The best place for a unique caving experience is right here in Alabama. And not just any caving experience. Some of the nation’s most iconic caves are in Alabama.
Deep below our gorgeous landscape lie hundreds upon thousands of caves awaiting discovery. Numerous organizations operate and maintain caves within the state, like the National Speleological Society—an Alabama-headquartered group committed to protecting caves and connecting cavers, the Southeastern Cave Conservancy (SCCi) and Alabama State Parks. While primarily situated in the northern region of the state, our caves offer all kinds of opportunities––meaning we have an underground exploration experience for everyone.
Adventuring caves is a dangerous activity and cavers should practice safe principles. In 2016, the National Speleological Society released a fifth edition of their publication: A Guide to Responsible Caving. This is an excellent resource for all skill levels. Before trekking out, cavers should be aware of potential hazards, materials to bring, best practices and how to protect caves while exploring. Those looking for groups or communities can check out local grottos within the state of Alabama, which span from Montgomery to Huntsville. These grottos exist to help cavers connect, train and get caving.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or amateur, experienced or professional, this guide has options for whatever adventure you’re looking for. From state parks to private destinations, start here.
Neversink Cave Preserve
Have you ever wanted to see a 15-story pit? In Jackson County, Alabama you can. You’ll reach this natural beauty after a nearly mile-long steep (but rewarding) hike up the mountain. Considered the “classic pit” by many cavers and explorers, Neversink Cave Preserve is 162 feet deep, featuring waterfalls and fern-covered ledges.
Visitors exploring the bottom of the cave must use vertical caving skills, meaning it requires rope and a mechanical friction device or ascension system, according to the SCCi. However, parties who do not have the necessary skills should still consider a visit. Even from the surface, the SCCi describes Neversink as an “impressive and unique place.”
- Permits: Permits are required to visit. Request a permit at permits.scci.org.
- Location: Fackler, AL 35746
Majestic Caverns
Formerly known as DeSoto Caverns, this popular central Alabama tourist attraction boasts the designation as the most “historic cavern cave in America.” Majestic Caverns has a history traveling back to 2000 B.C., according to geological dating by The University of Alabama. The cave, the first on record in the United States, was a place of shelter for Native Americans. In 1796, Benjamin Hawkins, George Washington’s primary Indian agent, was given a tour of the caverns by the creek Indians and was so impressed that he wrote to President George Washington.
Adventurers interested in exploring caves in a more accessible way should consider visiting––especially when the entire family wants to come along. They offer guided tours every hour, and, depending on the time of year, are open every day of the week. For those with accessibility needs, the caverns also offer a handicap-accessible ramp in portions of the cave.
With more than 20 above-ground attractions––including a trail maze, mini-golf, wall climbing and more, as well as a café, campgrounds, year-round events and––of course––a majestic cave, the caverns have no shortage of activities for the outdoor explorer.
- Tickets: Tickets start at $32.98 per person and range to $51.98 for adults and $46.98 for children (between four and 11) and seniors (65 or older). Children three and under get in free of charge when accompanied by a guardian. Get your tickets.
- Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Sat. 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Sun. 11a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Location: 5181 DeSoto Caverns Parkway, Childersburg, AL 35044
Stephens Gap Cave Preserve
A picture-perfect cave is right here in Alabama in the heart of Jackson County. With magnificent rays of sunshine beaming down into the cave and an entrance that announces a regal welcome, Stephens Gap Cave Preserve is a sight to behold for cavers, photographers, explorers and more. Named one of the most photographed caves in the nation, Stephens Gap and its 143-foot pit offer an experience like no other. Reaching the cave requires a short hike, and accessing the bottom of the pit requires vertical caving skills and equipment. However, the risk is worth the reward.
- Permits and requirements: This cave has daily limits and weekend permits are generally taken between two and three weeks in advance. They also require helmets, headlamps and proper footwear for activities in the cave due to its slippery nature. Request a permit at permits.scci.org.
- Location: 8408 Co Rd 30, Woodville, AL 35776
Rickwood Caverns State Park
There’s no doubt that Alabama is hot. But have you considered going underground to escape the heat? This Alabama State Park is helping you and your family cool down 175 feet down under. And at between 58 and 62 degrees all year long, you can count us in.
Rickwood Caverns State Park is in Warrior, Alabama, just north of Birmingham, and has formations dating back 260 million years. According to Alabama State Parks, evidence shows that these formations came from an ocean bed, carved by water.
The state park offers access to the cave only through guided cave tours, which happen four times a day during operating hours: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The tour is approximately one mile long and has 365 stairs, meaning it is not able to provide wheelchair access. However, the park offers a virtual reality option for anyone unable to walk the tour.
Not only does Rickwood Caverns offer a scenic cave tour, it’s also a great place to enjoy a dip in natural waters. The park’s Olympic-sized swimming pool and kiddie pool is filled with chilly spring waters from the cave, providing a great retreat for families looking to have a little fun in the water. Rickwood also features camping and hiking on the park’s four trails.
- Tickets: Tours cost $19 for ages 12 and up and $9 for children between ages five and 11. Children under five get in free when accompanied by a guardian. Using the pool costs an additional $7 for children over five. Get more info on cave tour times.
- Hours: Cave Tours 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
- Location: 370 Rickwood Park Road, Warrior, AL 35180
Get caving in Alabama
You can involve yourself with caving in so many ways within our state. And this guide barely scratches the surface. The SCCi owns 14 caves in Alabama, Alabama State Park operates two of our three public caves and there are so many more caves hidden on private lands––although, be sure you have sufficient permission, including any necessary permits, before accessing a cave on private property.
Regardless of whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned professional, you can find the right caving adventure for you. From public tours to private adventures, there’s no telling what amazing beauties are waiting for you underneath the earth.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, you can find it right here in Alabama. To get more tips like these for your next adventure, follow SEEK AL on Facebook and Instagram.
