Cathedral Caverns
Woodville, AL, 60°F inside, from $20
A national monument built around a cave shelter. You can't go inside the cave itself, but you can see the shelter, and the park is a stop on the Alabama Birding Trail.
The story
Members of the Tennessee Archeological Society began excavations in 1953. Professional work led by Carl Miller working for the Smithsonian Institute went from 1956-1958 and went over 35 feet into the ground. Later the NPS would lead a dig 10.5 feet down in 1962. On May 11, 1961, President John F. Kennedy declared Russell Cave a National Monument. Prehistoric people used the cave shelter for over 10,000 years, and the public is not allowed into the cave itself.
- Found
- 1953
History source: nps.gov.
What you'll see
- Cave shelter entrance
- Visitor Center museum
- Boardwalk path
- 1.2 mile nature trail
Getting around underground
- The walk
- The walk to the cave is 2/10th of a mile, about five minutes. The full trail is a 1.2 mile asphalt paved loop with around 400 feet of elevation gain.
Good to know
- Wildlife
- Eight bat species live on park property, including Big Brown, Little Brown, Gray Bat, Northern Bat, Tri-colored Bat, and Rafinesque's big-eared bat in the cave. White Nose Syndrome fungus has been found in the cave system and access is limited to reduce its spread.
- On site
- Visitor Center museum, small picnic area
Special tours and events
Junior ranger badge for kids.
Getting there
3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740
- Chattanoogaabout 24 miles
- Huntsvilleabout 52 miles
- Nashvilleabout 103 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
When was Russell Cave NM discovered?
1953, according to the cave's own history.
Where is Russell Cave NM?
3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740
Checked on 2026-10-22 against nps.gov/ruca (home page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.