Explore the Amazing Cathedral Caverns State Park!

Located in Northeast Alabama is a state park unlike any we have ever visited

Unfortunately, hiking in the deep south during the summer is an activity that, to put it nicely, can be hellish. Sometimes we luck up with those days that the high is low 80s, and we can take advantage of that by going on a short hike. But what if you want to go outdoors and not melt? We found the park you are looking for: Cathedral Caverns State Park.

Unbelievable sights to see at Cathedral Caverns State Park - Trails and Tap — Unbelievable sights to see at Cathedral Caverns State Park

Located 30 minutes from Huntsville and three hours from Atlanta is Cathedral Caverns State Park. As the park’s name suggests, this is not your typical hiking-oriented trip. This park is home to Cathedral Caverns, a large cave that is open to the public. Jesse and I are not spelunkers, but we wanted to try something different and get out of the heat. So, we decided that instead of hiking above ground we would take a hike underground.

To go inside the cave, you must go on a guided tour. The tour lasts about an hour and a half. Going with a park ranger not only keeps you safe during cave expeditions, but it also gives you tons of information behind the history and science of the cave. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Alabama State Parks website.

Once you get to the park, drive over to the visitor center. There, you will see signs that say, “cave tour parking” and from there you will check in for your tour. The parking lot and visitor center is actually right next to the opening of the cave. It was cool to see this gigantic, pitch-black hole right in the middle of the woods. I recommend bringing a light jacket, even during the summer, because the cave stays around 60 degrees year-round.

Words can only describe so much of the cave – you need to go see it for yourself!

The cave tour is a mile and a half walk. From the cave’s mouth all the way to the very back, you get to see amazing rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Words can only describe so much of the cave – you need to go see it for yourself! When we visited, our guide, Stephanie, told us a wealth of information about the cave. Some of it was so amazing that it was difficult to imagine! For example, at one point in the cave you are below what used to be the ocean floor when Alabama was covered in water. You can even see the proof – shark teeth are in the ceiling! This type of science and history is what you experience in the cave. So interesting!

One thing I like about how the cave tours are set up is that it is only in the first half that you are with the large group. At the turn around point, you are able to walk back at your own pace. So if you saw something on the way, you can see it again and take a closer look. Jesse and I were able to walk on our own on the way back and get some cool photos without other guests in the picture.

We were also able to find some salamanders and Cumberland tiger snails.

Cumberland Tigersnail spotted at Cathedral Caverns State Park

After the cave tour, you are immediately immersed back into the Alabama heat. There are actually five other trails at this park that you can hike. But because it was so hot, we did not opt to go hiking. There is a .25-mile red trail right by the visitor center. We explored that area for about 15 minutes. If you have time and it’s not too hot, go look at it! There is information about local wildlife on the trail. We were also able to find some salamanders and Cumberland tigersnails.

After the cave tour, we were ready for our favorite post hike activity: a cold beer! Just 25 minutes away on the scenic lake town of Guntersville is Main Channel Brewing Company.

Happy Trails!
Katie & Jesse

Tips for your trip to Cathedral Caverns State Park

Bring a light jacket for the cave – it is chilly!
You have to pay $20 per person for the cave tour.
Dogs are not allowed in the cave!
The cave is a pretty easy walk – you are not crawling through narrow tunnels or edging along a rocky ledge while in the cave. However, if you have specific accessibility questions, you should definitely call the state park before you buy a ticket!
Be on the lookout for bats near the visitor center!