The Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge is a 199-acre wildlife preserve in Decatur, Northeastern Alabama.

The wildlife refuge was created to preserve and protect the habitat of endangered species of bats that call Fern Cave home. In fact, there are more than a million bats that live in the cave, including the largest colony of gray bats in the country.

The area surrounding the cave consists of forested hillsides. The cave itself has five hidden entrances, and access to the cave is quite difficult and should only be attempted by the most expert cavers.

Those who are afforded access will certainly be impressed as the cave is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country.

2700 Refuge Headquarters Road, Decatur, AL 35603, Phone: 256-353-7243

Attractions in the area include the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, Point Mallard Park and the Cook Natural Science Museum.

Decatur, Alabama is a 1 hr 16 min (86.7 miles via I-65 N) day trip from Birmingham.


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