Caving and Waterfalls in Scottsboro - Alabama Scenic River Trail

52 Weekends on the Water

On the Alabama Scenic River Trail, there’s something new to experience every weekend of the year.

Caving and Waterfalls in Scottsboro

Region

North

Bodies of Water to Explore

Lake Guntersville, Tennessee River

Best Season

Summer, Fall

Skill Level

Paddles: 1 – no skill, desire to learn; 2 – moderate, knowledge needed; 3 – advanced, know what’s up

Distances

10-15 miles by car

Trip Duration

1 Day

Recommended Put In & Take Out

Scottsboro is filled with boat ramps and many options for put-ins and take-outs. We recommend checking our Paddle Planner Map to choose the one that works for you.
P.S. It’s an easy boat trip down river to Guntersville, AL and a great way to spend a day on the water.

Outfitters Nearby

No recommendation

Trip Summary

A trip to Saunta Cave National Wildlife Refuge gets you up close with bats right along the TN River. The best time to visit is in June, July, and August, but there is unique fauna and species to explore year-round. There is a guided hike that teaches you about the habitat the bats need to exist and their importance in the ecosystem. Just across the water are the Pisgah Gorge Falls which are always fun to see and enjoy. The town of Scottsboro is small but offers some great lunch spots and unique Alabama history to explore. Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain is the oldest soda fountain in Alabama, Pikeville Store and Deli offers one of Alabama’s best cheeseburgers, while 50 Taters hosts generous portions in a funky atmosphere. The Scottsboro Boys Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday. Make sure you visit Weathington Park and enjoy one of the best views of Lake Guntersville & the TN River in Alabama. If you have extra time, we recommend exploring the random odds and ends at Unclaimed Baggage a collector’s mecca of stuff from Airports across the country.

Trail Highlights

Day 1

Stop 1: Saunta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Stop 2: Explore Scottsboro’s many recreation areas or head over to Pisgah Gorge Falls
Stop 3: Lunch at Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain, Pikeville Store and Deli, or 50 Taters
Stop 4: Weathington Park Lookout

Side Ventures & Optional Activities to Add to Your Trip

Cross the 1931 Comer Bridge (driving bridge) over the Tennessee River
See the Non-Paddler Recommendations below

Bonus Sightings

Check the Species and Fauna Information on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Website: Featured Species
- During the months of June, July, and August, one of nature’s most spectacular events occurs every evening. At dusk, 200,000-400,000 bats leave Sauta Cave to begin their nightly foraging. Check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Website for the latest information.