Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge

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Quick Facts

Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama

(256) 353-7243

Map Directions

Things To Do

   

Overview

Fern Cave NWR was purchased in 1981 to provide protection for the federally endangered gray and Indiana bats. It consists of 199 acres of forested hillside underlain by a massive cave which provides habitat for bats. Fern Cave contains the largest wintering colony of gray bats in the United States with over one million bats hibernating there in the winter. Bat experts also think that as many as one million Indiana bats may be using the cave and an expedition into the cave is being planned for the future.

Please note: Fern Cave itself is not open to the public due to the potential for disturbance of federally endangered gray and Indiana bats. Other portions of the 199 acre Refuge are open to the public. Public use is limited due to the rugged terrain of Nat Mountain.

Map of Fern Cave NWR

Latitude, Longitude: 34.653160, -86.298368

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Activities

  • Hiking

    Hiking is available.

    Fern Cave itself is not open to the public due to the potential for disturbance of federally endangered gray and Indiana bats. Other portions of the 199 acre Refuge are open to the public. Public use is limited due to the rugged terrain of Nat Mountain.

    The Refuge elevation changes from the relative flat of the Paint Rock River valley to the 1,500+ feet elevation at near the top of the mountain. Being on top of the mountain at dark and having to walk back down could result in serious injuries as there are no established hiking trails.

  • Wildlife Watching

    Fern Cave itself is not open to the public due to the potential for disturbance of federally endangered gray and Indiana bats. Other portions of the 199 acre Refuge are open to the public. Public use is limited due to the rugged terrain of Nat Mountain. Viewing the bat emergences from one of the many cave openings is not recommended due to their remote location.

Directions

Driving

Fern Cave NWR is located on the western slope of Nat Mountain. From Huntsville, take highway 72 north to Gurley. North of Gurley, turn left on County road 500 just past where hwy 72 crosses the Paint Rock River. CR 500 is closed at a gate but access by foot traffic is still allowed. Follow the old road as it winds along the Paint Rock River along the southwest base of Nat Mountain and look for National Wildlife Refuge signs.

Flying

The closest major airport is in Huntsville. A variety of car rental agencies is available.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(256) 353-7243

Links