Situated in Kennamer Cover, just a few miles from the nearby towns of Woodville and Grant in Marshall County, Cathedral Caverns State Park is one of the most unique and beloved state parks in all of Alabama. Only opened as a state park in the year 2000, Cathedral Caverns has been classed as a National Natural Landmark since 1972 and has been a popular tourist site since the 1950s, when it was simply known to the public as 'Bats Cave'.

  • What are some natural spaces to visit in Alabama?
    • From Gulf State Park to Cheaha State Park, Alabama offers many beautiful natural spaces and scenic locations for outdoor recreation, including hiking, cycling, camping, and more.
  • How is Cathedral Caverns State Park different from other state parks?
    • Unlike many state parks dominated by lakes, forests, rivers, and mountains, Cathedral Caverns State Park is located mostly underground in an extensive cave and cavern system.
  • What is the history of Cathedral Caverns State Park?
    • Archaeological discoveries suggest that Native Americans lived in the area for centuries. The caves were inhabited thousands of years ago and later became a hiding place for the Kennamer family during the Civil War. In the 1950s, Jay Gurley developed it as a tourist site. The State of Alabama acquired the land in the late 1980s, and it officially became Cathedral Caverns State Park in 2000.
  • Is camping available at Cathedral Caverns State Park?
    • Yes, camping is available with both basic and fully-equipped sites. Options include:
      • Backcountry Campsite – Requires a nearly one-mile hike with all gear for a traditional camping experience at a low cost.
      • Regular Camping Sites – Offer full 30/50 amp RV hook-ups and primitive sites with fire rings.
  • Where is Cathedral Caverns State Park located?
    • The park is located at 637 Cave Road, Woodville, AL. The Welcome Center opens at 9 AM daily. The park operates as a day-use area, open from sunrise to sunset.
  • What are some notable features of Cathedral Caverns?
    • The park features an incredible cavern system with unique formations, including:
      • A huge, cathedral-like entrance
      • ‘Goliath’ stalagmite – 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference, one of the largest in the world
      • A frozen waterfall
      • Year-round temperature of approximately 60 degrees, making it a comfortable place to explore anytime
  • What activities can visitors do at Cathedral Caverns State Park?
    • Popular activities include:
      • Daily cave tours – Available for a small fee, with discounts for groups and students. A trained guide leads visitors through the caverns, explaining geology and history.
      • Gem mining – Visitors can purchase a bag of rough gemstones and wash them using traditional mining techniques to discover hidden gems.
      • Hiking trails – The park features scenic hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
  • Why should people visit Cathedral Caverns State Park?
    • Cathedral Caverns State Park offers a unique underground adventure unlike any other Alabama state park. It features awe-inspiring rock formations, a rich historical background, and plenty of fun activities for visitors of all ages.

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