Cathedral Caverns State Park, River Region 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 commercial cave openings in the world.In the 1950s, Jacob 'Jay' Gurley recognized the cave's potential and transformed it into a tourist attraction, renaming it Cathedral Caverns due to its cathedral-like appearance. The State of Alabama purchased the caverns in 1987, opening it as a state park in 2000.A guided tour takes you 1.5 miles into the cave, revealing breathtaking formations. Marvel at '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, the 'Big Room' large enough to fit a football field, and the 'Mystery River'.Beyond the cave, the 493-acre park offers hiking trails with scenic views. Visitors can also enjoy gem mining, camping, and picnicking. The cave maintains a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a perfect destination in any season.