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

Discover ancient wonders and natural beauty at Rickwood Caverns State Park, where underground adventures meet outdoor fun in Warrior, Alabama.

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Explore the 260-million-year-old limestone formations of Rickwood Caverns, a 'living cave' carved from an ancient ocean bed. Located near Warrior, Alabama, the park offers guided tours, camping, hiking, and a unique swimming pool fed by cave 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.
  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces inside the cave.
  • The cave maintains a constant cool temperature, so bring a light jacket or sweater, even in summer.
  • Check the park's website for seasonal events like 'Wonderland Under Warrior' during the holidays.
  • Consider camping at the park to enjoy discounted cave tour rates and experience the natural surroundings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Rickwood Caverns State Park is located off I-65, approximately 30 miles north of Birmingham. 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. 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. Parking is available at the park. Standard entrance fees apply: Ages 5-11 - $2.00; 12 and up - $3.00.

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Discover more about Rickwood Caverns State Park

Rickwood Caverns State Park, a natural history preserve and public recreation area located north of Warrior, Alabama, invites visitors to explore the depths of time. The park's centerpiece is a massive cave system, showcasing 260-million-year-old limestone formations sculpted by water over millennia. These formations offer a glimpse into the Earth's distant past, with visible evidence that the cave was once part of an ocean bed. The caverns were brought to public attention in the early 1950s by Eddie Rickles, a Boy Scout leader, and Sonny Arwood. Combining their names, they christened the attraction 'Rickwood Caverns,' operating it commercially from 1954 until the State of Alabama acquired the property in 1974. A guided tour takes you through a 'miracle mile' of the cave, revealing a subterranean world of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones still actively growing due to mineral-rich water. The cave maintains a constant temperature between 58 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Visitors can observe rare blind cave fish and an underground pool, remnants of the cave's long history. Beyond the cave, Rickwood Caverns State Park offers a range of activities. Hike the Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail, where you can spot leaf and seashell imprints in the rocks. During the warmer months, take a refreshing dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool fed by the cave's cool waters. The park also provides camping facilities, a playground, picnic areas, and a gift shop. During the holiday season, Rickwood Caverns transforms into 'Wonderland Under Warrior,' an immersive winter wonderland featuring holiday-themed displays within the cave.

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