen Waterfall,' a large stalagmite forest, and the 'Mystery River'.Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers marked hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the trails on Pisgah Mountain, ranging from easy to moderate, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape. For those interested in gem mining, visitors can purchase bags or buckets of mining dirt and sift through them in custom-made flumes. The park also provides camping facilities, including improved campsites, primitive tent camping areas, and tiny cabins.