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Cathedral Caverns State Park adventures

Cathedral Caverns State Park Adventures

Cathedral Caverns State Park in Alabama offers explorers a chance to experience magnificent underground landscapes featuring one of the largest cave openings in the world.

493
Acres Protected
5
Miles of Trails
60,000
Annual Visitors
1987
Year Established

About Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park
 

Cathedral Caverns State Park is a remarkable natural attraction located in the northeastern part of Alabama, near the town of Woodville. The park spans over 490 acres and is renowned for its immense cave system that captivates visitors with its stunning formations and geological wonders. The caves boast some of the largest stalagmites and stalactites ever discovered, such as 'Goliath', a humongous stalagmite reaching over 45 feet tall. The underground beauty continues with the iconic 'Frozen Waterfall', a flowstone wall stretching 32 feet tall and 135 feet long. Aside from the caves, the park's surface offers hiking trails with views of the dense forests typical of the Appalachian Mountains region. Cathedral Caverns has a fascinating history as it was used first by Native Americans, then explored by locals, and later purchased by a private owner who developed it as a tourist destination in the 1950s. In 1987, the state acquired the property to preserve its natural significance. Visitors can embark on guided tours to appreciate the cave's features, engage in hiking, and enjoy picnicking in designated areas. The park’s impressive natural formations and well-held secrets underground provide an appealing destination for both adventure enthusiasts and those looking to marvel at geological structures.

Highlights

Highlight

The Cathedral Cavern Cave Entrance, one of the largest commercial cave openings in the world at 126 feet wide and 25 feet high.

Highlight

The massive stalagmite, known as 'Goliath', which is among the world’s largest.

Highlight

The 'Frozen Waterfall', an impressive flowstone formation.

Highlight

Guided tours that provide deep insights into the cave's history and geology.

Notable Natural Features

Cathedral Caverns Entrance

The cavern's opening is impressively wide and serves as a grand entry point to the underground marvels.

Goliath

A gigantic stalagmite towering over 45 feet high, located deep inside the cave.

Frozen Waterfall

One of the largest flowstone formations, this natural 'waterfall' appears frozen in time.