One Of The Most Breathtaking Caves In The Country Is A Vast Thrilling Tennessee Destination

A mere 7 minutes from the underrated downtown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lies one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the southeastern United States: Raccoon Mountain Caverns. This thrilling cave system — recognized as the highest-rated cave in Tennessee — is a nationally celebrated destination for those seeking to plunge themselves into the spooky darkness of the underground. Tennessee is home to nearly 10,000 caves — an astonishing 20% of all the caves in the United States — but Raccoon Mountain Caverns stands out. Renowned for its intricate, untouched formations and expansive underground passageways, it is undoubtedly one of the top caves in the country.

Stretching over 5.5 miles of explored and mapped passageways, the caverns continue to surprise spelunkers with new discoveries, making it one of the most geologically active caves in the South. The network offers a thrilling glimpse into a hidden world beneath the surface where hundreds of years of nature's slow artistry have carved out a landscape that's nothing short of breathtaking. 

Visitors to the cave can witness a range of impressive formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and the rare shield and helictite formations. These delicate, stunning rock features are a testament to the patience of nature, as it takes centuries for just 1 cubic inch to grow. The adventure and beauty of this cave make it a must-see for those keen on exploring one of Tennessee's finest natural wonders.

There is no shortage of ways to get intentionally lost in the wonders and depths of Raccoon Mountain Caverns. For those who prefer a guided, informative experience, the Crystal Palace Tour is perfect. This 45-minute "come as you are" walking tour is designed to showcase the most accessible and striking parts of the cave system, including the largest cave chamber in the southeastern United States and one of Tennessee's top bucket-list adventures — the Crystal Palace Room. The tour covers about a quarter-mile of the cave and has been modified for visitor comfort, with well-lit pathways, steps, and handrails. Education is a key focus during the journey, and visitors will learn about the cave's history, how the glacial pace of water trickling down from the cave ceiling led to its formation, and the variety of intricate rock formations on display.

For a deeper (and dirtier) adventure, try out one of the Wild Cave Expeditions, which allow visitors to venture into the cave's unexplored depths. Guided spelunking tours like the Canyon Crawl or the Waterfall Dome provide an exhilarating journey for the intrepid explorers. Equipped with spelunking gear, participants will crawl, climb, and squeeze through narrow passageways, experiencing firsthand the raw beauty and untouched nature of the dark and eerie subterranean world. 

In addition to cave tours, the caverns have a range of family-friendly activities. For those keen on creating or adding to a personal rock collection, sifting a purchased bag of material and debris through a water sluice can reveal hidden treasures like amethysts, quartz, rubies, and fossils. It's a perfect activity for kids. On top of the mountain, visitors will find ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and running trails, making it a complete destination for all types of adventures.