Neversink Pit SCCI Preserve
A breathtaking 16-story sinkhole with unique limestone formations, accessible via a strenuous but rewarding uphill hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best waterfalls & cooler temps
Neversink Pit SCCI Preserve
Best Time
Best waterfalls & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 16-story sinkhole with unique limestone formations, accessible via a strenuous but rewarding uphill hike.
"It's absolutely beautiful and a really cool hidden gem in Alabama. "
🎟️ Secure Your Permit Early
Only 4 permits are allowed daily. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail is uphill and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Neversink Pit
The main attraction
A breathtaking 16-story sinkhole with impressive limestone formations. A true hidden gem in Alabama.
The Uphill Trail
Path to the pit
A vigorous, mile-long hike with beautiful limestone scenery. Prepare for a good workout!
Limestone Formations
Along the trail
Discover unique and cool limestone configurations as you ascend towards the pit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permit & Preparation
Best Season for Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for a guide at Neversink.
🎟️ Secure Your Permit Early
Only 4 permits are allowed daily. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail is uphill and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe hike.
Neversink Pit. Fackler, Alabama.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially for the strenuous uphill climb.
➡️ Follow the Yellow Markers
Trail markers are yellow, but look for trampled leaves as an indicator too.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Secure Your Permit Early
Only 4 permits are allowed daily. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
👟 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail is uphill and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe hike.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially for the strenuous uphill climb.
➡️ Follow the Yellow Markers
Trail markers are yellow, but look for trampled leaves as an indicator too.
⬆️ Go Left at the Fence
Ensure you go to the end of the fence and take the left trail; the right one leads nowhere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Neversink Pit is a stunning natural sinkhole with impressive limestone formations, offering a rewarding but strenuous hike. Visitors praise its unique geological beauty and the adventurous potential for climbing. However, the permit requirement and the challenging uphill trail are key considerations for planning a visit. +1
"It is a vigorous hike up to the cave so you must be in decent shape. It has cool limestone configurations all the way up. The cave (hole) is neat, but it is not worth going unless you are going to Tumbling Rock Cave the same day. Don't make a special trip."
bubu2241
"Let me preface this with the fact that i was on a waterfall hunt. The entrance is a little obscured if you're not sure what you're looking for & wouldn't fit a small RV & possibly a larger SUV.
You have to go to this website to get a permit to do the hike. Luckily, I had cell service at the beginning of the trail. My husband didn't. There were only 4 permits allowed the day we went.
The trail is marked with yellow markers but the trampled leaves also are a good indicator you're on the right path.
The waterfall was under whelming for mid-Oct. It was a trickle. It is uphill, so I'd save this hike for early spring."
Shan B
".54 miles up hill. Bring water and energy. Make sure to go to the left to the end of fence. There is a trail to the right that goes nowhere. Beautiful place."
Jason Moye
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Neversink Pit is located in Alabama. Access is via a marked trail that requires a permit. The parking area is fairly limited, so arriving early or on a weekday is advisable.
The road leading to the trailhead might not accommodate very large RVs or some larger SUVs. It's best to check conditions or use a standard-sized vehicle.
While not explicitly stated in reviews, Neversink Pit is a natural attraction in Alabama, often visited in conjunction with other nearby natural sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is required to hike to Neversink Pit. You must obtain this permit online in advance, as only a limited number are issued per day.
The cost is associated with the permit fee, which is obtained online. Specific pricing details are available on the permit website.
As a natural preserve, there are no strict operating hours. However, access is controlled by the daily permit system, and it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety.
It's highly recommended to get your permit online in advance. While some reviews mention no one checking, relying on this is risky as only a limited number are issued.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 0.54 miles uphill, making it a short but strenuous round trip that can be completed in about 40 minutes. +1
Yes, the hike is described as vigorous and strenuous due to the uphill terrain. It's recommended to be in decent shape. +1
You'll see a spectacular 16-story sinkhole with impressive limestone formations. It's a unique geological wonder.
The pit has tethers for repelling and climbing, but this requires specific skills and equipment. It's an advanced activity for experienced individuals.
Some visitors suggest it's best combined with a visit to Tumbling Rock Cave, as Neversink Pit alone might not warrant a special trip for everyone.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic scale of the sinkhole and the intricate limestone formations offer stunning photographic potential. Capture the depth and unique geological features.
It's crucial to exercise extreme caution when taking photos near the edge, especially if it's raining or the ground is wet. Stay well back from the rim.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the pit's depth might create challenging lighting conditions. Consider visiting when the sun is higher for more even illumination, but always prioritize safety.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with other family-friendly activities in the area if possible, as some visitors feel Neversink Pit alone might not be a full-day adventure for families. The visual spectacle of the sinkhole is impressive, but the hike's difficulty is a key factor for family planning.
🧗 Adventurers & Climbers
Beginners interested in caving or climbing might find Neversink Pit an intriguing destination to learn about. One Reddit user specifically sought an experienced guide to accompany them, indicating a desire for mentorship in exploring such natural formations. If you're new to the area and seeking to learn, connecting with local experienced individuals could be a valuable approach.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Neversink Pit
The limestone configurations all the way up are a notable feature, adding to the scenic beauty of the trek. While the hike itself can be completed in roughly 40 minutes round trip, the intensity means it's best tackled by those in decent physical shape. Some visitors suggest that combining this hike with a visit to Tumbling Rock Cave on the same day can enhance the overall experience, as Neversink Pit alone might not be a destination for a dedicated special trip for everyone.
Best Season for the Hike: While accessible year-round, early spring is often recommended. One reviewer noted that a mid-October visit resulted in a mere trickle from the waterfall, suggesting that the water flow is more impressive during wetter seasons.
Exploring Neversink Pit
Safety is paramount when visiting Neversink Pit. While the hike is relatively short, the terrain is strenuous. Visitors are advised to be cautious, especially near the edge of the pit. If it's raining, extreme care should be taken, and it's best not to get too close to the rim. The limited parking also means that arriving early or on a weekday is a good strategy to avoid disappointment.
Community Insights: One Reddit user expressed a keen interest in learning how to navigate and explore places like Neversink Pit, seeking someone experienced to guide them. This highlights the appeal of such natural wonders for adventurers looking to delve deeper into caving and climbing activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit