4 Caves to Visit in Georgia and Alabama

For upcoming family travel to Georgia or Alabama, consider visiting one of these fantastic caves while in these states. Georgia and Alabama feature a variety of different cave systems, many open for visitors to explore.

Majestic Caverns, Alabama

This series of caves, often called “Alabama’s Big Cave” lies in the Appalachian Mountains in Talladega County. The main room of the cave, once used by Native Americans, features a room more than 10 stories high and larger than a football field. Majestic Caverns, also known as DeSoto Caves, features one of the largest continuing accumulations of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites in the world. Within the cave, visitors can see an early, Copena culture burial site of early Native Americans. The cave is marked as the first officially recorded cave in the country.

Pettyjohn Cave, Georgia

Also located in Walker County, this Karst cave sits on the east side of Pigeon Mountain. Spanning 6.5 miles, the cave is accessible by gravel car park leading to a path. Pettyjohn Cave includes stunning cave formations like stalagmites, stalactites and even waterfalls. Other formations found in the cave include soda straws, cave pearls, flowstones and cave popcorn. In winter, the cave serves as the home to tricolored and little brown bats.

Cathedral Caverns State Park, Alabama

Situated in Kennamer Cove, Cathedral Caverns State Park draws visitors thanks to its beautiful cave features. The Karst cave includes a large stalagmite forest spanning about three acres. Public spaces include wheelchair-accessible, concrete walkways. The entrance to the cave measures 25 feet tall, making it the world’s widest entrance to a commercial cave. One of the world’s largest stalagmites also lies within the cave. Aptly called Goliath, the column is 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. Mystery River also flows through the cavern.

Rolater Park Cave Spring, Georgia

In Rolater Park, near the border of Alabama, a cave sits at the back of the park, open to visitors. Park in front of the cave and venture inside to see 30-foot-tall caverns. Entrance is just $2 per person, and visitors will experience jaw-dropping formations, including the iconic “Devil’s Stool” formation. A mineral spring flows from the cave and through the park, allowing visitors to take a dip in the springs to cool off in the warmer months.