Russell Cave National Monument

Things To Do Near Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave offers many fun adventures for visitors, from exploring the mysteries surrounding the prehistoric natives to discovering the cave's natural significance. You'll also have the chance to explore about 115 bird species that call Montague Mountain home. Touring the cave and surrounding area means you can take scenic walks on the short boardwalk trail or the nearby hiking trails. Whether you drive your RV through the park or choose to explore the surrounding land on foot, you'll get to experience breathtaking nature views.

Hiking Trails

• Russell Cave Trail

  The Russell Cave Trail lies off the boardwalk as you walk out of the historic cave shelter. A hike through the asphalt loop provides a nature escape where you'll walk past native plants and trees as you take in the fresh outdoor air. Take a nature trip to the Russell Cave Trail and see the beautiful wildlife it shelters. You can access the trail any time of the year, and your four-legged friend can tag along your adventure.

  Location

  3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740

  Length

  1.2 miles

  Intensity

  Strenuous

• Little Cedar Mountain Trail

  Hiking through Little Cedar Mountain Trail lets you pass by a part of the Tennessee River. There are various viewing spots for the river water and the nearby lake. The trail features a wide range of plants and animals, making it good for exploring nature. You can hike through Little Cedar Mountain Trail any time of the year.

  Location

  Tva Rd, Jasper, TN 37347

  Length

  3.2 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Sitton's Gulch Trailhead

  Sitton's Gulch Trail places you at Cloudland Canyon State Park and grants you breathtaking viewpoints of the Cloudland Canyon cliffs and waterfalls. Walk from the Canyon's rim to its floor and see the tall hemlock trees, vibrant wildflowers, and massive boulder fields that make the stunning scenery a favorite hiking destination. The perfect time to hike Sitton's Gulch Trailhead is from March to October.

  Location

  741 Canyon Park Dr, Trenton, GA 30752

  Length

  5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Franklin State Forest

  Franklin State Forest has scenic grounds that are ideal for a family getaway, with activities that include hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, off-roading, and horseback riding. It also has peaceful picnic and camping grounds beside a beautiful lake, and it is a great location for wildlife watching.

  Location

  11370 2nd St, Sherwood, TN 37376

• Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge

  The Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge was once a haven for Native Americans and a hideout for pirates who preyed on people traveling along the Tennessee River. Today, it's a wildlife sanctuary that protects the endangered gray bats. When you time your trip right and visit the site between late April and early October, you'll witness a spectacular view of the bats flying out in search of food at sunset.

  Location

  Mapleview Rd, South Pittsburg, TN 37380

Museums

• Bridgeport Depot Museum

  The Bridgeport Depot Museum safeguards the local area's historical records and railroad memorabilia. It protects Civil War and Native American artifacts with collections dating back to 1807. Visit the Bridgeport Depot Museum and travel back in time by reading articles from Bridgeport News issues that go as far back as 1891.

  Location

  116 Soulard Square, Bridgeport, AL 35740

• South Pittsburg Museum

  Since 1999, the South Pittsburg Historic Preservation Society has promoted and preserved the city's unique heritage and educated the public on past events. It runsa museum that displays exhibits of historical items such as cast-iron cookware, old pictures of locals, and an antique gas range that was locally made. The museum also displays historic items sourced from neighboring communities.

  Location

  316 S Cedar Ave, South Pittsburg, TN 37380

• The Scottsboro Boy's Museum & Cultural Center

  The museum stands as a living memorial to commemorate the Scottsboro Nine, African American teenage boys who faced false accusations of rape while traveling on a train. It's a critical tool for celebrating civil rights, with the case inspiring many events afterward. The museum features multiple collections and exhibits, including photographs of the boys' trial and a metal table that they used while in jail.

  Location

  428 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• South Pittsburg Antiques

  When you pass by South Pittsburg Antiques, you can shop from their collection of unique products. Some items on display include art, fireplaces, jewelry, and glassware.

  Location

  224 S Cedar Ave, South Pittsburg, TN 37380

• Lodge Factory Store

  Cast-iron lovers will find Lodge skillets galore in this store, along with more unique cast-iron products like fluted cake pans and wedge pans...or pick up a Dutch oven, which is perfect for campfire meals.

  Location

  220 East 3rd St, South Pittsburg, TN 37380

• Harvey's Private Drive-In

  Make time for a stop at Harvey's Private Drive-In and enjoy a classic American meal. There is a lot on the menu for you to select, including salads, cheeseburgers, baked potatoes, fries, and sandwiches.

  Location

  111 2nd St, South Pittsburg, TN 37380

• El Toril Mexican Restaurant

  El Toril Mexican Restaurant offers a menu full of Mexican cuisine, including a kid's menu and vegetarian options. Some food choices include burritos, taco salads, fajitas, and tamales.

  Location

  347 Kimball Crossing Dr, Kimball, TN 37347

• Stevarino's Italian Eatery

  Italian delicacies are present at Stevarino's Italian Eatery. Visit the location and sample foods such as fried calamari, buffalo shrimp, fried mozzarella, and stuffed mushrooms.

  Location

  238 S Cedar Ave S, South Pittsburg, TN 37380

How To Get To Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument sits south of the Tennessee state line at the northeastern Alabama corner. If you're traveling from Scottsboro or Huntsville, head east on US-Highway 72 towards County Road 75. Turn to your left to get on County Road 75 and then make a right and drive for 4 miles on County Road 98. Finally, make a left turn to head into Russell Cave National Monument's entrance. Russell Cave National Monument is closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.

Address

3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740

Fee: Entry fee $0

When you tour Russell Cave National Monument, you'll have a unique experience walking through the grounds that sheltered people thousands of years ago and discovering the methods and inventions that native people created to survive. Despite Russell Cave National Monument's decline as a residential place, its contribution to creating early cultures and societies makes it a vital historic landmark. An RV tour is a classic way of visiting the site, bringing about the opportunity to camp nearby and explore the area to your heart's fill.