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Details

Distance

1.38 miles

Elevation Gain

381 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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.

The required permits and paperwork Instructions Here.

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    Features

    Photography
    Hiking
    Scenic
    Waterfall

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    Nearby

    Rappel Through the Keyhole at Stephen's Gap

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    Kayaking at Lake Guntersville State Park

    Cliff Jump at High Falls Park

    Walls of Jericho via Alabama Trailhead