Russell Cave National Monument
Russell Cave National Monument
Russell Cave was home to prehistoric peoples for more than 10,000 years. The monument provides clues to the daily lifeways of early North American inhabitants dating from 6500 B.C. to 1650 A.D. The cave shelter archaeological site contains the most complete record of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: John BundyPhone Number: 256-495-2672
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Russel Cave; North Alabama Birding Trail; Boardwalk
Important Dates
Established as Park: May 11, 1961By The Numbers
Acres: 310.00Annual Visitation: 24,851 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :34.980360 / -85.808430 (map it)
State: AL
Nearby Big City: Bridgeport, AL
Gateway Communities: Bridgeport, AL; South Pittsburg, TN; Stevenson, AL; Bryant, AL; Jasper, TN
Nearby Airports: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA); Huntsville International Airport (HSV); Dalton Municipal Airport (DNN)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : No
Park Photos
Russell Cave, 9323
National Park Service
Russell Cave, 9324
National Park Service
Russell Cave, 9325
National Park Service
View More Russell Cave Photos
In Detail
At A Glance We are located five miles from Highway 72 near the small town of Bridgeport, AL. Please see the directions link for more in-depth driving instructions. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and bring ... read more.
Camping Campgrounds There are picnic areas available at Russell Cave, but no campground areas are located in the park. A list of area campgrounds is available at the Gilbert V. Grosvenor Visitor Center. ... read more.
In A Nutshell Accessibility The visitor center, museum area and video room are all wheelchair accessible. There are wheelchairs available for visitor use upon request. ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Did you know that many national parks have special programs for young people ages 7 to 11 that help them understand more about their local parks and how they can help protect these ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Be aware of your surroundings while visiting Russell Cave. You should always be on the lookout for snakes and poison ivy when hiking. Remember, all wildlife, including snakes, are protected. Wear i ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Spend your day at Russell Cave National Mounument exploring the culture and lifeways of prehistoric people. Expect a two hour visit if you are planning to view the video, go on the tour, the hike, ... read more.
Things To Do Native American Festival See demonstrations of authentic Southeastern Native American culture and lifeways at Russell Cave's annual Native American festival. The 2007 festival will be held Saturday ... read more.
Visitor Services Visitor Centers The Gilbert H. Grosvenor Visitor Center is open year round, seven days a week, with the exception of New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Hours are 8:00 A.M. until 4: ... read more.
Russell Cave In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
