Russell Cave National Monument is located near Bridgeport, Alabama which is not far from Chattanooga, Tennessee. During JFK’s presidency in 1961, the cave was designated as a national monument. A short trail along a boardwalk leads to the massive entrance of the cave and several exhibits. Prehistoric Indians once settled here and used the cave as a shelter.

I loved how a small stream ran from the opening of the cave into the lush valley below the boardwalk.

While you cannot go into the cave, the trail stops just underneath the overhang and you can get a sense of how large this cave really is.

There is also a 2 mile nature trail that heads up steeply into the mountains behind the cave.

While we were there the Visitor Center was being remodeled so we did not get to experience that.

Pets are allowed here so Ellie and Adlai joined us!