Russell Cave National Monument, Alabama

Russell Cave National Monument visitor center
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Russel_Cave_Visitor_Center_RUCA9326.jpg
Author: NPS Photo


Russell Cave National Monument is a protected cave system in Jackson County, Alabama. Covering 310 acres (1.25 sq km), it was established on 11 May, 1961 on land donated by the National Geographic Society. The visitor center is named after Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, the editor of the National Geographic Magazine which was instrumental in its preservation.

Evidence of human habitation inside Russell Cave goes back nearly 9,000 years. This is based on the chipped flint points that were recovered there. The various types of implements found inside the cave provide scientists clues to changes in the weapons used by prehistoric tribes inhabiting the cave.

Russell Cave entrance
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Russel_Cave_Entrance_RUCA9323.jpg
Author: NPS Photo


At present, 7.2 miles of Russell Cave has been mapped, making it the third longest cave system mapped in Alabama.

Visiting Russell Cave National Monument, Alabama

This site is close to the northern border of Alabama with Tennessee. The I-24 is the nearest Interstate Highway. From this highway, turn off at Exit 152 and head south on N Cedar Avenue (aka US Highway 72) until junction with Co Rd 75, where you turn right, follow Co Rd 75 until junction with Co Rd 98. Turn right again and follow Co Rd 98 till you arrive at the site, which is on your left.

Russell Cave National Monument is open all year round except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day nd New Years Day. Opening hours is from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Standard Time. Please call ahead (256-495-2672) if you are coming in a group of over 20 people. There are no admission fees to the site. Ranger guided tours into the cave shelter is similarly free of charge.

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