Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge: A Bat Haven
Witness the awe-inspiring flight of hundreds of thousands of bats at Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge in Scottsboro, Alabama.
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge, near Scottsboro, Alabama, is a 264-acre sanctuary protecting endangered gray and Indiana bats. Visitors can witness the spectacular nightly emergence of hundreds of thousands of bats from an observation deck.
A brief summary to Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
- Scottsboro, Alabama, 35769, US
- +1256-350-6639
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Arrive before dusk during the summer months (June-August) to witness the bat emergence.
- Bring insect repellent, as the area can have mosquitoes.
- Wear a hat or use an umbrella, as the bats may leave guano droppings.
- Stay on the observation deck and avoid shining lights into the cave to respect the bats and their habitat.
Getting There
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Driving
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is located off US Highway 72, approximately 7 miles west of Scottsboro, Alabama. From Huntsville, drive east on US-72. A small parking area is located about 0.5 miles past mile marker 130. The refuge entrance is on the south side of the highway. Park at the refuge entrance gate, ensuring not to block the gate. Then, walk approximately 100 yards down the paved road to the cave entrance and observation deck on your right. Parking is free.
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Public Transport
To reach Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge via public transport, take a Greyhound bus to Scottsboro, AL. From the bus station, which is about 5 miles away from the refuge, you can hire a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for the ride to the refuge.
Discover more about Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Guntersville Lake
4.4 km
Experience the natural beauty and outdoor adventures at Guntersville Lake, Alabama's stunning recreational paradise.
Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center
10.5 km
Discover Jackson County's past: Native American heritage, Civil War stories, and the landmark Scottsboro Boys case.
Grant Lookout
14.3 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from atop Gunter Mountain at Grant Lookout in Grant, Alabama. A must-see for nature lovers and photographers!
Keel Mountain
19.8 km
Explore Keel Mountain in Alabama: Hike to Lost Sink Falls, discover rare plants, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cumberland Plateau.
The Gathering Place
24.5 km
A serene event venue nestled in Lake Guntersville State Park, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities.
Guntersville Beach
24.9 km
Relax and unwind at Guntersville Beach, a scenic lakeside retreat on the shores of beautiful Lake Guntersville in Alabama.
The Lodge at Lake Guntersville State Park
25.3 km
Experience breathtaking views and outdoor adventures at this mountaintop lodge in Lake Guntersville State Park, Alabama.
Lost Sink Falls
26.8 km
Discover the enchanting Lost Sink Falls at Keel Mountain Preserve, a hidden gem near Huntsville with a unique disappearing waterfall.
Gunter's Landing
27.2 km
Experience challenging golf and stunning lake views at Gunter's Landing, a premier golf destination in Guntersville, Alabama.
Gorham's bluff
29.3 km
Discover history and breathtaking views at Gorham's Bluff, a unique community overlooking the Tennessee River Valley near Pisgah, Alabama.
Cooley Cemetery
29.8 km
Discover the tranquil beauty and rich history of Cooley Cemetery in Guntersville, Alabama, a hidden gem for reflection and remembrance.
DeKalb County Public Lake
30.6 km
Discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities at DeKalb County Public Lake in Alabama, a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Guntersville Bed & Breakfast
31.8 km
Experience Southern charm and lakeside serenity at this historic Guntersville bed and breakfast, just steps from downtown and Lake Guntersville.
City Harbor at Lake Guntersville Business Office
31.9 km
Experience the perfect blend of business and leisure at City Harbor, a lakeside retreat in Guntersville, Alabama, where stunning views meet professional service.
The Soak House & Soapery
31.9 km
Indulge in luxurious spa treatments and handcrafted soaps at this Guntersville sanctuary for holistic wellness and relaxation.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cathedral Caverns State Park
10.2 km
Explore Alabama's Cathedral Caverns: Awe-inspiring cave formations, hiking trails, and gemstone mining adventures await!
The Scottsboro Boys Museum
10.4 km
Explore the landmark Scottsboro Boys Museum, a powerful testament to civil rights history in Scottsboro, Alabama.
Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve
10.5 km
Explore a stunning Alabama cave with a 143-foot pit, mesmerizing waterfall, and walk-in access for hikers and cavers alike. Permit required!
Weathington Park
12.1 km
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Buck's Pocket State Park
16.9 km
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Point Rock Overlook
17.9 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from atop Sand Mountain at Point Rock Overlook in Fyffe, Alabama.
Neversink Cave Preserve
23.4 km
Explore the natural beauty and geological wonders of Neversink Cave Preserve in Alabama, a hidden gem for adventurers and nature lovers.
Rock Zoo
23.7 km
Discover a whimsical world of painted rocks at Alabama's quirky roadside attraction. A delightful and free stop for all ages!
Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve
23.8 km
Discover an underground world of geological wonders & Civil War history at Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve in Fackler, Alabama.
High Falls Alabama
24.4 km
Discover the majestic High Falls in Grove Oak, Alabama: a natural haven with a stunning waterfall, unique rock formations, and rich history.
High Falls Park
24.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of High Falls Park in Grove Oak, Alabama, a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Beach Complex
24.7 km
Relax and play at Lake Guntersville State Park's Beach Complex, offering a sandy retreat and access to abundant park activities.
Buckeye Pavilion at Lake Guntersville State Park
24.7 km
Enjoy lakeside gatherings at Buckeye Pavilion in Lake Guntersville State Park, perfect for picnics, reunions, and outdoor fun near the beach and campground.
Beach Pavilion at Lake Guntersville State Park
24.8 km
Enjoy lakeside events and gatherings at the Beach Pavilion in Lake Guntersville State Park, offering scenic views and convenient amenities for a memorable experience.
Honeycomb Natural Bridge
25.2 km
Discover the natural beauty of Honeycomb Natural Bridge in Grant, Alabama: a unique geological formation with a charming waterfall.
Essential places to dine
Puck’s by the Lake
18.0 km
Discover exquisite dining at Puck's by the Lake in Langston, AL – where delicious cuisine meets breathtaking lakeside views.
Papa Johns Pizza
33.7 km
Discover delicious pizza made with fresh ingredients at Papa John's in Guntersville - perfect for families and friends alike.
Fire By The Lake
34.4 km
Discover delightful dining at Fire By The Lake in Guntersville - where exceptional food meets live entertainment!
Wendy's
34.5 km
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Waffle House
35.2 km
Experience the charm of classic American dining at Waffle House in Guntersville—where delicious breakfasts are served around the clock.
Mellow Mushroom Huntsville South
37.7 km
Experience gourmet pizzas with unique flavors at Mellow Mushroom Huntsville South - where every bite is a celebration of taste.
Nick's Ristorante
37.8 km
Experience the finest Northern Italian cuisine at Nick's Ristorante in Huntsville—where seafood and steak meet elegance.
Flight Plan Wine And Tapas
39.0 km
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Peppered Pig
39.0 km
Experience the ultimate burger delight at Peppered Pig in Huntsville, AL – where flavor meets fun!
Boarhog's Barbeque
39.3 km
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Santa Fe Cattle Company
40.0 km
Discover delicious steaks and BBQ delights at Santa Fe Cattle Company in Fort Payne - perfect for families and food lovers alike.
Jefferson's
40.8 km
Experience mouthwatering chicken wings and juicy burgers at Jefferson's in Fort Payne—where American flavors come alive!
Supper Heroes
40.8 km
Discover the flavors of classic American comfort food at Supper Heroes in Huntsville - where delicious meets affordable.
Walton's Southern Table
41.1 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine at Walton's Southern Table in Huntsville—where every bite tells a story.
Little Caesars Pizza
41.9 km
Discover deliciously affordable pizza at Little Caesars Pizza in Fort Payne - perfect for travelers craving fast food delights.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Cupboard LLC
27.8 km
Explore The Cupboard LLC in Fyffe, AL, a unique consignment shop filled with eclectic treasures and friendly service, perfect for every treasure hunter.
Cupboard Antiques
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Explore Cupboard Antiques in Fyffe, AL for a captivating collection of vintage treasures and unique home decor that tells a story.
Gaming Etc.
36.8 km
Discover Gaming Etc. in Fort Payne, Alabama - your ultimate destination for video games, comics, and collectibles in a vibrant community atmosphere.
Junkabillies, LLC
36.8 km
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Country Camp Store, Monte Sano
37.9 km
Experience the essence of Alabama at Country Camp Store in Monte Sano – your one-stop shop for outdoor gear and local treasures.
Willowbrook Shoppe
38.0 km
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Ever After Marketplace
38.5 km
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Alabama Goods - Huntsville
38.9 km
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The Little Green Store and Gallery
39.4 km
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Firehouse Antiques & Collectibles
40.1 km
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Top Key Market
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The Cottage Collective
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Weaver's Department Store
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Elite Boutique
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Sweet Pineapple
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Busted Oak Bourbon Society
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Applebee's Grill + Bar
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The 19th Hole Sports Lounge
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Thirsty Turtle
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Bishop's Eastside Pub & Grill
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The Brass Tap
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Voodoo Lounge Bar & Grill
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Voodoo Lounge Bar & Grill in Huntsville, where great food meets live music in a welcoming atmosphere.
Swamp Water Louie's
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Experience the lively ambiance of Swamp Water Louie's, Huntsville's favorite bar for craft drinks, delicious snacks, and live music.
Whiskey Bottom saloon
43.7 km
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Miller's Tavern
43.7 km
Discover Huntsville's vibrant nightlife at Miller's Tavern, where great drinks and karaoke await in a lively atmosphere.
Domaine South wine shop & wine bar
43.7 km
Experience a delightful selection of wines at Domaine South Wine Shop & Wine Bar, where every sip tells a story in the heart of Huntsville.
Jefferson Street Pub
43.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and delicious fare at Jefferson Street Pub, a top bar and pub in Huntsville, Alabama, where great times await.
SiP Fine Spirits & Cigar Lounge
43.7 km
Experience luxury and relaxation at SiP Fine Spirits & Cigar Lounge in Huntsville, where exquisite cocktails and premium cigars await.
Baker & Able
43.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Baker & Able, Huntsville's premier cocktail bar offering inventive drinks in a stylish setting.
Catacomb 435
43.8 km
Discover Catacomb 435, Huntsville's eclectic bar with a vibrant atmosphere and a unique drink menu, perfect for unwinding and socializing.
