Rickwood Caverns State Park

Take a guided tour of a 260-million-year-old cave, observe fossils embedded in the limestone, and search for gemstones at this Alabama state park.

Alabama is home to more than 4,200 caves, and Rickwood Caverns State Park, located just north of Birmingham, is one of the best spots to experience these phenomenal underground formations. The 380-acre park offers educational tours of the limestone caverns that date back an estimated 260 million years! The caves are illuminated for ease of exploration, and guests can even observe 300-million-year-old fossils fixed in the cave walls. Guests can book the cave tour, which is 1-mile in length, in advance by calling the park. The caves maintain a temperature of 58-62 degrees, so it’s a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking for a unique activity while avoiding the heat.

Other than the ancient cave systems, the park has several covered picnic areas, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a campground, miles of hiking trails, and the chance to search for gemstones. The Fossil Mountain Hiking Trail is a 1.25-mile path that brings explorers up a limestone mountain and provides the opportunity to view fossils embedded in the rock as well as lovely views of the surrounding foliage. Rickwood Caverns State Park is an extraordinary destination that is sure to not only wow you, but also deepen your knowledge and appreciation for the incredible geological features of this state.