Hiking in Alabama is often rewarded with breathtaking vistas, whether you’ve reached the top of a mountain peak, are admiring a waterfall, or gazing out over the water. The state’s terrain is as beautiful as it is varied, and one of my favorite parts about exploring Alabama is discovering something truly unexpected. And what you’ll find at the end of Neversink Pit Trail certainly qualifies. You won’t be looking out at a panoramic view, but rather down—way down—into the depths of what appears to be a mysterious underground world.
Tucked away in northern Alabama’s Jackson County is a treasure trove of protected plants, wildlife, and geology known as the Neversink Cave Preserve. It’s managed by the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc., the largest cave conservancy in the world that’s dedicated to preserving caves. And this particular one—part sinkhole, part cave—is special.
Before your visit to Neversink, you’ll need to obtain a permit. (In order to do so, be sure to create an SCCi account and, once logged in, look for the “New Permit” button at the top of the page. The permit is completely free, though donations are appreciated.) Once your permit has been received, you’ll get step-by-step directions for accessing the cave.
With the permit directions, plus a helpful trail guide on AllTrails, you’ll be able to navigate to the small designated parking lot. From there, the trail is a little over a mile out-and-back and takes you directly to the pit. You’ll be trekking uphill, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, plus some snacks for good measure. Hikers share that it’s easy to wander off trail if you’re not paying attention to the signs, so be sure to keep that in mind.
Arriving at the pit is nothing short of a revelation, and pictures hardly do this geological marvel justice. It’s among the most photographed pits in the Southeast, and it’s not hard to see why. The ledges are covered in rare ferns, and a waterfall forms after it’s rained. Neversink is approximately 40 feet across at the top and closer to 100 at the bottom, and measures approximately 162 feet from rim to bottom—that’s big enough to accommodate a 16-floor building!
While it is possible to descend into the cave for further exploration, it’s vital that only those with the technical skills and proper gear do so. Plus, you must travel with at least two others. Of course, you don’t need to travel into the cave to appreciate just how remarkable it is. Here’s how one recent traveler describes the experience of hiking to Neversink: “We were the only ones there, and when we got to the top, it took our breath away! 10/10 recommend!”…