Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge

Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in northeastern Alabama featuring cave systems and hardwood forests. The refuge spans approximately 264 acres along Sauty Creek where it meets Guntersville Lake, with various habitats supporting diverse wildlife.

The cave served as a courthouse for Jackson County in the early 1800s and later became central to Civil War operations. Its transformation from a place of law to an industrial site reflects how the region changed during that turbulent century.

The name comes from Cherokee language meaning 'itsati', reflecting the indigenous ties to this land. Visitors walking through the refuge can sense how this place has remained important to the region's communities over centuries.

The refuge is open for wildlife watching and photography, though the cave itself remains closed to visitors. Early evening hours during summer offer the best chance to see bats emerging from the cave entrance.

The cave houses between 300,000 and 400,000 gray bats during summer, representing one of the largest concentrations in the region. These massive colonies make the evening flight patterns a natural spectacle that draws wildlife enthusiasts from surrounding areas.

Location: Jackson County

Elevation above the sea: 227 m

Website: https://fws.gov/sautacave

GPS coordinates: 34.61449,-86.12852

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08