Tennessee is famous for its Ol’ Rocky Top, known for the thick layer of limestone bedrock that runs beneath the majority of the state. It can be a real headache for farmers and folks looking to build on the land, but for spelunkers, it’s an absolute dream! Throughout the state, there are multiple parks and private attractions that offer spelunking and cave hiking experiences great for folks of all ages. We’ve compiled some of the best below and would encourage you to visit as many as you can. There’s nothing like Tennessee aboveground, and we have a feeling you’re going to love what’s underground as well!
- Cumberland Caverns
Cumberland Caverns - Facebook
Cumberland Caverns - Facebook Cumberland Caverns offers daily walking tours and even overnight caving tours for adventurous visitors, which means you can wander the underground passageways (with a guide!) any time of day. With more than 32 miles of underground trails, you’re bound to observe beautiful, underground pools and waterfalls. Find more information here.
- Lost Sea Adventure
The Lost Sea Adventure - GoogleMaps
The Lost Sea Adventure - Facebook The Lost Sea Adventure remains one of the most popular local destinations for Tennesseans. The guided tour of the caverns is easily accessible at only 3/4 of a mile, though the walk can get fairly steep. You’ll learn all about the history of the lake, which is the largest underground lake in the United States, and will study the geological development of the underground caverns. Find more information here.
- Appalachian Caverns
Appalachian Caverns - Facebook
Appalachian Caverns - Facebook Appalachian Caverns offers a series of walking tours that will take visitors far beneath the surface to learn about the folks that once called the caverns home. You’ll learn all about the Early Woodland Native Americans who settled in the area and potentially inhabited the cave. It was even used as a hideout for troops and a hospital during the Civil War! Find more information here.
- Bell Witch Cave
Bell Witch Cave - Facebook The Bell Witch Cave is the scene of one of the most popular ghost stories in Tennessee. Many believe that the Bell Witch killed John Bell after he purchased the land, and the haunted farm has become famous for its eerie, creepy tales. You’ll find it in Adams, Tennessee, a secluded town not far from Nashville. Find more information here.
- Bristol Caverns
Bristol Caverns - Facebook
Bristol Caverns - Facebook Bristol Caverns is perhaps one of the best caves to visit if you’re looking for paved and well-lit walkways through the underground. You’ll learn about how the caverns were wrought from beneath the earth by an ancient underground river, and you’ll even have the chance to tour all three levels of the caverns. You may just find yourself gawking at the unique, dramatic rock displays! Find more information here.
- Tuckaleechee Caverns
Tuckaleechee Caverns - Facebook
Tuckaleechee Caverns - Facebook Tuckaleechee Caverns is known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies.” The Townsend, Tennessee locale presents the earth’s oldest mountain chain and what is believed to be up to 30 million years old. The history of the area is radical, and there’s even a cavern that can almost fit an entire football stadium inside! Find more information here.
- Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls - Facebook Did we save the best for last? Maybe. Ruby Falls boasts the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the nation that is open to the public. Nowadays, millions of visitors come by each year from all around the world to view the stunning sight. Find more information here.
These caves remain some of the best to visit in Tennessee, and we have a feeling at least one or two of them will sate your need for adventure.
Cumberland Caverns - Facebook
Cumberland Caverns offers daily walking tours and even overnight caving tours for adventurous visitors, which means you can wander the underground passageways (with a guide!) any time of day. With more than 32 miles of underground trails, you’re bound to observe beautiful, underground pools and waterfalls. Find more information here.
The Lost Sea Adventure - GoogleMaps
The Lost Sea Adventure - Facebook
The Lost Sea Adventure remains one of the most popular local destinations for Tennesseans. The guided tour of the caverns is easily accessible at only 3/4 of a mile, though the walk can get fairly steep. You’ll learn all about the history of the lake, which is the largest underground lake in the United States, and will study the geological development of the underground caverns. Find more information here.
Appalachian Caverns - Facebook
Appalachian Caverns offers a series of walking tours that will take visitors far beneath the surface to learn about the folks that once called the caverns home. You’ll learn all about the Early Woodland Native Americans who settled in the area and potentially inhabited the cave. It was even used as a hideout for troops and a hospital during the Civil War! Find more information here.
Bell Witch Cave - Facebook
The Bell Witch Cave is the scene of one of the most popular ghost stories in Tennessee. Many believe that the Bell Witch killed John Bell after he purchased the land, and the haunted farm has become famous for its eerie, creepy tales. You’ll find it in Adams, Tennessee, a secluded town not far from Nashville. Find more information here.
Bristol Caverns - Facebook
Bristol Caverns is perhaps one of the best caves to visit if you’re looking for paved and well-lit walkways through the underground. You’ll learn about how the caverns were wrought from beneath the earth by an ancient underground river, and you’ll even have the chance to tour all three levels of the caverns. You may just find yourself gawking at the unique, dramatic rock displays! Find more information here.
Tuckaleechee Caverns - Facebook
Tuckaleechee Caverns is known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies.” The Townsend, Tennessee locale presents the earth’s oldest mountain chain and what is believed to be up to 30 million years old. The history of the area is radical, and there’s even a cavern that can almost fit an entire football stadium inside! Find more information here.
Ruby Falls - Facebook
Did we save the best for last? Maybe. Ruby Falls boasts the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the nation that is open to the public. Nowadays, millions of visitors come by each year from all around the world to view the stunning sight. Find more information here.
If you’re looking for more outdoor fun, Crazy Horse Outdoor Recreation Park is a dream!
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Address: Cumberland Caverns Road, Cumberland Caverns Rd, Tennessee 37110, USAAddress: The Lost Sea Adventure, 140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USAAddress: 420 Cave Hill Rd, Blountville, TN 37617, USAAddress: Historic Bell Witch Cave, 430 Keysburg Rd, Adams, TN 37010, USAAddress: Bristol Caverns Hwy, Bristol, TN 37620, USAAddress: Tuckaleechee Caverns, 825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USAAddress: Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA
