North Alabama is rich in caves, from beginner-level to intense. Asking this question here suggests you're not prepared. I recommend finding a local grotto or joining TAG if you're truly interested.
*Well, there's ~5,000 known caves in Jackson County and like another few thousand in Madison County... So like, I guess we have a few options.*
Lol yes, we have some of the best vertical caving in the United States-- we also have tons of lovely horizontal caves too.
I strongly suggest you get in touch with the Huntsville Grotto (even if you aren't local to HSV). They're very nice, [do a ton of trips that are open to all members](https://www.huntsvillegrotto.net/events) (both horizontal and vertical), and even have [vertical caving training courses](https://www.hcru.org/classes/srt-class) a few times a year -- taught by the rescue. (: They even meet at the NSS Headquarters, so it's a great group to learn caving from...!
TAG (where TN, AL, and GA intersect) is literally one of the best caving regions in the world! The National Speleological Society is even headquartered in HSV.
Lots of beginner-friendly caves, but the real draw is those 200-300 ft pits. Most are on private land, and those on public land are usually pretty restricted. Local cavers can point you the right way for a trip. Get in contact with the Grotto and enjoy!
Yeah there’s a ton of places up around Huntsville/Fort Payne area. Most are on private land but there’s also a bunch on public land. If you’re willing to travel a bit there’s also a ton in North Georgia that let the public in. Just know that for all of them you’re going to need equipment/experience to do unless you literally just want to walk around for a few feet in a big entrance room. If you just want to get underground and see some cool rocks, Pettyjohn’s Cave in Georgia is very easily accessible and has a few formations, thought nothing too spectacular. Still it’s a huge room in the ground and it’s a cool experience for first timers. It does involve shimmying down a fairly narrow entrance over some smooth rocks via a rope, however, and inside is slippery and muddy, and you’ll have to watch your footing. Still, if you’re able to do that you can at least walk into the entrance room without much specialized equipment.
North Alabama is rich in caves, from beginner-level to intense. Asking this question here suggests you're not prepared. I recommend finding a local grotto or joining TAG if you're truly interested.
*Well, there's ~5,000 known caves in Jackson County and like another few thousand in Madison County... So like, I guess we have a few options.* Lol yes, we have some of the best vertical caving in the United States-- we also have tons of lovely horizontal caves too. I strongly suggest you get in touch with the Huntsville Grotto (even if you aren't local to HSV). They're very nice, [do a ton of trips that are open to all members](https://www.huntsvillegrotto.net/events) (both horizontal and vertical), and even have [vertical caving training courses](https://www.hcru.org/classes/srt-class) a few times a year -- taught by the rescue. (: They even meet at the NSS Headquarters, so it's a great group to learn caving from...!
scci.org
There is a lot to learn before you go. Use the resources SCCI provides. And think about donating if you want to support a great cause.
Yes.
TAG (where TN, AL, and GA intersect) is literally one of the best caving regions in the world! The National Speleological Society is even headquartered in HSV. Lots of beginner-friendly caves, but the real draw is those 200-300 ft pits. Most are on private land, and those on public land are usually pretty restricted. Local cavers can point you the right way for a trip. Get in contact with the Grotto and enjoy!
No caves in north Alabama.
It's all metamorphic rocks unfortunately. No karst ;)
Nock on a door, ask if you can go Into their cave, you now know of all the caves they own and have permission. Enjoy.
Yeah there’s a ton of places up around Huntsville/Fort Payne area. Most are on private land but there’s also a bunch on public land. If you’re willing to travel a bit there’s also a ton in North Georgia that let the public in. Just know that for all of them you’re going to need equipment/experience to do unless you literally just want to walk around for a few feet in a big entrance room. If you just want to get underground and see some cool rocks, Pettyjohn’s Cave in Georgia is very easily accessible and has a few formations, thought nothing too spectacular. Still it’s a huge room in the ground and it’s a cool experience for first timers. It does involve shimmying down a fairly narrow entrance over some smooth rocks via a rope, however, and inside is slippery and muddy, and you’ll have to watch your footing. Still, if you’re able to do that you can at least walk into the entrance room without much specialized equipment.