Are dogs allowed on Stephens Gap Cave Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Stephens Gap Cave Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Stephens Gap Cave Trail?

Yes, Stephens Gap Cave Trail requires a permit. Free SCCi cave-preserve permit required for all visitors, including surface hikers. Apply through the issuing agency at https://permits.scci.org/ before your visit — many systems run lotteries with fixed application windows.

How difficult is Stephens Gap Cave Trail?

Stephens Gap Cave Trail is rated moderate. It is 1.4 miles long with 417 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Stephens Gap Cave Trail suitable for kids?

Yes, Stephens Gap Cave Trail is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Alabama trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

Alabama

Stephens Gap Cave Trail

Paint Rock, Alabama

1.4 mi

Distance

417 ft

Elev. Gain

35m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Cave Trail requires a permit. The permits are free and can be obtained at the website. It is amazing to see the waterfall in the cave. It's rocky and slippery so make sure to wear good shoes.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve, owned by the Southeastern Cave Conservancy (SCCi). A free permit (request ahead via permits.scci.org) is required; limited to 25 people/day and helmets are required even in the walk-in section.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:210 ft

Max:313 ft

127 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Permit required

Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.

Free SCCi cave-preserve permit required for all visitors, including surface hikers.

Get permit

Official sources & verification

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.