Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, contains one of the most striking cave entrances in the eastern United States. The cave mouth measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet tall — among the largest natural cave openings in the world — and creates an immediate sense of scale that sets Cathedral Caverns apart from most show caves in the region. The cave maintains a constant interior temperature of approximately 60°F regardless of outside conditions, making it comfortable in Alabama's summer heat and worth visiting year-round. Guided tours depart on the hour and last approximately 75 to 90 minutes, following a well-lit concrete path roughly one mile through the cave's chambers. Highlights along the route include Goliath, one of the largest stalagmites in the world at 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference; a freeze-dried cave bear skeleton discovered in situ; and a dense concentration of formations known informally as stalagmite city. Flowstone cascades, cave coral, ribbon helictites, and cave popcorn coat walls and ceilings throughout the walk, and underground-carved chambers reach ceiling heights of 150 feet in the largest rooms. The guided walk is paved and mostly flat, designed for visitors of varying physical abilities. Photography is permitted but a tripod is strongly recommended given the subdued interior lighting. The park surrounding the cave entrance also offers tent and RV camping, picnic facilities, and a gift shop, making it suitable as an overnight destination for visitors exploring Marshall and DeKalb counties. Cell service is absent in the park area; download directions and the park information before departing for Woodville.