Fern Cave
Plan Your Visit
Fern Cave itself is not open to the public due to the potential for disturbance of gray and Indiana bats. Due to the remote nature of Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge, visitor access is extremely limited, the primary means of public access is by way of the Paint Rock River, which serves as a refuge border. There is no road access to the refuge as the refuge is surrounded by privately owned land. Please be aware of current weather conditions and your individual capabilities. Be sure to bring insect repellent and drinking water.
Some of the main points of interest at Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge are the various cave entrances. Remarkably, there are dry and wet entrances to the cave. One is naturally submerged, while the others are above land. One of the unique entrances has become an ongoing roosting site for vultures in the area. Due to potential disturbance of certain endangered species, the cave itself can only be accessed with a special use permit for scientific and management purposes.
Featured Species
About
Established in 1981, Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge protects 199 acres of forested hillside and a massive cave system containing five hidden entrances. The cave is a complex vertical and horizontal maze featuring spectacular formations, significant archaeological finds, and diverse cave fauna. While the cave itself is closed to protect endangered gray and Indiana bats, the refuge is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most spectacular caves in the United States.