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Three Caves: Huntsville's Limestone Legacy

Discover Huntsville's historic Three Caves: a unique blend of industrial history and natural beauty in Monte Sano Nature Preserve.

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Explore the historic Three Caves, a former limestone quarry transformed into a unique hiking area and event venue within the Land Trust of North Alabama's Monte Sano Nature Preserve. Just two miles from downtown Huntsville, these man-made caverns offer a glimpse into the city's industrial past and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Land Trust of North Alabama: Three Caves

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Wear closed-toe shoes due to the gravel surfaces around the Three Caves area.
  • Bring a bag chair if you're attending a concert or event, as seating isn't typically provided.
  • Check the Land Trust of North Alabama's website for guided hikes and special events.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Huntsville, head east on Governor's Drive SE, then turn left onto Kennamer Drive SE. Continue on Kennamer Drive SE to 901 Kennamer Dr SE. The parking lot for Three Caves will be on your left. Parking is free.

  • Ride-Sharing

    Take a ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) or taxi from downtown Huntsville to Three Caves. The designated drop-off and pick-up location is the Mountain Springs Pool parking lot, next to Three Caves at 905 Kennamer Dr SE. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a one-way trip. Taxi rates in Huntsville start at $2.00 per mile.

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Discover more about Land Trust of North Alabama: Three Caves

Three Caves, nestled within the Land Trust of North Alabama's Monte Sano Nature Preserve, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Despite its name, it's not a natural cave system but a former limestone quarry, originally known as Hermitage Quarry. In 1945, Madison County leased the land to the Madison Limestone Company to meet the growing demand for construction materials as Huntsville grew. Miners used the 'room and pillar' method, excavating large chambers while leaving limestone columns for support. This created the three massive, cave-like openings that give the site its name. The quarry closed in 1952 due to rising costs and Huntsville's urban expansion. In 1989, the Land Trust of North Alabama received the property, opening it for public access. However, safety concerns led to the closure of the caves' interior in 2006 due to unstable rock formations. Today, visitors can explore the area around the cave openings and enjoy the trails within the Monte Sano Nature Preserve. The site also serves as a unique venue for special events. Though the caves are not open for casual exploration, the Land Trust sometimes offers guided hikes.

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