All caves on public lands in Arkansas are closed to the public. This is in response to the threat of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that affects bats. We are home to different species of endangered bats and as stewards of the public lands, it is our responsibility to protect those species.
As of 2026, the caves at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas—specifically the famous "Devil's Den Cave" and "Needle's Eye"—remain closed to the public primarily to protect the resident bat populations from White-Nose Syndrome (WNS). This devastating fungal disease has decimated bat colonies across North America, and because humans can inadvertently transport the fungal spores on their clothing or gear, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has maintained a strict "no-entry" policy to prevent further spread. Additionally, as of late 2025 and early 2026, certain trails within the park, including the popular Devil's Den Trail, have faced temporary closures due to significant tornado and storm damage that made the terrain hazardous. There was also a notable temporary closure in July 2025 following a tragic security incident involving a double homicide on the trails, which required an extensive law enforcement investigation. While the park's cabins and campgrounds remain open, visitors are urged to check the official state park website for the latest status on specific cave systems and trail accessibility.
The entrance to Cathedral Caverns in Grant, Alabama, USA, is the largest cave opening in the world. Measuring 38.4 m (126 ft) wide and 7.6 m (25 ft) high, Cathedral Caverns, which is approximately 1,220 m (4,000 ft) long, was originally known as the Bat Cave until it was developed into a tourist attraction after 1955.
Devil's Den was formed with Little Round Top (to the east) and Big Round Top (southeast) by periglacial frost wedging of the igneous landform formed 200 million years ago when a diabase sill intruded through the Triassic Gettysburg plain. The feature acquired its foreboding name prior to the 1863 battle.