🏆🏆🏆 Tennessee’s Bat Cathedral — Critical hibernaculum for endangered gray bats and Indiana bats
Hubbard’s Cave State Natural Area in Warren County protects one of the most important bat hibernacula in the southeastern United States. The cave serves as a critical winter roosting site for endangered gray bats (Myotis grisescens) and Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis), with populations numbering in the tens of thousands during hibernation season. The cave’s stable temperature and humidity create ideal overwinter conditions that these federally endangered species require for survival.
The cave is gated and closed to public entry to protect the bats, but the surrounding forest provides habitat for foraging bats and supports excellent birding and wildflower observation.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Warren County, TN |
| Entry Fee | Free (forest open; cave gated) |
| Species | Endangered gray bat, Indiana bat |
| Population | Tens of thousands during hibernation |
| ⚠️ Cave | Closed to public (bat conservation) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the cave closed?
The cave is gated to protect federally endangered bat species during their vulnerable hibernation period. Even minor disturbance can cause bats to wake, burning critical fat reserves needed to survive winter. This single cave protects a significant percentage of the species’ total population.
Why is white-nose syndrome so devastating?
White-nose syndrome (caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans) has killed an estimated 6+ million North American bats since 2006. The fungus grows on bats during hibernation, causing them to wake frequently and burn fat reserves. Bats starve before spring. Some species have declined 90-99%. No cure exists — cave protection is the primary defense.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Morrison Meadow State Natural Area (a short drive away) or Bone Cave State Natural Area (a short drive away).
🦇 Visit Hubbard’s Cave SNA
Critical bat hibernaculum — protecting tens of thousands of endangered gray and Indiana bats.
Insider Tips
Bat hibernaculum: Hubbard’s Cave is one of the most important bat hibernation caves in the southeastern US — thousands of endangered Indiana bats and gray bats overwinter here. Pro tip: The cave is gated to protect the bats during hibernation — access is restricted from September through April. White-nose syndrome: This devastating fungal disease has killed millions of bats since 2006 — protecting hibernation caves like Hubbard’s is critical to bat survival.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Bats have left for summer roosts — cave may be accessible. Fall: Bats begin returning. Spring: Bats emerge for summer. Winter: CLOSED — disturbing hibernating bats can be fatal to them.
Wildlife & Nature
Hubbard’s Cave SNA — protects a major bat hibernaculum — one of the most important winter roosting caves in the Southeast. The cave shelters endangered gray bats and Indiana bats. The surrounding forest and sinkhole karst support white-tailed deer and barred owls.
Nearby Attractions
Warren County — surrounding. Rock Island SP — nearby. Fall Creek Falls SP — nearby.
Park Location
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