Did you know Alabama has one of the highest densities of caves in the United States? Cavers from all around the world come here to explore our magnificent caves each year. Some of our caves were formed as far back as 300 million years ago, and many of them have features that no other cave in the world has. Most of Alabama’s caves have impressive entrances that draw the caver in, but it’s the beauty they discover on the inside that gives them such a memorable experience.
Listed below are seven of Alabama’s most stunning and most visited caves. They’ll most certainly bring out the explorer in you!
DeSoto Caverns, known as "Alabama's Big Cave," is a series of caves located in the city of Childersburg. One of the most unique characteristics of DeSoto Caverns is that it features one of the largest collections of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites in the entire world. This cave was also America's first cave on record.
Cathedral Caverns is the main attraction at Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama. It has one of the largest cave entrances in the world, and its stalagmite forest covers three acres. Cathedral Caverns' most famous stalagmite is "Goliath," which just so happens to be one of the world's largest stalagmites, measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in diameter.
Neversink Pit, also known as Neversink Cave, is located in Fackler, Alabama. Because of its beautiful fern-covered ledges and stunning waterfalls, it's become Alabama's most photographed sinkhole. Cavers from all around the world come to explore this stunning sinkhole/cave, which has a 162-foot drop.
Tumbling Rock Cave is located in Jackson County, Alabama and is one of the state's finest caves. This beginner's cave features a 400-foot waterfall, large flowstone formations, huge column formations and a long walkway of old formations that's known as "The Totem Gallery," which is pictured above.
Rickwood Caverns is the main attraction at Rickwood Caverns State Park in Warrior, Alabama. This stunning cave features 260-million-year-old limestone formations that were carved from an ocean bed. One of the most incredible aspects of this cave is
that 60% of it is still active and continues to grow.
Stephens Gap Cave (Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve) is located in Jackson County and is one of Alabama's finest caves. This 143-foot cave features a magnificent waterfall and attracts hikers, photographers and cavers from all around the world.
Iron Hoop Cave is located in Jackson County, Alabama and features numerous flowstone formations. Pictured is the Upstream Main Borehole. Another exciting feature of Iron Hoop Cave is its water passage, which is perfect for a fun swim.
Have you ever explored one of these stunning caves, or any other cave in Alabama? If so, let us know what your experience was like.
