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Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 166 Google reviews · Running trail in Woodville, Alabama · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Preserve featuring a cave with a waterfall at the entrance, accessible on a hiking trail (permits required).
What runners say about Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve
“The location is scenic and remote a truly wonderful experience.”
“The home there is about 3/4 mile of easy to follow trail with some minor inclines.”
Awesome place. My 1st visit was awesome. Make sure to obtain a permit (super easy to do a permit online). Make sure to follow yellow trail markers and the second half of trail is uphill. Be careful slippery rocks go into cave. Will do this again
When you secure the permit, you receive all of the details you need to be prepared and have a great time hiking to and from the cave, as well as your time within it.
Best day! Plan early to make sure you have the permit needed to enter. We stopped at Walmart to get bike helmets and head lamps to be prepared for the cave. It was worth every bit of effort though!!! The views just keep getting better and better.
Definitely worth the adventure. Easy place to find parking lot is secure with trailhead at the car. Elected to go during a weekday due to securing a permit. It had rained for several days before so it was slippery and muddy. Definitely recommend hiking poles and good hiking boots.
Trail conditions & character
“We visited after having several rainy days which made for great water for the waterfall, but the trail was extremely muddy and slick.”
“I was worried about getting onto the “mushroom” after reading reviews but I’m 52 and it was easy if you walk through the waterfall and climb up to it.”
“We visited after having several rainy days which made for great water for the waterfall, but the trail was extremely muddy and slick.”
“Easy place to find parking lot is secure with trailhead at the car.”
“Make sure to follow yellow trail markers and the second half of trail is uphill.”
Plan your run at Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitesaveyourcaves.org
- Phone+1 423-771-9671
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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