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Rickwood Caverns State Park: A Journey into Earth's Depths

Discover ancient formations & underground wonders at Rickwood Caverns State Park. Explore a cool cave, hike scenic trails, and enjoy family fun!

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Explore the 'miracle mile' of Rickwood Caverns, a 380-acre Alabama State Park featuring 260-million-year-old limestone formations, an underground pool, and unique cave wildlife. Above ground, enjoy hiking trails, camping, and an Olympic-size swimming pool fed by the cave's cool waters.

A brief summary to Rickwood Caverns State Park

  • 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

Local tips

  • Reservations for cave tours are highly recommended, especially for large groups, as tour times often sell out.
  • The cave tour includes 365 stairs, with 110 stairs at the exit. A virtual reality tour is available for those unable to navigate the stairs.
  • The cave maintains a constant 62°F (16°C) temperature, so dress accordingly, even in warm weather.
  • Check the park's website or social media for updates on the swimming pool's operating schedule, as it's typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • Consider camping at the park to enjoy discounted cave tour rates and experience the park's natural beauty after hours.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Rickwood Caverns State Park is located off Rickwood Park Road, a short drive from Warrior, AL. From I-65, take either exit 284 or 289 and follow the signs to the park. Parking is available on-site. Limited parking near the cave entrance may require a short walk. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    From the parking area, follow the paved path towards the gift shop and cave entrance. The walk is relatively short, but there is a slight incline. The cave tour begins near the gift shop. Be prepared to walk approximately one mile during the tour, including navigating 365 stairs.

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Discover more about Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns State Park, located near Warrior, Alabama, invites you to explore a subterranean world sculpted over millions of years. The park's centerpiece is a vast cave system, showcasing stunning limestone formations, clear underground pools, and rare blind cave fish. Discovered in the early 1950s by Eddie Rickles and Sonny Arwood, who later combined their names to christen the attraction, the caverns quickly became a local point of interest. Rickles, leading a Boy Scout troop, recognized the potential of the site, and after a period as a commercial entity, 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, revealing active 'living' formations where mineral-rich water continues to shape the landscape. Keep an eye out for the fossilized marine life embedded in the cave walls, a testament to the area's ancient ocean bed. The cave maintains a constant 62 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celcius) year-round, offering a cool escape in summer and a warmer refuge in winter. Beyond the cave, the 380-acre park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hike the Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail, named for the visible leaf and seashell imprints in the rocks, or cool off in the Olympic-size swimming pool, fed by the cave's own chilly waters. The park also provides picnic areas, a playground, gemstone mining, and a gift shop. For overnight stays, the park has developed campsites that can accommodate tents and RVs.

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