Cathedral Caverns State Park, Piney Woods Travel Guide

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Discover Alabama's 'Coolest' Underground Adventure: Explore massive caverns, stunning formations, and scenic 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. Originally named 'Bat Cave,' this natural wonder was transformed into a state park in 2000 and boasts impressive stalagmites, stalactites, hiking trails, and gem mining activities for an unforgettable adventure.

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 clothing and sturdy shoes with good grip, as the temperature inside the caverns is a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit and some areas can be slippery.
Book your cave tour in advance, especially during peak visiting times like weekends and holidays.
Check the park's website for a schedule of events, such as gem mining for kids and educational programs.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park's scenic picnic areas after your cave tour.

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Getting There

Driving

Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL 35776. From Huntsville, it's a scenic 30-minute drive southeast. The park is easily accessible by car, and ample free parking is available on-site near the Visitor Center. Be aware that the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak season.

Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of northern Alabama, invites visitors to discover a subterranean world of natural beauty and historical significance. The park's centerpiece, Cathedral Caverns, features a colossal entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, possibly the largest of any commercial cave.Originally known as 'Bat Cave', the caverns were renamed for their cathedral-like appearance, complete with towering stalagmites and stalactites that resemble ornate columns. Jacob 'Jay' Gurley opened the cave to the public in the 1950s, and the state of Alabama purchased it in 1987, officially opening it as a state park in 2000.A guided tour takes you 1.3 miles into the cave, where the temperature remains a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside, marvel at 'Goliath,' one of the world's largest stalagmites, standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet. Other notable formations include the 'Frozen Waterfall,' a massive flowstone formation, and the 'Stalactite Forest,' an area filled with countless stalactites.Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, gem mining, and camping facilities. Archaeological excavations reveal Native American occupation dating back thousands of years, and the cave served as a shelter for the Kennamer family during the Civil War. Cathedral Caverns has also appeared in movies such as 'Secrets of the Phantom Caverns' and 'Tom and Huck'.