Hiking Stephens Gap Cave in Alabama – Ultimate Guide

Let’s be real. We have not explored many caves before. So we don’t have much to compare to, but Stephens Gap Cave takes the cake. It’s absolutely jaw-dropping.

This is a stunning cave that has a 143-foot pit and a waterfall. The ceiling of the cave features a keyhole that allows the most gorgeous light beams to filter in. The light shines and illuminates the cave’s natural pedestal.

This beloved cave has not 1 but 2 entrances. This allows people to either walk in or rappel down alongside the waterfall.

Stephen’s Gap is part of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy which is a nonprofit that protects and preserves caves.

In this guide to Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve, I will discuss everything you need to know to have the best time exploring this natural cave.

Location, Directions, and Parking For Stephens Gap

Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve

Address: 8408 Co Rd 30, Woodville, AL 35776

Stephens Gap Cave is located in northern Alabama, specifically in Woodville. It is in the middle of nowhere and on private property.

There are no big signs that let you know that you have arrived at this natural wonder. As a matter of fact, the sign (one sign) is very small. Keep your eyes peeled for a small gate. That gate is where you will enter. On the other side of the gate is a gravel parking area. Here you will find a picnic table and the trailhead.

How to Get to Stephens Gap From Nearby Cities

Nashville, TN
Travel time: 2 hrs. 41 min.
Distance: 138 miles

• Get on I-40 E/I-65 S from Church St
• Follow I-65 S to US-31 S in Ardmore. Take exit 1 from I-65 S
• Take AL-53 S, US-72 E/Hwy 72 E and AL-35 S/Willow St to Co Rd 30 in Jackson County

Atlanta, GA
Travel time: 3 hrs. 14 min.
Distance: 152 miles

• Get on I-75 N/I-85 N
• Continue on I-75 N. Take GA-140 W, US Hwy 27 N, GA-48 W and AL-40 W to AL-35 N/E Willow St in Scottsboro
• Follow AL-35 N/E Willow St to Co Rd 30

Huntsville, AL
Travel time: 34 min.
Distance: 29.5 miles

• Get on I-565 E from Spragins St SW
• Follow US-72 E/Hwy 72 E to AL-35 S/Willow St in Woodville
• Follow AL-35 S/Willow St to Co Rd 30

Permits Are Required

You must have a permit to enter the cave and parking area. The FREE permit is easily obtainable by using the online permitting system on the SCC website.

Kinds of Stephen’s Gap permits

• Stephen’s Gap Callahan Cave Preserve (For anyone who plans on hiking and entering the cave by walking)
• SG Vertical Caving (For anyone who plans on entering the cave by rappelling)
  
  * If camping– select a permit type and then add the camping option to the permit.

Make sure that you read your permit. It has a lot of valuable information on it, like the code to the gate, more specific directions, and helpful tips.

We love that you need a permit. It keeps the crowds at bay and allows you to move freely throughout the cave. There were only 3 other people there when we were there. They only allow 25 permits per day with a minimum group size of 2.

Plan to get your permit in advance. The weekends are typically booked a few weeks out.

Stephens Gap Cave Trailhead & Trail

Stephen’s Gap Trail starts just off the parking lot. You can’t miss the trailhead. It is a wide opening in the woods with a large sign beside it.

Simply follow the blue ties and yellow trail markers on the trees.

This self-guided, short hike is about 1.4 miles round trip with an elevation change of 239 ft. There are some large rocks, narrow paths, and steep hills to navigate. While I wouldn’t consider Stephen’s Gap Cave an easy hike, I wouldn’t consider it difficult either. I would, however, highly recommend taking your time and taking in the view. It’s beautiful.

When you get to the large entrance of the cave, you will have to walk down a section of large boulders. These rocks can be wet and very slippery. Be careful.

Take the time to walk up past the walk-in entrance. This will allow you to see a waterfall and also the rappelling entrance. Keep your distance from the edge though. Falling in won’t end well.

What to Pack & Wear

We visited Stephens Gap in early April. The trail was muddy and often slippery. I highly recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. All of us had mud on our shoes, legs, and hands. Thankfully we had a lot of water and napkins in our car so that we could clean ourselves up afterwards.

The best time of year to visit Stephen’s Gap Cave is when the ground is dry. Having dry ground will give you the best traction. Things get really slick especially inside the cave if it’s been raining.

Things to Pack For Stephens Gap

*Also pack rappelling and camping gear if you plan on doing those activities.

Helmets, headlamps, and sturdy shoes/boots are required for the walk-in passage, climbing, and rope-related activities.

* When we went to Stephen’s Gap, helmets were not required for the walk-in passage. This is why we are not wearing any helmets in our pictures. However, according to Stephen’s Gap website, they are now required.

Rappelling Stephens Gap Cave

You can rappel to the beautiful cave pit from the top entrance. If you choose to do so, you must bring your own gear including a helmet, ropes, and anything else you may need. A helmet is required for everything, walking, climbing, and any rope-related activities.

There are only 3 rig points for rope allowed at the top of the pit.

*If you choose to rappel, make sure you select the SG Vertical Caving permit option when getting your permit.

Be sure to bring the right equipment and know what you are doing. This is self-guided and there are a lot of potential hazards that may occur.

Camping At Stephens Gap Cave

You can camp for FREE at Stephens Gap Cave. In order to do so, select the camping option when getting your permit. Camping is only allowed on the bluff above the pit entrance and conditions are primitive. There is no electricity, water, or toilets and your waste must be carried out. The campsite only accommodates 2 small tents.

If you don’t plan on camping at Stephens Gap then you might want to check out some other accommodations here.

Best Time To Visit Stephens Gap Cave

While Stephen’s Gap Cave is open year-round, the rocks inside the cave become very slick when wet. The best time of year to visit Stephens Gap Cave is when the ground is dry. And don’t forget that if you want to see the beautiful sunbeams, it must be sunny out.

Final Thoughts

We absolutely loved our time at Stephens Gap Cave and highly recommended that everyone go at some point. We often use the term ‘biggest bang for your buck’ and this is right at the top with Horseshoe Bend and Hanging Lake . These are all incredible places that are FREE.

What’s your favorite cave? Do you have a ‘biggest bang for your buck’ place that you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.

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Desoto Falls

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