From June through August, 200,000 to 400,000 bats leave Sauta Cave at dusk each evening to forage at night. The 264-acre Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge lies west of Scottsboro. It protects the endangered Gray Bat and Indiana Bat species and their important habitat. The emergence from the cave takes place during a specific season and time of day.
At Lake Guntersville and on the trails
Jackson County lies on the north shore of Lake Guntersville in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The county offers numerous opportunities for outings on the lake by boat, canoe, or kayak. Jackson County Park rents pontoon boats and kayaks for full or half days. There are also fishing opportunities at the pier and along the trails by the lake.
A different landscape awaits at Buck’s Pocket State Park, which extends across DeKalb, Jackson, and Marshall counties. It has more than 15 miles of hiking trails. The state park also has a 6-mile OHV trail that passes through hardwood forests and over rocky ridges. The hiking trails and motorized route offer different ways to experience the park’s landscape.
Waterfalls and gorge views define Pisgah Gorge, which also features a natural bridge. The route to the Walls of Jericho passes through lush forests, crosses streams, and reaches a waterfall in a natural amphitheater. The Walls of Jericho also has an 11-mile horseback riding trail. Two primitive campsites are located along the hiking trail.
Caves and nature experiences
Cathedral Caverns has one of the largest cave openings in the world. A guide is required for a cave tour, which lasts about 90 minutes. Cathedral Caverns State Park also offers gemstone mining. This gives you options for activities in the park beyond the cave tour.
Russell Cave National Monument is an archaeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the southeastern United States. Artifacts discovered there indicate that the same site was used for more than 12,000 years. You can view artifacts in the visitor center museum.
History and local discoveries
Sagetown recreates a pioneer village with original log cabins dating from 1820 to 1880. The reconstructed pioneer village features original log cabins dating from 1820 to 1880.
The Scottsboro Jackson Heritage Center welcomes researchers during regular museum hours, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can use its genealogical and historical collections. For a different perspective on Scottsboro, visit Payne’s: its soda fountain is considered the oldest in Alabama. Goose Pond Colony Resort has two 18-hole championship golf courses. So, alongside nature and history, the options include golf and a local spot for a break.
Discover more destinations: Stevenson, Scottsboro, DeKalb County, Pickens County, Cleburne, Clay County, Marion County, Tallapoosa County.
For the main travel overview: Alabama.
