Cathedral Caverns State Park, North Alabama Travel Guide

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of Northern Alabama, invites you to explore a subterranean world of natural wonders. Originally known as 'Bat Cave,' its massive entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, is one of the largest cave openings in the world.Inside, you'll be awestruck by the cathedral-like appearance, with intricate stalagmites and stalactites resembling ornate columns and sculptures. The most famous formation is 'Goliath,' a colossal stalagmite standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet. Other notable features include the 'Frozen Waterfall,' a flowstone formation resembling a cascading waterfall, and the 'Stalactite Forest,' an area filled with countless stalactites. The 'Big Room,' the main chamber, is large enough to fit a football field.Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers hiking trails with scenic views. Gem mining is a popular activity for all ages, where you can sift through dirt and sand to uncover gemstones. For those wanting to extend their stay, the park has a campground with primitive and modern campsites.Cathedral Caverns has a rich history, with archaeological evidence indicating Native American occupation dating back thousands of years. The cave was developed as a tourist attraction in the 1950s and became a state park in 2000. The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees temperature year round.