Newsome Sinks Karst Area

Newsome Sinks Karst Area in Morgan County, Alabama, is a privately owned karst landscape and National Natural Landmark recognized in 1973. Centered on a valley about 4 miles long in the Cotaco Creek watershed, it was formed in Bangor Limestone from the Mississippian Age and includes more than forty known caves with nearly 9.5 miles of passages and depths reaching 400 feet. Named for settler William Newsome, who arrived in 1838, the area is important for both geology and biodiversity, supporting more than 15 rare species. Its caves also preserve evidence of Civil War saltpeter mining and a Confederate tanning facility later destroyed by Union forces.

Alabama · United States