An Underground Adventure: Explore Caves in Tennessee

Tennessee has a knack for surprises, and its caves are no exception. Beneath the rolling hills, scenic mountains, and cozy cabins lies a whole world waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving adventure, curious about geology, or just looking for a cool (literally!) way to spend the day, the caves in Tennessee are calling your name.

With over 8,000 caves to choose from, you can go big on adventure, learn a little history, and maybe even meet a bat or two. Let’s explore some of Tennessee’s most exciting underground destinations!

Cumberland Caverns: McMinnville, TN

Why It Rocks: With 30 miles of underground passageways, Cumberland Caverns is basically the mansion of caves in Tennessee. It’s got rock formations, waterfalls, and adventure tours galore. Oh, and did we mention they host concerts 333 feet underground? Yep, it’s a vibe.

What to Do:

• Take a walking tour if you want to keep it chill.
• Go full-on explorer with their wild cave expeditions.
• Stay overnight for the ultimate underground sleepover.

Pro Tip: Book ahead – these tours fill up faster than your group chat.

The Lost Sea: Sweetwater, TN

Why It Rocks: How often do you get to ride a boat on an underground lake? The Lost Sea isn’t just a catchy name, it’s the world’s second-largest underground lake! Pair that with fossils and wild cave tours, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable day.

What to Do:

• Start with a guided walking tour that takes you through Craighead Caverns.
• End with a serene glass-bottom boat ride across the lake.

Fun Fact: The lake’s surface is 4.5 acres, but there’s a whopping 12 acres of underwater magic waiting down below.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns: Chattanooga, TN

Why It Rocks: Located just outside Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain Caverns lets you pick your adventure. From easy walking tours to “get ready to crawl” wild cave expeditions, there’s something for every explorer.

What to Do:

• Take the Crystal Palace Walking Tour to see stunning formations and fossils.
• Get muddy with their Wild Cave Expeditions, perfect for thrill-seekers.

Pro Tip: After your cave adventure, hit up some of Chattanooga’s outdoor attractions.

Tuckaleechee Caverns: Townsend, TN

Why It Rocks: Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” Tuckaleechee Caverns delivers massive underground spaces and cascading waterfalls. This is where nature went all out.

What to Do:

• Marvel at the “Big Room,” large enough to fit a football stadium.
• Snap pics of Silver Falls, a 210-foot subterranean waterfall that steals the show.

Fun Fact: These caverns are estimated to be between 20–30 million years old. But they don’t look a day over 10 million! 

Ruby Falls: Chattanooga, TN

Why It Rocks: Ruby Falls is like the Beyoncé of caves in Tennessee, iconic, stunning, and a must-see. With its 145-foot underground waterfall and dramatic light show, it’s an experience you’ll be talking about for years.

What to Do:

• Take the guided cave walk to see the waterfall in all its glory.
• Check out the panoramic views from Lookout Mountain Tower afterward.

Pro Tip: Beat the crowds by visiting early in the day and booking tickets in advance.

Ruby Falls and Raccoon Mountain are not the only caves and caverns in the Chattanooga area! Don’t miss our comprehensive guide to Caving Adventures in Chattanooga for more local highlights!

Nickajack Cave: New Hope, TN

Why It Rocks: Part cave, part wildlife sanctuary, Nickajack Cave is home to thousands of endangered gray bats. Visit at dusk during the summer to watch these fascinating creatures emerge en masse. It’s a natural spectacle you won’t forget.

What to Do:

• Paddle to the cave entrance for the best views.
• Take a short hike to the observation platform if you prefer to stay on land.

Fun Fact: These bats consume over 274,000 pounds of insects annually. Talk about pest control!

Cherokee Caverns: Knoxville, TN

Why It Rocks: Cherokee Caverns is a blend of stunning geological formations and fun community events, offering something for everyone.

What to Do:

• Attend seasonal events like “Movies in the Cave” or holiday-themed tours.
• Explore chambers filled with stalactites, draperies, and flowstones.
• Learn about the cave’s fascinating history, from Indigenous use to moonshiners.

Fun Fact: Cherokee Caverns formed over 500 million years ago and have been a local treasure for generations.

Forbidden Caverns: Sevierville, TN

Why It Rocks: With sparkling calcite formations and crystal-clear streams, Forbidden Caverns feels like stepping into a fairytale.

What to Do:

• Take a guided tour to see rare onyx walls and towering natural chimneys.
• Learn about the cave’s history as a moonshine hideout.
• Snap pics of the dramatic lighting effects that bring the cave to life.

Fun Fact: Forbidden Caverns stays at a cool 58°F all year round, making it the perfect escape from the summer heat.

It’s Time to Explore These Caves in Tennessee 

If you’re ready to swap the sunlight for stalactites, Tennessee’s caves are calling. With a mix of natural beauty, fascinating history, and just the right amount of adventure, these underground wonders are perfect for explorers of all ages. They’re places where history, science, and natural beauty collide. Whether you’re paddling near Nickajack Cave, marveling at Ruby Falls, or crawling through Raccoon Mountain’s hidden tunnels, there’s something here for everyone.

Ready to make it a full adventure? Stay with Timberroot and turn your cave-hopping trip into a cozy, nature-filled getaway. With our unique cabins and glamping options, adventure really does stay here.