Rickwood Caverns State Park, River Region Travel Guide

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Discover ancient formations and underground wonders at Rickwood Caverns State Park, a natural treasure in Warrior, Alabama.

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Rickwood Caverns State Park

Explore the depths of Rickwood Caverns State Park in Warrior, Alabama, where 260-million-year-old limestone formations and unique cave life await. Discovered in the 1950s by a Boy Scout troop, these caverns offer a fascinating glimpse into geological history and natural beauty. Above ground, enjoy camping, hiking, and seasonal swimming.

A brief summary to Rickwood Caverns State Park

370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, Alabama, 35180, US
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rickwood Caverns State Park.

The cave tour involves 365 stairs, including 110 at the exit, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a moderate workout.
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended, especially for large groups, and can be made online.
Consider camping at the park to enjoy discounted cave tour rates and experience the natural surroundings.
Check the park's website for seasonal events like 'Wonderland Under Warrior' during the holidays.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Getting There

Driving

Rickwood Caverns State Park is located off I-65. From I-65 Southbound: Take Exit 289 to CR-5. Turn right onto CR-5 and travel .5 miles to Rickwood Caverns Road (CR-4). Turn left onto Rickwood Caverns Road and travel 2.5 miles to the park entrance on the left. From I-65 Northbound: Take Exit 284 to State Highway 160. Turn left onto State Highway 160 and travel 100 yards to Skyline Drive (Cr-8). Turn right onto Skyline Drive and travel 2.5 miles to Rickwood Caverns Road (Cr-4). Turn right onto Rickwood Caverns Road and travel 1.5 miles to the park entrance on the right. Parking is available at the park. Parking is free.

Discover more about Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns State Park, located near Warrior, Alabama, invites visitors to explore a mesmerizing underground world. The park's centerpiece is a vast cave system adorned with 260-million-year-old limestone formations, carved over millennia by water. These formations reveal the area's ancient past as an ocean bed, with visible shell fragments and marine fossils embedded in the cave walls.The caverns were brought to public attention in the early 1950s by Eddie Rickles, a Boy Scout leader, and later developed into a commercial attraction with Sonny Arwood. The State of Alabama acquired the property in 1974, transforming it into a state park. A guided tour takes you through the "miracle mile" of the cave, showcasing active "living" formations where mineral-rich water continues to sculpt the landscape. Keep an eye out for the rare, blind cave fish that inhabit the underground pools.Above ground, Rickwood Caverns State Park offers a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy camping in the park's developed campsites or primitive tent sites. Hiking trails wind through the 380-acre park, including the Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail, named for the leaf and seashell imprints visible in some of the rocks. During the warmer months, take a refreshing dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool, fed by the chilly waters from the cave (Note: The pool is temporarily closed for repairs as of June 2025).Rickwood Caverns offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a worthwhile destination for travelers of all ages. Whether you're exploring the depths of the caverns or enjoying the outdoor activities, Rickwood Caverns State Park promises an unforgettable experience.