Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge
Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge, a 264-acre area west of Scottsboro, protects federally endangered Gray and Indiana bats and their crucial habitat. Established in the 1970s, it offers numerous recreational opportunities for viewing unique geology, diverse wildlife, and summer roosting sites for approximately 400,000 gray bats – the largest bat emergence in the eastern U.S.
The refuge is located approximately 7 miles west of Scottsboro, just off US Highway 72, overlooking the Sauty Creek embayment of Guntersville Reservoir
There is currently no publicly posted street address for the site; access point and parking area is off Highway 72—instead, plan to navigate via trail or scenic turnout markers.
Due to wildlife protections, public cave access is prohibited. Trails and viewing platform—but not the cave openings—are available for wildlife viewing, especially during dusk bat emergence between June and August.
An umbrella, bug spray, and flashlight is recommended for your visit.
Where To Stay
Lodging options include hotels, cabins, short term rentals, tree houses, glamping tents, and campgrounds. Visitors can find accommodations to suit every preference and budget, ensuring a comfortable stay.
