About
One of the appealing aspects of vacationing in the Lookout Mountain region is the various sightseeing opportunities. While there are plenty of antique and gift shops to explore, Lookout Mountain is a nature lovers paradise.
An adventure worth exploring is the impressive Cathedral Caverns.
Formerly known as Bat Cave (no, not THAT bat cave!), it was first opened to the public in the 1950s by Jacob Gurley. However, the wonder of Cathedral Caverns extends far beyond the 20th century.
Native Americans discovered these caves thousands of years ago, but it wasn't until 1952 that Jay Gurley would map the cave. He thought the interior resembled a cathedral, and the name stuck.
The cave's immense stalagmite forest is one of the largest formations in the world. In 1987, Alabama acquired the property and appointed it a State Park. Today, Cathedral Caverns State Park welcomes thousands of visitors yearly from around the globe.
The grandeur of Cathedral Caverns is awe-inspiring, and its year-round temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit is invigorating.
Cathedral Cavern hosts a variety of fauna, including bats, salamanders, and blind cave crayfish.
Visiting Cathedral Caverns offers natural beauty, history, and adventure. It's a family-friendly journey that's educational and thrilling.
Fun Facts & Cool Features
Cathedral Caverns in Grant, Alabama, is about 1.5 hours from Lookout Mountain and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The caverns boast a massive entrance measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, making it one of the world's most enormous commercial cave openings.
But the awe-inspiring inside is "Goliath," one of the most giant stalagmites in the world. Standing majestically at 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference, Goliath truly lives up to its name.
The caverns also house a frozen waterfall and a rare formation called "cave bacon," accumulating mineral deposits resembling raw bacon.
Exploring this underworld cavern is an exhilarating experience for people of all ages.
Getting There
To reach Cathedral Caverns from Lookout Mountain, follow these step-by-step directions:
- Start out going west on Scenic Hwy toward W Brow Road.
- Turn slightly left onto Lula Lake Road.
- Lula Lake Road becomes GA-157.
- Stay straight to go onto AL-71.
- Turn right onto AL-227.
- Cathedral Caverns is on the right.
Cost
Visiting Cathedral Caverns does involve some costs:
- Adults: $18.00
- Children (5-12 years): $8.00
- Seniors (65+ years): $16.00
- Children under 5: Free
Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.
Local Tips
- Bring a jacket as the temperature inside Cathedral Caverns stays at 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, as the floor can be damp and slippery.
- Cathedral Caverns offers many stunning and unique photo opportunities for photography buffs.
- There is a nominal parking fee.
- Cathedral Caverns State Park has a well-stocked gift shop brimming with various souvenirs.