Underground natural wonder featuring massive cave formations, guided tours, gemstone mining, and scenic hiking trails in a forested park setting.
General Information
Cave tours available by reservation; check website for seasonal updates
Children (5–11): $9
Seniors (62+): $18
Children under 5: Free
Gem mining and camping fees vary
How to Get There
From Huntsville, AL (30 mi): Take US-72 E toward Scottsboro, turn right onto Cathedral Caverns Hwy (AL-63), and follow signs to the park entrance on Cave Rd.
Overview
The Cathedral Caverns State Park is a subterranean marvel nestled in the Appalachian foothills, offering visitors a journey into one of the most awe-inspiring cave systems in the southeastern United States. The cave’s entrance, a colossal 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, is among the largest commercial cave openings in the world. Inside, guided tours reveal a surreal landscape of towering stalagmites, delicate flowstone formations, and the famous “Goliath”—a 45-foot-tall stalagmite with a circumference of 243 feet. The cave maintains a steady 60-degree temperature year-round, making it a comfortable destination in any season.
Beyond the cave, the park spans nearly 500 acres of forested terrain with hiking trails, picnic areas, and gemstone mining flumes that delight visitors of all ages. Campers can choose from primitive sites, improved campgrounds, or cozy cabins, while educational programs and ranger-led hikes offer deeper insights into the region’s geology and ecology. Whether you're spelunking beneath ancient limestone or enjoying a quiet walk through the woods, Cathedral Caverns State Park provides a unique blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty.
Things to Do
Tour Cathedral Caverns
Cathedral Caverns State Park is home to one of Alabama's most spectacular cave systems. Guided tours take visitors through enormous chambers filled with massive stalagmites, flowstones, cave formations, and one of the world's largest stalagmites, creating an unforgettable underground experience.
See the Massive Cave Entrance
The cave is famous for its dramatic entrance, which measures approximately 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. Visitors can admire the scale of the natural opening before entering the cavern and learning about the geology that shaped this remarkable underground landscape.
Enjoy Outdoor Recreation
In addition to cave tours, the park offers opportunities for hiking, gemstone mining, picnicking, camping, birdwatching, and nature observation. The surrounding forests and mountain scenery provide a peaceful setting for exploring northeastern Alabama's natural beauty.
Top Trails
Blue Trail
Length: Approximately 1.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This scenic trail winds through hardwood forests and natural areas surrounding the cave, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing, wildflower observation, and experiencing the park's above-ground ecosystems.
Cave Area Nature Trail
Length: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This short trail near the visitor area offers interpretive opportunities and access to scenic viewpoints, making it a great option for families and visitors looking for a brief nature walk before or after their cave tour.
Sources: Alabama State Parks official Cathedral Caverns State Park information, including cave tours, cave formations, camping facilities, hiking opportunities, and visitor amenities. https://www.alapark.com/parks/cathedral-caverns-state-park Additional cave, trail, and visitor information verified through Alabama State Parks recreation and visitor resources. https://www.alapark.com/parks/cathedral-caverns-state-park/trails
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Cathedral Caverns State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
