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Alabama
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Alabama State Parks

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Alabama
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Cathedral Caverns
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Cathedral Caverns Cathedral Caverns Entrance © Roxanna Keyes
The namesake entrance into what is believed to be the largest cave chamber in the world, Cathedral Caverns.
Cathedral Caverns Cathedral Caverns Stalagmites. © Roxanna Keyes
Large stalagmites in the Cathedral Caverns.
Cathedral Caverns Cathedral Caverns Plaque. © Roxanna Keyes
Registered landmark plaque at Cathedral Caverns State Park.
Cathedral Caverns Cathedral Caverns Stalagmites. © Roxanna Keyes
Large stalagmites in the Cathedral Caverns.
Cathedral Caverns Cathedral Caverns Stalagmites. © Roxanna Keyes
Stalagmites formed in the Cathedral Caverns.
Cathedral Caverns Cathedral Caverns Informational Sign © Roxanna Keyes
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CATHEDRAL CAVERNS
CATHEDRAL CAVERNS
637 Cave Rd
Woodville, Alabama   35776-8700
(lat:34.5737 lon:-86.2216) map location

Phone: (256) 728-8193
Email: park email button icon
The first thing you notice about Cathedral Caverns is the massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. And it gets even better. Inside the cavern, you will find Big Rock Canyon, Mystery River and some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created. Among them, you will see Stalagmite Mountain, The Frozen Waterfall and Goliath, a huge stalagmite column that reaches the ceiling of the cave some 45 feet above!

Cathedral Caverns is the perfect field trip for your school, church or other group. You can visit anytime, as the cave maintains a comfortable 60-degree temperature year round. Call and make plans today and you will see why we are excited about Alabama's newest state park!
History of the Area
Located in Alabama, this natural wonder was initially known as Bats Cave. It was discovered by Jay Gurley in the 1950s. He renamed it after its cathedral-like appearance and opened it to public tours.

In 1987, the state of Alabama purchased the property for preservation purposes. The site underwent extensive renovations before reopening as a State Park in May 2000.

The cavern is famous for Goliath - one of the world's largest stalagmites standing at approximately 45 feet tall.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres461
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Rappelling/Rock Climbingyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Camping
Primitive camping is now available at Cathedral Caverns.

Enjoy tent camping at one of our cleared sites that include fire pits. There is no electricity available on site at this time. Community water spigot, porta-toilets near-by.



Guided Tours
For your safety and convenience, access to the cave is available only with a tour guide.

The Park is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CAVE TOUR TIMES

September 1- March 14 - Daily Every two hours beginning at 1000 A.M. with the last tour starting at 400 P.M. March 15 - August 31 - Daily Hourly beginning at 1015 A.M. with last tour starting at 4 P.M. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

For more Information call Cathedral Caverns State Park office at 256 728-8193
Trails
1. Cathedral Caverns Trail: A 1.5-mile round trip trail, featuring the massive entrance of the cavern and various unique geological formations.

2. Bat Cave Loop: Approximately a half mile long loop that takes hikers around an area where bats are commonly seen at dusk.

3. Kennamer Cove Walking Track: An easy one-mile track circling through lush greenery with occasional wildlife sightings such as deer or wild turkey.

4. Echo Canyon Trailhead to Bear Creek Overlook - This is a strenuous 6 miles hike offering spectacular views over Cathedral Caverns State Park's wilderness areas.

5 .Cathedral Arch Nature Preserve Hike - It's about two miles in length; this moderate difficulty trail offers stunning vistas including limestone cliffs and natural arches.

6 .Gem Mine Sluice Pathway- Short but interesting pathway leading towards gem mining activity spot for kids inside park premises

7.Cave Tour Route- Not exactly hiking route, it covers approximately three-quarters of a mile underground showcasing stalagmites & other cave features during guided tour

8.Buck Pocket Seale Road Trails - Located near cathedral cavern state park these trails range from four to six miles providing scenic overlook points along South Sauty creek

9.Wildflower Garden Walk- Less than quarter mile walk among diverse native Alabama plant species located within visitor center vicinity

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 15
park review stars; one to five love the guide Gizmo. He was fun. The kids really enjoyed themselves.
April 7 by GreenEyez
park review stars; one to five
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Directions
1. Start by heading southeast on I:20 E/I-59 S.
2. Take exit 130 for US:231 N/US-431 N toward Gadsden.
3. Merge onto AL:4 /AL :75 /US: 11N via the ramp to Attalla/Guntersville.
4. Turn right at Henry St./Martin Luther King Jr Dr., then turn left onto Chestnut Street after about half a mile.

5: Continue straight until you reach George Wallace Drive and take another right turn there.

6: After approximately two miles, make a slight left towards U.S Hwy 431 Southbound.

7: Follow this highway for around twenty-five miles till Cathedral Caverns Highway (State Park Road).

8: Make an eventual right into Cathedral Caverns State Park where you'll find ample parking near the cavern entrance.

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Alabama
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Alabama State Parks

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