If there is one thing that might surprise you about Yellowhammer State it’s the number of Alabama caves and waterfalls. Any guesses? You may be shocked to learn that Alabama is filled with hundreds of waterfalls and caves. In fact, some of the best caves and waterfalls in the world are located right here in Alabama. Listed below, we’ve mapped a road trip that’ll take you to some of these caves and waterfalls in Alabama. With a driving distance of 346 miles and an estimated drive time of just over seven hours, this road trip is perfect for a weekend adventure. It begins at Russell Cave National Monument, but you may begin anywhere you’d like.

Let’s get started:

google maps
Use our interactive map for complete driving directions.
1. Russell Cave National Monument - Bridgeport
Russell Cave National Monument, 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Russell Cave in Alabama is believed to have been occupied for more than 10,000 years, making it one of the Southeast's most prehistoric caves. With a mapped length of 7.2 miles, it's also Alabama's third-longest-mapped cave. In 1961, Russell Cave became a National Monument. Read more about Russell Cave in our previous coverage.

Go on a little road trip to see the Russel Cave nature trails and the cave itself in this video:
2. DeSoto Falls - Mentone
DeSoto Falls, Alabama 35984, USA
Judy Frederick Photography/Flickr
DeSoto Falls in Alabama, which is located atop Lookout Mountain, is one of the state's most recognized waterfalls. With a plunge of 104 feet, this beautiful waterfall is also one of the tallest in the state. DeSoto Falls in Alabama is also one of the state's most accessible waterfalls.
3. Little River Falls - Fort Payne
Little River Falls, Alabama 35973, USA
Audrey R Hoff/Flickr
Little River Falls is a main feature of Alabama's Little River Canyon National Preserve. It's also a popular swimming spot among locals and visitors. You certainly take one of the best waterfall hikes in Alabama here to see Little River Falls.

Enjoy a scenic flyover video of the beautiful Little River Falls in Fort Payne, Alabama:

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4. DeSoto Caverns - Childersburg
Majestic Caverns, 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, AL 35044, USA
DeSoto Caverns/Google
DeSoto Caverns in Alabama is a series of caves that are located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to being nicknamed "Alabama's Big Cave," it's also America's first recorded cave. Another interesting fact is DeSoto Caverns features one of the largest collections of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites in the world. It's one of the most incredible caves in Alabama.
5. Noccalula Falls - Gadsden
Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
Lisa Nail/Flickr
Noccalula Falls is the main feature of Alabama's Noccalula Falls Park. It has a plunge of approximately 90 feet and is one of Yellowhammer State's most visited natural attractions. Noccalula Falls in Alabama is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
6. High Falls - Grove Oak
High Falls, Alabama 35951, USA
Pastor Greg Hagan/Google
High Falls is the main feature of Alabama's High Falls Park. It has a height of 35 feet and can sometimes have a span of 300+ feet following heavy rainfall. Over the years, High Falls has also become a popular swimming spot. High Falls in Alabama is truly a spectacular sight to see.
7. Cathedral Caverns - Woodville
Cathedral Caverns State Park, 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776, USA
Jacob delaRosa/Google
Cathedral Caverns is the centerpiece of Alabama's Cathedral Caverns State Park. In addition to it having one of the largest cave entrances in the world (25 feet high and 126 feet wide), it's also home to one of the world's largest stalagmites (Goliath), which measures 45 feet tall and has a circumference of 243 feet. You can also take a tour of Cathedral Caverns in Alabama.

Check out this video showing a tour of Cathedral Caverns in Woodville, AL:

There is certainly something captivating about all of these Alabama caves and waterfalls. If you think about it, the very first inhabitants of this area could have stood before these scenic wonders and seen the same thing we still see today. Have you ever visited any of these waterfalls or caves in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments.

Learn more about Cathedral Caverns (did you know it holds six world records?) and DeSoto Falls, one of Alabama’s most majestic waterfalls that you don’t even need to hike to enjoy.

 

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More to Explore

Alabama caves and waterfalls

Melissa M. | March 26, 2022

What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Alabama?

Some of the best waterfall hikes in Alabama include:

 

If you want to visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, you can read about these seven waterfall hikes and why they are some of the best hikes in Alabama. Take a trek to Rainbow Falls at Dismals Canyon via a 1.5-mile trail. Or hike along a trail for a half-mile to Devil’s Dens Falls in Cheaha State Park. There are certainly some incredible trails that lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alabama.

Can I tour any caves in Alabama?

Yes, there are cave tours offered around the state. Aside from Cathedral Caverns, you can also take a tour of Alabama’s Rickwood Caverns which takes you 175 feet below ground. It’s a fascinating tour that’s perfect for all ages. Here are some of the caves you can tour in Alabama:

  • Majestic Caverns
  • Rickwood Caverns
  • Cathedral Caverns
  • Manitou Cave
  • Russell Cave
  • Sauta Cave

 

Are there any natural wonders in Alabama?

The Yellowhammer State is chock full of natural wonders you need to see to believe. Hop on our Amazing Natural Wonders Road Trip In Alabama which will lead you to otherworldly sites like Mount Cheaha, Natural Bridge, and Neversink Pit which has a 182-foot drop, and has the biggest underground waterfall in Alabama. You’ll love everything about this epic road trip!

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