Cathedral Caverns State Park, River Region Travel Guide

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Discover Alabama's hidden gem: Cathedral Caverns State Park, featuring a massive cave entrance, stunning formations, and outdoor adventures.

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Cathedral Caverns State Park

Explore the depths of Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, and discover a world of stunning geological formations. Originally named Bat Cave, this natural wonder boasts one of the largest commercial cave entrances globally and features impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and other unique formations. The park offers guided tours, hiking trails, and gemstone mining 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.

Book your cave tour in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on paved surfaces within the cave.
Bring a light jacket, as the cave maintains a constant 60°F (15°C) temperature year-round.
Consider bringing a camera to capture the unique geological formations inside the cave.
Check the park's website for event schedules, such as gem mining for kids and educational programs.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Riverwalk

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Montgomery Zoo & Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

The Legacy Museum

Freedom Rides Museum

Explore Cathedral Caverns State Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cathedral Caverns State Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Cathedral Caverns State Park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL 35776. From Huntsville, take Highway 72 East and exit onto Jackson County Road 63 toward Grant. After approximately 3 miles, turn left onto Cave Road. The park entrance will be on your right. Parking is free and plentiful. Expect a 30-minute scenic drive from Huntsville.
Walking

From the parking lot near the Visitor Center, it is a short walk to the cave entrance. The path is paved and wheelchair accessible. Follow the signs towards the cave tour meeting point. The walk is less than 5 minutes.

Discover more about Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park, nestled in the foothills of northern Alabama, invites visitors to explore a subterranean landscape filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. The cave's history dates back to the 1950s when Jacob Gurley opened it to the public, renaming it from Bat Cave to Cathedral Caverns due to its cathedral-like appearance. The state acquired the park in 1987, and it officially opened as a state park in 2000.The first thing that captures attention is the massive entrance, measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, possibly a world record for commercial caves. Inside, guided tours reveal breathtaking formations, including Goliath, one of the world's largest stalagmites, standing 45 feet tall with a circumference of 243 feet. Other highlights include the Frozen Waterfall, a massive flowstone formation, a stalactite forest, and the Mystery River.Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers marked hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Gemstone mining is another popular activity, where visitors can sift through dirt to find various gemstones. The park also provides camping facilities, including improved campsites, primitive tent camping areas, and cabins. With a constant temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit inside the cave, it's a comfortable destination year-round.