Stephens Gap Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Edward Day
Short and easy hike to a huge 150ft cave with a waterfall. Stephens Gap is an unreal experience and a must-see hidden gem in Alabama.
The hike is 2 miles round trip. It starts from the open space where you park. (Details on where to park when you email in the permit). There is a sign labeled as the trailhead. Trail is easily visible, but just in case you can't follow it, they have marked it with yellow flags on trees. The trail and area was recently purchased by the SCCI and is still being worked on.
There are two entrances into the cave - A walk down entrance and an entrance to rappel. The cave can be very wet and slippery and the walk down entrance can be pretty steep so watch your step. The cave features a natural pedestal to stand on which is great for pictures and is also a great spot to rappel onto. There is about a 30ft drop off the backside of the pedestal so be careful getting up and down. The cave can be very loud if water is flowing.
For rappelling directly onto the pedestal, there is a keyhole that if you rappel into, will drop you directly onto the pedestal. The keyhole is a small hole on the upper side of the pit.
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Wow! An amazing hidden treasure!
I finally made the trip to see this incredible hidden gem after first finding out about it through the Outbound. Wow, was I speechless. This hidden jewel in the southeast (Alabama, of all places) is a must see for any adventure photographer. But I hope that this wonderful place will continue to stay hidden and preserved for years to come so that it won't be over run by tourist. The people who work with you in getting the permit to explore this site were extremely helpful. The best advice I received is the best light is at 11:00 AM. Believe me, they weren't lying. Wow!
Beautiful, but be careful!
This place is absolutely beautiful. We got a permit and signed waivers a few days in advance. We were the only people there on a week day. We had the place all to ourselves and it was magical. We went after a week of heavy rain which including the night before our arrival. This made the trail very slippery. What would typically be an easy hike, was more difficult because of the slippery conditions. The water was rushing through the cave today and literally every inch of the place was soaking wet. I loved seeing it this way! Additionally, I wouldn't bring children.
