Climax   Caverns  

Climax, Decatur County, Georgia

A Georgia Natural Wonder
Part 3

Proposed Development

Climax Caverns and the caves and waterfalls in adjoining Grady County could be the catalysts for creating a major tourist industry in Southwest Georgia -- an industry that could bring millions of new dollars into the region and many new jobs. These natural wonders should be developed as a major park area comparable to the development of Lake Lanier Islands, Stone Mountain and the Georgia World Congress Center -- all in metro Atlanta and Jekyll Island on the coast.

However, the commercial development which has become pervasive at Stone Mountain should be avoided. In other words, no "antique auto museums" or other tacky attractions that lend a carnival atmosphere. This park should feature the natural wonders and the region's history.

Cave trails

Climax Caverns is large enough to offer at least one mile of walking trails for visitors. Different length trips could be offered: a "quickie" one hour tour or a half-day tour.

The trails should be paved with cement for safety. They should be designed so as to avoid damage to the cave and especially formations. Railing should be added to areas where formations exist to prevent visitors from touching or breaking them. Lighting fixtures should be hidden and used tastefully.

Visitor center

A visitor center should be located west (downhill) from the cave entrance. NO buildings of any type should be developed over the cave area. The visitor center would contain a ticket center where visitors pay for admission, restrooms, lounge area and a small auditorium where visual presentations can be made on Climax Caverns and the rest of the park. A special program on speleology, the science of study of caves, should be developed. A souvenir shop should offer books and brochures on speleology, caves and brochures about other public parks in America which feature caverns.

Gardens

A very large gardens area of several hundred acres should be incorporated into the park area at Climax. Like the gardens areas in the rest of the proposed park areas, it should concentrate upon native plants and trees and on a level and size comparable to Callaway Gardens at Pine Mountain, Ga.

Campgrounds

A large campgrounds area should accommodate both recreational vehicles (motor homes) and wilderness camping with tents.

Restaurant

A full-scale restaurant and a smaller "coffee shop" should be offered. The restaurant should specialize in Southern dishes and seafood.

Support development & preservation of these natural wonders

Climax Cave and these other Southwest Georgia natural wonders need your help. If you like the natural wonders you see on this website and believe they are worthy of development and would like to see them preserved for future generations, then contact your state senator, state representative and Governor Barnes -- urge them to establish a state park here to preserve these natural treasures and bring new jobs to our region.