How to find dazzling caves, waterfalls + more in less than 1 hour of Huntsville in Jackson County

A man rests on a rock in a pool of water and admires a waterfall at Walls of Jericho, while his dog wades in to join him. — A man and his dog take a dip while hiking Walls of Jericho in Hytop, Alabama. (Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce)

Within a one-hour drive east of Huntsville, you’ll discover hidden treasures at every turn—incredible caverns and caves, world-class fishing on Lake Guntersville and incredible views from trails and overlooks.

We’re talking about Scottsboro and Jackson County, just 40 miles east of us here in the Rocket City.

Read on for top spots to explore after an easy ride over to where “the mountains meet the lakes.”

The lay of the land in Scottsboro + Jackson County

Jackson County encompasses land in the most northeastern reaches of the state and has about 55,000 residents.
Around 16,000 people call the the county seat, Scottsboro, home.
The county’s other two incorporated cities, Bridgeport and Stevenson, each have about 2,000 residents.
Jackson County also contains 10 small towns and two dozen unincorporated communities.

See spectacular caves + caverns

Inside Cathedral Caverns with its stalagmites and stalactites, located in Woodville, Jackson County, Alabama — The dazzling stalagmites and stalactites within Cathedral Caverns (Denise L O’Rourke / Alabama State Parks)

When we say you’ll find “hidden treasures” in Jackson County, we’re much more literal here than when we talk about sharing a local gem.

With six special cave areas to explore, it’s like Mother Nature created a scavenger hunt for natural wonder seekers. We noted those that require permits so you can click through their links for those details.

🙏 Cathedral Caverns State Park: Located in Woodville, this cave’s entrance is 25 feet high + a whopping 126 feet wide. Step inside + you’ll immediately understand the name.
👀 Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve: Get dramatic views of this cave’s 143-foot pit from a walk-in passage. (Note: Requires permit to visit + is also in Woodville.)
🦇 Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge: Just west of Scottsboro, this cave isn’t one you can hike, but you can visit + view: It’s “summer camp” for about 400,000 gray bats, which you can watch emerge at dusk.
🪏 Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve: This cave in Fackler was used during the Civil War for mining saltpeter used to make gunpowder. (You’ll need a permit for this one, too.)
🔎 Russell Cave National Monument: People used this cave for shelter as far back as 12,000 years ago + the site today allows you to learn about the important archeological site.
🌿 Neversink Preserve: This 162-foot, open-air pit stars in many photos wearing its finest rare + endangered ferns. (Visiting this one requires a permit + vertical caving skills to explore the bottom.)

Lake Guntersville + the Tennessee River

An aerial view of Goose Pond Colony in Scottsboro, Jackson County, Alabama — From left, Goose Pond Colony Resort, sunset fishing on Lake Guntersville and Jackson County Park (Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce)

A man fishes with a child standing nearby on Lake Guntersville at sunset in Jackson County, Alabama — From left, Goose Pond Colony Resort, sunset fishing on Lake Guntersville and Jackson County Park (Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce)

Jackson County has several options for enjoying the northern end of Lake Guntersville and the Tennessee River:

Jackson County Park: A well-rounded riverside destination east of Scottsboro with RV camping sites and cabins, trails, boat rentals + a popular barbecue restaurant (KC’s).
Goose Pond Colony Resort: A city-owned property seven miles south of Jackson County Park, this resort has cottages, a lodge, a full-service marina, two 18-hole championship golf courses + more.
Local Boat Ramps: Here’s a great guide to many of the local boat ramps if you’re just looking to get out on the water to fish or float.

More must-see natural attractions

Overlook at Buck's Pocket State Park during the fall — Buck’s Pocket State Park in the fall (Alabama State Parks) and a waterfall at Walls of Jericho (Hannah Sumner / Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Waterfall at Walls of Jericho in Hytop, Alabama — Buck’s Pocket State Park in the fall (Alabama State Parks) and a waterfall at Walls of Jericho (Hannah Sumner / Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Experienced hikers love the challenge and gorgeous, rugged trails within Walls of Jericho on the Alabama-Tennessee border. Hikers of all experience levels, start at Pisgah Civitan Park to explore trails through Pisgah Gorge, which is most popular in spring for its many mountain laurel blooms framing the waterfall views.

Speaking of seasonal beauty, fall is the prime time to visit Buck’s Pocket State Park for its dazzling fall foliage. For a relatively newer place out in nature to hike, mountain bike, kayak, camp (or glamp!) and stargaze, check out The Graham Farm & Nature Center in Estillfork.

Another incredible view? Marvel over sunset views high above the Tennessee River at Weathington Park Overlook in Section.

Treasures to taste + shop

A bright orange vintage truck loaded with colorful suitcases in front of a mural at Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Jackson County, Alabama. — From top left, clockwise: Unclaimed Baggage, The Docks Seafood and Steakhouse and downtown Scottsboro (Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce)

A glass of wine and a plated surf and turf with potatoes and asparagus on a table overlooking Lake Guntersville at The Docks Seafood and Steakhouse at Goose Pond Colony Resort, located in Scottsboro, Jackson County, Alabama. — From top left, clockwise: Unclaimed Baggage, The Docks Seafood and Steakhouse and downtown Scottsboro (Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce)

Surely you’ll be hungry after these adventures and perhaps want some more leisurely activities like shopping. Here are our top picks for both:

🍽️ Must-try meals

Get a slaw dog in downtown Scottsboro at the oldest soda fountain in Alabama, the circa-1869 Payne’s Sandwich Shop & Soda Fountain
Order a barbecue plate at KC’s BAR-B-Q while you enjoy river views at Jackson County Park. (If banana pudding is an option, take it!)
If you can stick around for dinner, go for the signature shrimp and grits at The Docks Seafood and Steakhouse at Goose Pond Colony.

🛍️ Must-stop shopping

Unclaimed Baggage: More than a million people from all over the country shop here annually, curious + eager to score deals on contents from unclaimed airlines baggage.
Downtown Scottsboro: Browse boutiques with modern trends, vintage clothing, a gallery of local artists’ work + much more.
Mennonite Market: Shop fresh produce, homemade breads, cookies and other goodies at this market located in Section.

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