Beware: You should never explore wild caves alone or without proper gear. Consider getting in touch with a Grotto of the National Speleological Society at www.caves.org or a qualified cave club. These groups are skilled and will train you. Without sufficient knowledge, preparation, and equipment, cave exploring can lead to serious injury or death.
Some of Alabama’s best features are hidden beneath the state’s surface, despite its widespread fame for its soul food and warm southern hospitality. Alabama hosts some of the most spectacular caves in the country.
The region of north Alabama is one of the most remarkable places in the United States to go caving, with a vast variety of caverns suitable for the underground adventurer in anybody. An exciting thing to do in Alabama, exploring the caves and pits, is an adventure.
Many caverns characterize North Alabama because of the soluble bedrock. Acidic rainfall wore away at the rock over millions of years, revealing intricate cave networks. Now, let’s look at the most exciting caves in Alabama.
Stephens Gap Cave – Woodville, AL
Stephens Gap, an hour’s drive east of Huntsville, has one of the state’s most stunning cave formations. This fantastic cave is a favorite among American cavers because of its 150-foot plummet into the heart of Alabama.
On the trip to Stephens Gap, keep your eyes peeled! There is only a single little sign pointing the way inside one of Alabama’s most interesting caverns.
Despite the temptation to dive headfirst into such a spectacular cavern, being well-prepared is essential for tackling Stephens Gap. The stunning 150-foot plunge, however, necessitates using special abilities and gear to descend safely, and one must first try to hike across the narrow corridor to reach the drop.
You need to plan and have the right caving gear because exploring the cave is strenuous. Given that Stephens Gap is among the most picturesque caverns in the United States, the time and energy spent exploring it are well justified.
DeSoto Caverns, Renamed Majestic Caverns
DeSoto Caverns is a stunning and historically significant show cave not far from Birmingham. Numerous activities have taken place in the cave over the years.
Many prehistoric Indians likely died here. Later the cave served as a whiskey still during Prohibition.
The cave is accessible any time of the year and features many tourist amenities for its guests. DeSoto Caverns is a great spot to spend the day with the kids because, in addition to the cave itself, there are many other activities, such as water golf, gem panning, a maze, archery, and much more, available on the grounds.
Cathedral Caverns
Cathedral Caverns, is one of those caves in Alabama that every spelunker should experience at least once in their lifetime. It stretches to about 1.3 miles.
When you visit Cathedral Caverns, you’ll see why it was renamed from the Bat Cave. The large “rooms” and picturesque rock formations give the impression of being within a magnificent church.
Tours at Cathedral Caverns are available to the general public. You’ll need your tennis shoes for these tours, which last 90 minutes. Also, bring a light jacket because the cave’s temperature hovers around 60 degrees annually.
Due to its vast size, Cathedral Caverns is home to some of the cave world’s most impressive formations. The cave’s entrance is 125 feet long, and that’s not the only remarkable feature. During your tour, you will have the chance to observe some genuinely incredible rock formations, and you have to check out Cathedral Caverns to believe it.
Rickwood Caverns State Park
One of the most impressive caves in Alabama is Rickwood Caverns, dates back 260 million years. Because of this extensive background, nature has crafted many fascinating structures.
The “miracle mile” is a stretch of Rickwood Caverns that is included in all guided tours. This tour will take you to an underwater pool inhabited by blind cavefish and other underworld oddities.
Rickwood Caverns may be old, but it’s continually expanding! The “living creations” are still expanding at a rate of 1/100th of an inch each year thanks to the slow stream of mineral-laden water droplets that formed them.
Rickwood Caverns is a must-see for any visitor to Alabama, and it’s conveniently located just off I-65.
Russell Cave National Monument
Alabama’s Russell Cave National Monument may be found in the state’s northeastern region, specifically at 3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740. Russell Cave is the third-longest cave in the state, and one of the longest caves in the country, with a total, mapped length of 7.2 miles.
The cave’s large main entrance protected Native Americans, and the surrounding area had several artifacts that shed light on the ancient people’s way of life.
Visitors are not permitted inside the cave, but they can view the cave’s entrance, which has been the site of numerous archaeological discoveries. The museum at the visitors center provides even more insight into the lives of the individuals who formerly called this place home.
Manitou Cave
Manitou Cave can be found not far from Lookout Mountain in Alabama. Once a popular destination for visitors, the cave is now off-limits.
However, private tour companies provide adventure tours, including visits to the cave.
Touring the cave will take at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cave’s first section has concrete stairs and wooden and steel bridges, but you should still dress accordingly.
The cave is home to several rare and endangered species, including the eastern milk snake, the green salamander, and the endemic Manitou cave snail.
Fern Cave
Welcome to the largest cave in the state, by far. Fern Cave is one of the most stunning caverns in the United States and a winter home to over a million gray bats. Most of these endangered bats live in only eight caverns in the United States. The protection of Fern Cave’s flora and fauna is crucial.
Because of its popularity with gray bats, Fern Cave is now part of a protected wildlife area. Since its official inclusion in 1981, researchers from many fields, from archaeologists to zoologists, have explored this cave and its surroundings.
In addition to its significance to the study of wildlife, Fern Cave has also been noted for its “vertical and horizontal maze” structure. This is one of Alabama’s most inaccessible yet gorgeous caverns, with five secret entrances and 15 miles of treacherous terrain.
Even though you need a ticket to Fern Cave due to the endangered species and perilous terrain, it’s still well worth your time. One of the best-preserved locations in Alabama, Fern Cave features about 200 acres of forested hillside.
Tumbling Rock Cave
Tumbling Rock Cave is located in Fackler, Alabama, and is open to spelunkers of all experience levels. There are some of the most unusual formations in the state here, and the cave boasts almost 6 miles of corridors that vary in difficulty.
Divers will discover stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes and shapes, including ones that look like elephant feet and Christmas trees. Additionally, the cave has historical items such as mining tools and Civil War-era military signatures on the cave walls.
The Topless Dome is a 400-foot-tall shaft with an underground waterfall and the cave’s main attraction. Even in the hottest southern summers, the cave’s temperature of 58 degrees makes it a pleasant environment for visitors to explore.
Neversink Pit
Fackler, Alabama is home to the legendary Neversink Pit, which many consider “the” classic pit. The pit is 40 feet across at its widest point and expands to a whopping 100 feet across at its base.
You’ll need caving gear and abilities to descend the cave’s 162 feet to its bottom, but the descent is full of breathtaking scenery. Rappellers can expect to observe sheets of ice throughout the pit during the winter, tranquil waterfalls following spring rains. Lovely ferns run over the cave’s ledges throughout the summer.
That Neversink Pit has been so beloved and visited for so long by cavers is not surprising. It’s known as the most photographed location in the entire state.
Conclusion
Alabama is in the heart of the American south east. Each of the neighboring states offers even more opportunities to go caving. If you’d like to check these neighboring states next, you’re in luck, because we will be covering each one in no particular order.