Stephen’s Gap

Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve, AL Southern Cumberland Plateau + Northern Alabama

Trip stats

Distance
1.6 mi
Net Gain
300 ft
Time
<1 hrs
YDS Rating
Class 2
Route
Out/Back

Ratings out of 10

Effort
0.9/10
Personality
6/10
Beauty
6/10
Solitude
2.4/10
What do these mean? →

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

34.668395, -86.222732

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Trip report

Jul 31, 2017 — Access to Stephen's Gap requires a permit from SCCI. Definitely get one before entering, and also toss them a few bucks. This is a gorgeous spot and its preservation is really important.

From the trailhead, I followed the short, obvious trail that leads straight to the mouth of Stephen's Gap Cave. You can scramble down into the cave on Class 2 boulders, but I brought a rope and would re-ascend using the standard hiking route. I rappelled into a hole in the ceiling of the cave, about 150 feet long. Rappelling is not necessary to enjoy this ridiculously gorgeous spot, but it did make it more fun.

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Photos

14 photos

  1. Stephen's Gap Trailhead.
  2. A nice, obvious trail leading to the mouth of the cave.
  6. Pretty forest scenery.
  8. Approaching the cave's entrances.
  9. The rappel entrance.
  10. The walk-in entrance.
  11. Emerging from Stephen's Gap's main hiking entrance.

Photo 1 of 1

Hire me or show some love!

Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

Hire me PayPal Venmo Cash App