Cave Mountain Small Wild Area and Trail

ADA Accessibility Notes

No ADA available

Cave Mountain is one of 28 Small Wild Areas managed by TVA to provide habitat protection for wildlife. It occupies about 34 acres on the south side of Guntersville Dam.

This moderately challenging trail will take you past a historic cave that was used during the Civil War to mine saltpeter (a base ingredient of gunpowder). Be on the lookout for The Tupelo Gum Swamp that provides habitat for waterfowl, dragonflies, frogs and salamanders.

If you plan to go into the cave, be sure to bring a flashlight. There is usually enough natural light to see for the first 200 feet or so, but after that, it’s completely dark. You can go about 300 yards into the cave on an easy footpath. At that point, you have to make a vertical drop to continue, which requires climbing gear and caving experience. If it’s raining, you can count on the footpath being muddy and slippery, so don’t try it unless you are wearing hiking shoes and don’t mind getting them dirty.

Visit TVA's trail page for more information.

Eco-Friendly Notes

TVA is a partner of Leave No Trace and requests that visitors follow Leave No Tracepractices.

How to Get There

https://www.google.com/maps/dir//34.418224,-86.405146/@34.4181422,-86.407321,17z

Pet Friendly Notes

Pets welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet. TVA is a partner of Leave No Trace and requests that visitors follow Leave No Trace practices, including picking up after your pet.

Trail Distance

1.5 mile loop

Vertical Gain or Loss

moderate