Cathedral Caverns State Park
Woodville, AL
A cave with a 38 m wide entrance and Goliath, one of the largest stalagmites in the world. Guided tours of about 90 minutes on paved paths; the cave stays around 15 °C.
Cathedral Caverns State Park is a state park with a dripstone cave near Woodville in northern Alabama. The cave opens through an entrance about 38 metres wide and 7.6 metres high, which the park calls a world record for commercially used caves. Inside you will see walls of rock curtains that look frozen in motion, a forest of stalagmites and "Goliath", a stalagmite about 14 metres high with a circumference of roughly 74 metres.
The cave was originally called Bat Cave; in the 1950s Jacob Gurley opened it to the public and named it for its cathedral-like look. The state bought it in 1987, and the park opened in 2000. It covers 493 acres with hiking trails, campsites, cabins and gem mining.
Access is by guided tour only, which according to Lonely Planet lasts about 90 minutes; a reservation is recommended. Inside it is around 15 degrees Celsius, so a jacket is worthwhile. The cave is considered wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed.
- Nearest town
- Woodville, AL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.5733, -86.2219
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground Improved SitesMotorhome stopover0 mi from Cathedral Caverns State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground Primitive SitesCampsite0 mi from Cathedral Caverns State Park
- Mountain Lake ResortMotorhome stopover8 mi from Cathedral Caverns State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Windemere CoveCampsite8 mi from Cathedral Caverns State Park
- Lake Guntersville State Park RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from Cathedral Caverns State Park · 295 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Monte Sano State Park CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Cathedral Caverns State ParkTentsCaravansWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Alabama · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cathedral Caverns State Park?
Cathedral Caverns State Park is in Woodville, AL, at GPS 34.5733, -86.2219. It is about 12 mi from Lake Guntersville State Park.
Can you camp near Cathedral Caverns State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cathedral Caverns State Park Campground Improved Sites, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cathedral Caverns State Park?
Cathedral Caverns State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: North Alabama: Helen Keller, rockets and caves and Sandstone rims, waterfalls and bald eagles – by camper from Birmingham via Cheaha Mountain and Little River Canyon to Huntsville.
What is there to see near Cathedral Caverns State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: U.S. Space & Rocket Center (26 mi), DeSoto State Park (35 mi), Little River Canyon National Preserve (37 mi) and Cloudland Canyon State Park (46 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cathedral Caverns State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)