Cathedral Caverns State Park, North Alabama Travel Guide

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Discover a world of natural wonders at Cathedral Caverns State Park, featuring one of the largest cave entrances and stunning geological formations.

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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 the 'Frozen Waterfall' inside this natural wonder.

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.

Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the cave floor can be damp and slippery.
Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave temperature remains a constant 60°F (15°C) year-round.
Reservations for cave tours are recommended, especially during peak season and for large groups.
Plan to spend extra time exploring the park's hiking trails and gemstone mining activities.
Check the park's website or Facebook page for daily updates on tour availability and special events.

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Getting There

Driving

Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL 35776. From Huntsville, take I-565 East and merge onto US-72 East. Turn right onto Country Road 63 (Cathedral Caverns Highway) in Woodville, and then left onto Cathedral Caverns Road. The park entrance is at the end of Cave Road. Parking is free and plentiful near the Visitor Center. Limited parking is available during peak season.

Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of northern Alabama, offers a captivating journey into the subterranean world. Originally known as 'Bat Cave,' its grand entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, is among the largest cave openings in the world. The cave was renamed Cathedral Caverns due to its cathedral-like appearance, adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.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 massive flowstone formation resembling a cascading waterfall frozen in time, and the 'Stalactite Forest,' an area dense with countless stalactites. The 'Big Room' is so vast it could fit a football field. The Mystery River flows through the caverns, adding to the allure.Cathedral Caverns has a rich history, with archaeological excavations revealing Native American occupation dating back thousands of years. Jacob 'Jay' Gurley purchased the cave in 1955 and developed it as a tourist attraction, opening it to the public in 1959. The State of Alabama acquired the property in 1987, opening it as a state park in 2000.The park encompasses 493 acres, offering marked hiking trails, gemstone mining, and camping facilities. The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it an ideal destination in any season. Wheelchair-accessible paths ensure that everyone can experience the beauty of Cathedral Caverns.