The Madison Limestone Company was given a lease on the property by Madison County beginning in the spring of 1945. As the surrounding region expanded rapidly, many of Huntsville's roadways and parking lots were paved over the course of the following seven years using limestone that had been mined from the earth. The mining technique known as "room and pillar" was used so that the higher-quality limestone found farther beneath could be reached easily. This resulted in the formation of three cave-like entrances responsible for giving the location its present name. In addition, there is an underground network of caves that link to one another and span around 6 acres.
The quarry operation was terminated in 1952 due to escalating expenses and the expansion of the city of Huntsville, which was becoming closer and closer to the mine. With just several notable instances, the quarry site was left inactive for many subsequent years. It was a fallout shelter during the Cuban Missile Crisis since the government designated it. It has been used as the setting for movies and even a music video at various points throughout its history. ("The Ravagers," by Kansas in 1978, "What Waits Below," by Kansas in 1984, and "Reason to Be" by Kansas in the early 1980s).
Donation of the Property
1989 was the year the property was given to the Land Trust as a grant. The Monte Sano Nature Preserve gained an additional 80 acres with this purchase. As man-made caverns progressively produced some natural geological formations like flowstone, stalactites, cave pearls, and stalagmites, Land Trust opened Three Caves for public access and began offering cave tours.
Despite this, problems with rock falls were identified in 2006, and a structural investigation revealed that major ceiling areas were unstable and posed a potential threat to the safety of visitors. As a direct consequence, Three Caves is no longer open to the public, yet, it continues to provide a one-of-a-kind setting for Land Trust special events.
Concerts and Events at Three Caves
The Land Trust of North Alabama throws a popular annual party called the "Moon Over Three Caves Dance" each September inside the "bowl," which is an open area outside the three large mine openings. During the summer, these concerts occur inside the "bowl," and the illuminated limestone walls serve as the stage backdrop. The Land Trust's work to conserve land and natural resources in North Alabama is supported by the proceeds from these events, which are held around the region.
Hike to See Three Caves
Hikers that take the Three Caves Loop path can gain a view of the region around the Three Caves from a vantage point that is higher up. This route is a popular starting point for visiting the almost 22-mile network of trails that traverse Monte Sano Nature Preserve. Its convenient location in the midst of Huntsville makes it an ideal beginning point. In addition, it goes all the way around the bowl's rim. Within a short distance of two miles from the trailhead for the Three Caves Trail, you may come across several sinkholes, waterfalls, and natural springs, in addition to sinkholes. In addition, there is a wide diversity of plants and animals may be seen along the journey. A few minutes away from the city's heart is a straightforward and uncomplicated escape into the natural world.
