cathedral caverns state park

I was really skeptical when my husband said he wanted to visit this park for our weekend adventure. I was not inclined to spend $15/person to go in a cave, and I wanted to be able to go on a self-led hike instead of a guided tour (we have a toddler in tow so it is sometimes nice to be able to stop). I am glad to report that I was WRONG and the tour was the way to go, and well worth the $15. Our tour guide was fantastic and even though we stayed toward the back of a pretty large tour group, we never had a problem hearing him. He really knew his stuff and could answer any questions, and made the whole thing interesting and informative. We're new to the area and I feel like I learned a lot not only about the caves but about the history of the area as well. The formations were just incredible and the whole thing was really spectacular.As some other reviewers mentioned, do a little research and make sure you arrive close to the time your tour leaves. There is a VERY short trail to walk around (it took us all of 10 minutes, and that was letting the 1-year-old wall herself), a picnic area, and some chairs and that's about it until your tour starts. The gift shop is just filled with useless rock-themed junk and isn't remotely related to what you'll see in the cave.I'm putting this on my list of places to bring anyone who ever comes to visit us! Really a must see.(PS, If you are bringing a toddler, I do recommend bringing a carrier. Even if they could keep up with the tour, the dark will make them sleepy and you won't want to be stuck holding them the whole time like us and the other parents on our tour!)

I thought I researched this visit well, yet, I totally missed they have set tour times. I arrived at 12:45, next tour wasn't until 2:00pm. I blew this:( And there is absolutely NOTHING to do while waiting. And don't even think you can pass time on your cellphone, your looking at NO or little service around the park. The gift shop was colder than a refrigerator, at $15.00 a head to enter the cavern, can they provide some heat. Don't look to buy many souvenirs, they are as over priced as the tour. As for the tour itself, it's interesting and our young guide Trevor did a nice job. I will say if your in a group of more than twenty, you WON'T hear a thing at the back:(:(:( I kept asking myself why nothing to project the guides voice? Would I go again, no, just didn't feel the bang in the buck.

Truly spectacular cave that you can only grasp in person! We hike and cave more than most, and Cathedral is fantastic. Our tour guide was comical, professional and knowledgeable - the ranger guide we had made the 15 dollar admission worth it.

What an incredible experience. We really had no idea of the sheer scale of this cavern. It really just kept going and kept getting bigger. Our tour guide was fantastic, the price was extremely reasonable, and park was clean and well-maintained. The tour lasted about an hour with plenty of time to wander and take pictures. Bathrooms get crowed right before and right after tours, so try to get there a bit early and go before you hike the cave. The entire trip to the end is about 3/4 of a mile of mostly easy wandering. The front stairs (picture below) is the most strenuous part. Make sure you stay with the guide and ask questions. They are extremely knowledgeable and friendly.

Oh mh god the caverns were amazing none of anyones photos do this place justice at all im so glad we found this place we visited between christmas and new year there was 25 people on our tour which was lead by 17 year old alex who in my opinion was outstanding he was shadowed by another alex who will be taking tours by herself soon she was also really nice but the main man alex was too cool for school he knew everything ghere is to know although the big boss judy reckons she knows 3 times as much haha all the staff were really nice and friendly the lobby has loads of souvenirs which are very reasonably priced which was surprising all in all well worth a visit and very well priced although when you finish the tour you will feel like you got a major batgain thanks alex judy and all the staf from Gary and Alexis , Glasgow, Scotland

I googled things to do in Alabama & this is one of the places that popped up. So i threw my 4 year old in the car & drove 5 1/2 miles north. He was free so for 15$ we got to explore these awesome caverns. I've been to some caverns in Tennessee but these were really interesting. Safe for ALL ages our tour guy was little man. He was sweet & informative! Had a blast I will be back!

State-run park, very clean, reasonable admission charge.Our tour guide [Pattie], even though relatively new at the park, was very knowledgeable. She took her time, explained things in great detail.One of the best caves I have seen.Note: Tours are given every two hours, and last approx 75-90 minutes, so plan your trip accordingly.

We had our wonderful visit of the Cathedral Caverns State Park during our visit to Alabama, the Cave is so attractive and provide good chance for knowledge seekers and photographers who like long exposure kind of photography, our tour guide was so friendly and well educated about the cave history.

We wanted to see the caverns because we were told only good things. We were surprised that our tour guide who was only sixteen had so much knowledge about the caverns. He was able to answer all the questions about the caverns and knew the history of the caverns.

WE really like this cave. It had some amazing formations in it. It went on for quite some time. A long walk for some. They have a golf cart for handicap people also. Nice. We learned a lot on this tour. The best time to go is in the fall, when there is hardly any travelers. There were only 5 us in the group. Very nice.

Had a great time at the cavern! Went with two small kids and they loved it! Would have given it 5 stars except it is kind of expensive but will plan on going back.

Awesome cave that everyone should see. You go deep into limestone rock passing many formations that have evolved for hundrends of years. You will see floor to ceiling curtains that make one feel like they are in a cathedral. Your guide might also turn off the lights at the back of the cave so you can hear the sounds. This was neat also. It is the best cave I have ever seen. Nothing like Ruby Falls and others that are so over commercialized with little to see but a water fall. I have also been in other caves that were good but this one is really good. If you have a handicapped relative they can ride in a golf cart with the guide. Same if you get tried of the mile in and out treck. Many caves are not wide enought for a small cart to get through and have steps.

My family and I have been visiting these caverns since the late 1950's when Jay Gurley, the property owner, guided us on muddy footpaths along the side of the caves. In June of 1962, Reader's Digest featured an article about these caverns and its biggest star, Goliath. Since the state of Alabama purchased the land and developed the grounds into a park, it is a much safer tour. Plan ahead and take a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds before you walk into the cave's huge mouth - and take a light jacket in the summer because the cave's year round temperature is 60 degrees.Inside the caverns, a visitor will find unexpectedly large formations. This area of north Alabama is know for its caves, but Cathedral Caverns is exceptionally easy to explore. If you are afraid of caves because of claustrophobia, this is one cave you will be able to see. The rooms are VERY large. You will be taken on a guided tour by a friendly and knowledgeable park ranger. Today's path is wide and paved - nothing like the paths of my youth - although those old paths can be seen along the sides of the caves during the tour. Be sure to ask the ranger about the rooms of the cave that are too fragile to be opened to the public. You'll be glad you did! The park is open year round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Here is the URL to the park brochure: http://www.alapark.com/Brochures/pdfs/Cathedral.pdf

This little gem seems to be out in the middle of no where but is worth the trip if you enjoy cave formations. The tour guide was funny and informative. Of the caves we've visited this one seemed to have the most formations. The gift shop where you get your tickets and souvenirs or snacks was lovely. The restrooms were clean. The gem mining area looked like a neat area but wasn't running when we arrived, or at least we didn't see anyone there. Overall good tour.

Wonderful find just a few miles from Huntsville, AL. Amazing formations and knowledgeable guide made the trip worthwhile.