Bunkum Cave Loop Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance

Restrooms and water fountains can be found at the visitor center, which is located across the street.

The Bunkum Cave Loop Trail trailhead can be found at the end of the parking lot across the street from the Cordell Hull State Park visitor center. Entering the woods, the trail passes a small kiosk with information about the trail and state park, and narrows to a singletrack dirt trail that is strewn with roots and rocks.

The trail moves steadily downhill through the forest and passes a bridge that can be used if it has been raining recently and water is flowing/standing in the low area. At roughly half a mile, there is the first of two observation platforms where you can look down on the cave entrance and cove creek which flows through the area. Cordell Hull's father made moonshine in this cave in the 1800s to help supplement the family's income.

The trail works its way around the rim and comes to another platform with additional views of the area. From here, the trail climbs uphill and comes to a junction where a trail goes straight ahead while the Bunkhum Cave Loop Trail breaks off to the left. If you go straight ahead, the trail descend to a wooden platform and set of stairs that drops you down to the entrance of the cave, which you can explore from May - August.

The trail continues to climb uphill before it starts rolling through the forest. After a mile, the trail approaches the boundary of the park and begins to work its way back to the parking lot. The trail emerges from the woods and follows the edge of the forest back to the car. You can see the Storybook Trail on the right before you get back to the parking lot.

Deer can be seen in the woods. It is also a good place to see a wide variety of birds.