Cathedral Caverns

I recently visited Cathedral Caverns in Gurley AL. And like most of the attractions i visit around my area it was completely spontaneous. But ive never walked away from one of my lil weekend adventures feeling more educated about something and interested in learing and doing more than so when i left the caverns.

This is the opening of the cave. It is possibly the largest natural cave opening in the world! It's 100 ft wide and 25 ft tall. And it is completely natural, but they dont think this was the original opening to the cave. Mr Gurley found this opening on a hunch when he was walking through the woods and felt the cold air coming from somewhere thru the trees. The first time he saw the cave he knew right then he wanted to purchase it.

Way before Mr Gurley ever come accross it however they think it was once an underwater cave. the picture below shows an imprint of fish fossils! and in two parts of the cave there is acctually a shark tooth stuck up in the celing!

My favorite fact and area about the caverns though is the stilagmite forrest (i hope i spelled that right) Stilagmite is the formations that grows from the floor up. The view of this area as well as the romantic story that goes with it makes it my favorite. Mr Gurley found this part of the cavern and went home and told his wife all about the beauty he'd found in his cave. On their anniversary he took her a piece of stalagmite, but she wanted to go and see what he was talking so much about. So he agreed and took her all the way back into the cave to the "forrest". He climbed up and held two lanterns out for her to see the forrest of stalagmite growing there and she was speachless. He went over to make sure she was ok and tears rolled down her face and all she could say was it was like a cathedral. And there came about the name Cathedral Caverns.

Stalagmite Forrest-an above shot

Me in front of some stalagmite in the forrest.

There was more to the caverns after these pictures, but of course i didnt put the memory card in my new digital camera! i had to buy a disposable lol, but the pictures are no comparison to how awesome this place really is. In a few weeks they're are going to be starting a program for people who want to go into the caves as Mr Gurley did. No lights, no paved sidewalks,and no clean clothes when you walk out! Nothing but the guide to show you the way and a flash light when you're not climbing and you can hold it. I've seriously considered being interested in this! I think it would turn out to be a good hobby and something fun to get into.

I would highly recomend going here on a lazy saturday with nothin else to do!

take Hwy 72 east towards scottsborrow. Signs for Cathedral Caverns will lead you the rest of the way.