cave tours chattanooga

Cumberland Caverns

Raccoon Mountain Caverns

The Caverns

The Lost Sea

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Caving in Chattanooga

Guided cave tours.

Find guided walking and wild/adventurous cave tours from the list above.

Wild Caves are Fragile and Dangerous

The inexperienced should not enter any cave without proper equipment and guidance. Cave ecosystems are extremely fragile and beginner blunders can quickly become life-threatening emergencies.

White Nose Syndrome is Killing Southeastern Bats

Chattanooga caving resources.

Bat Conservation International

Chattanooga Grotto

National Speleological Society

Southeastern Cave Conservancy

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service White Nose Syndrome

Get Ready to Take an Unforgettable Adventure! Take a Boat Ride Underground!

You have never seen, heard, or done anything like this before…, listed in the guinness book of records.

Your Lost Sea adventure begins with a guided tour of the caverns. This involves a ¾ mile round-trip walk on wide sloping pathways. While touring the caverns and underground lake our guides will tell of the cavern’s exciting and colorful history. They will also explain the fascinating geological development of the immense cavern rooms and rare formations. At the bottom of the cave you will take a boat ride on The Lost Sea, America’s Largest Underground Lake.

We are open every day of the year for tours (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Either before or after your tour you might want to visit the Lost Sea Village where we have several shops.  Or take a walk on our self-guided Nature Trail. The gift shops in the Village are open seasonally.

We also host a Wild Cave Tour for organizations such as Schools, Camps, Churches, and Scouts. Check out our web site, and come visit us soon!

  Hours Of Operation (Lost Sea is located in the Eastern Time Zone)

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater on Hwy. 68, just seven miles off I-75, exit #60.

Lost Sea 140 Lost Sea Road Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 333-2289

Ticket Prices

Adult: $26.95 Child: $15.95 (ages 4-12). Children 3 and under are free.

Buy Tickets! Group rates available for groups of 25 or more:

Click Here Educational rates for school groups of 15 or more:

Click Here Flashlight Tour Rates for groups of 25 or more:

Click Here Wild Cave Tour Hours & Rates:

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Crystal Palace Walking Tour

CRYSTAL PALACE WALKING TOUR INFO

The Crystal Palace Tour is a 45-55 minute guided walking tour through the first 1/4 mile of our cave system. The Crystal Palace has been modified to include striking lights, pathways, steps, and handrails. Education is the focus of our tours. Our guide will explain how the caves form, provide a history of the cave and point out a wide variety of formations. You will see stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and much more, including rare shield and helictite formations! You will have a chance to view cave wildlife, including bats and salamanders, as well as ancient fossils. Photography is welcomed; however, you must keep up with the group.

Currently, we are unable to allow children 3 years of age or younger on tours. All children must be able to walk the tour themselves, they cannot be carried. As a reminder our cave is not wheelchair or child stroller accessible.

You can book online below or call the office to ask any questions! 

BOOK ONLINE

Green = Available | White = Closed 

Open 7 Days A Week Sun. – Sat. 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. First tour goes in at 9:30 A.M. Last tour goes in at 4:00 P.M.

Friday – Saturday: Tours run every 30 minutes

Monday – Thursday: Tours run every hour at a minimum. Please call for more availability 

Adults Ages 12+: $28.99 

Kids Ages 4-12: $18.99 

Q: Can we bring a group into the caves? A: Yes, we love working with groups.  Any group with four people or more need a reservation and can find more information on our GROUP PAGE or call us at (423) 821-9403

Q: What is the temperature in the cave? A: The cave remains a constant 58° F all year, allowing tours to operate in all weather conditions. Most guests prefer a light sweater or jacket while on their tour.

Q: Is the cave wheelchair or stroller accessible? A: Due to the layout of the cave, narrowness of some passageways, and number of steps, the cave is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Q: Will I get dirty on my cave tour? A: Guests on the Crystal Palace Walking tour may get dripped on, but will not otherwise get dirty. Guests on the Wild Cave Expedition tours will most definitely get dirty.

Q: If I or a member of my group decide not to continue the tour, can we get a refund? A: All cave tour purchases, both Crystal Palace and Wild Cave, are non-refundable. Please strongly consider the ability level and comfort level of your group members before purchasing a cave tour. If you have questions or concerns regarding the difficulty of tours, we are happy to give advice on which tour is best suited for your group. However, ultimately the decision is yours and refunds will not be given after a tour is purchased.

Q: Are bathroom facilities available in the cave? A: There are no bathrooms in the cave. Please use the restroom before beginning your tour.

Q: Are animals allowed to be brought in the cave? A: Due to the sensitive and fragile nature of the cave and its ecosystem, no pets are permitted inside.

Service animals are welcome at the Raccoon Mountain Campground. However, service animals, are not allowed on tours of the Raccoon Mountain Caverns due to the danger of the service animal’s presence being disruptive to the environment of the “nesticus furtivus” spider, which has been the only known to exist in the Raccoon Mountain Caverns. The “nesticus furtivus” spider is endemic to the Raccoon Mountain Caverns and its ecosystem. Therefore, great care must be taken to ensure that non-native animals do not disrupt the spider’s environment. The presence of foreign matter introduced by service animals can also damage the caverns’ rock formations and facilitate the growth of fungus that can harm the caverns’ ecosystem. In addition, service animals are not permitted on tours of the Raccoon Mountain Caverns because of the proximity of the safety hazard of narrow passageways between rock formations .  We appreciate your understanding of our obligation to protect the Caverns and its ecosystem.

Pets are permitted in the following areas:

On roadways and in parking lots open to public vehicular traffic and in picnic areas & panning areas

Q: Is the cave dangerous? A: Caves, by their very nature, can be dangerous environments. Please follow all staff instructions to ensure a safe and memorable experience. None of the wildlife in the cave pose a threat to humans.

Q: My question isn’t listed here; how can I get more information? A: Give us a call or send us an email! We’d love to hear from you and will happily answer any additional questions you may have. A more detailed FAQ specific to the Wild Cave Expedition tours can be found at wildcave.com/faq.html

Ruby Falls Cave Tours on Lookout Mountain Near Chattanooga TN

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

When I was growing up in North Georgia , you couldn’t swing a stick without hitting a sign (or barn) promoting Rock City and Ruby Falls. 

If you were taking a family road trip to “See Rock City,” Ruby Falls was simply a must-see, because these two Lookout Mountain attractions are less than four miles apart. 

The Ruby Falls cave tour tapped into my lifelong fascination with caves , which– as a boy– seemed to me so primal and filled with a mixture of adventure, danger, and  mystery .

Located just over 4 miles from the heart of Downtown Chattanooga, Ruby Falls tours include a ride on a glass elevator that descends 260 feet into the heart of Lookout Mountain. 

Then the relatively easy 1-mile round-trip Ruby Falls cave walk leads visitors to see the tallest and deepest of the underground waterfalls in the United States that are open to the public. 

Read on for our in-depth guide to visiting the Ruby Falls Cave on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga TN, including info on Ruby Falls tickets, history , guided tours, hours, driving directions, and more. 

READ ON: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN

Recommended Hotels Near Ruby Falls The Edwin Hotel Hotel Indigo Moxy Chattanooga Downtown   The Read House   The Westin Chattanooga  

Ruby Falls Info

ADDRESS: 1720 S. Scenic Highway, Chattanooga TN, 37409

PHONE:  423-821-2544

RUBY FALLS HOURS: Open 8AM-8PM daily

RUBY FALLS TICKETS:  Adults (ages 13+) $25.95, Children ages 3-12 $15.95, Age 2 and under FREE

LANTERN TOUR AT RUBY FALLS PRICES: $39.95 (Fridays after 9PM, March to December)

HIGH POINT ZIP ADVENTURE TICKET PRICES: $21.95 (Hours & Dates vary)

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM CHATTANOOGA TN

From Chattanooga , take US-11 S/US-64 W/US-72 W/Broad St/US Hwy 41 North, then make a left on  TN-148 S / TN-318 N. Follow that for 0.3 miles, then make a s light left to stay on TN-148 South. Go 0.4 miles, then turn right into the Ruby Falls parking lot. 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM ATLANTA GA

From Atlanta , take I-75 North until you cross the border into Tennessee , then take exit 2 toward I-24 West. Follow I-24W for 5.8 miles, then take exit 178 for Market St toward Lookout Mountain. 

Keep left and follow the signs for Market St, then merge onto Market St. Turn right on W 28th St in 0.4 miles, then make a left onto US-11 S/US-64 W/US-72 W/Broad St/US Hwy 41 N. 

In 1.8 miles, go left on TN-148 S/TN-318 N, then in 0.3 miles make a slight left to stay on TN-148 S. Go 0.4 miles, then turn right into the Ruby Falls parking lot. 

READ MORE: Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide

Ruby Falls History

The history of the Ruby Falls cave dates back some 200 million years. In the Paleozoic era, much of the Smoky Mountains  region of   Tennessee were under a sea, whose sediment gradually formed into limestone rock.

When the planet’s tectonic plates shifted and formed Lookout Mountain, acidic groundwater went into subterranean streams, carving out the limestone and widening passages via chemical weathering.

Over the centuries, the adjacent Lookout Mountain Cave proved historically significant. Archaeological digs found prehistoric bones that were carbon dated back to the last Ice Age.

Much like Craighead Caverns (a.k.a. The Lost Sea) , the cave was a significant source of saltpeter (a.k.a. potassium nitrate, a key ingredient in gunpowder) for the Confederate Army during the Civil War .

A signature many historians believe to be that of U.S. President Andrew Jackson has even been discovered in one of the cave’s passageways!

In 1905, the natural entrance was closed due to construction of a railway tunnel through the mountain.

So the Lookout Mountain cave remained inaccessible to visitors until the 1920s, when local chemist and cave enthusiast Leo Lambert purchased the land above it in hopes of installing an elevator and turning it into a tourist attraction.

After his company began drilling in 1928, they discovered a small passageway that measured just two feet high and four feet wide. After 17 hours of exploration, Lambert found the Ruby Falls Cave and its waterfall , which he named after his wife.

READ MORE: 25 Fun Facts About Tennessee History and Culture

Ruby Falls Cave Tours

We learned about the history of the Lookout Mountain caves  while waiting in line for the glass-front elevator, which took us 260 feet down into the cave. 

Ruby Falls Cave Tours vary in size and frequency depending on the time of year you choose to visit, but our tour had one guide leading a group of around 20 people.

These caves have an array of geological formations that formed over thousands of years, with colorful , descriptive names such as “Angel Wings,” “Crystal Chandelier,” “Donkey” (which looks like a donkey’s butt), and “Tobacco Leaves.” 

A wide column known as “The Leaning Tower” is the oldest rock formation you’ll see in the cave at Ruby Falls, dating back some 3 to 5 million years!

One word of caution for claustrophobic folks: Sometimes you’ll find yourself sharing narrow walkways between the unique  rocks , giving tour groups coming back to the elevator right of way. So the attraction can feel a bit crowded at times.

After walking for around 35 minutes, two sounds alerted us to the fact that the 145-foot-tall Ruby Falls waterfall was near. The first was the dull roar of rushing water, which was soon accompanied by a dramatic crescendo of dreamy music .

As we entered the main chamber, the waterfall  began to glow with vivid bursts of pink, purple, and blue hues, making it look  a little like an underground fireworks display.

Unfortunately you only get a few minutes to marvel at the spectacle and take a few photos. Then the colorful lights went out and we were quickly led out to make way for the next Ruby Falls tour group.

After perusing the gift shop, we recommend taking time for a brief visit to the Lookout Mountain Tower, which offers an incredible overlook of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River .

READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for White Water Rafting in Tennessee

Lantern Tours at Ruby Falls

Offered only on select Friday nights, the Ruby Falls Lantern Tour gives guests a chance to explore one of the most popular Chattanooga TN activities at night. 

The entire cavern and hiking trails are illuminated by nothing but hand-held lanterns. This allows visitors a chance to see what the Lookout Mountain caves might have looked like during the Civil War era. 

Led by experienced guides, the special after-hours tours a more relaxed pace, more in-depth storytelling, limited group sizes, and extra time at the Ruby Falls waterfall. 

Children under 5 years old are not allowed on Lantern Tours, and advance reservations are required. Prices are $39.95 for adults and children ages 5 and up. 

Another option for visitors who want more time in the cave is the Gentle Walking Tour, which is billed as the most in-depth of all the Ruby Falls Tours. 

This tour features fewer participants, a gentle pace aimed at seniors and those with limited mobility, and extra time at the waterfall after the light show is over. 

The tour is available at 7:45AM on select Sundays and Thursdays, and is recommended for ages 12 and up due to the pace and focus on history . 

Note that due to limited availability, both of these tours often sell out weeks in advance. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Lakes in Tennessee to Visit

High Point ZIP Adventure at Ruby Falls

Still looking for more excitement after the Ruby Falls Cave Tour?

Check out the High Point ZIP Adventure on Lookout Mountain, a unique mountaintop ziplining experience designed to get your pulse pounding as you soar through the treetops.

This Lookout Mountain attraction is open daily from May 27 to August 13, weekends only from August 19-November 18, and select holidays in September and November. 

Their 2023 season closes on Thanksgiving weekend (Nov 24-25), which also offers an opportunity to celebrate Christmas at Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights .

In addition to zip lining , the attraction’s $21.95 entrance fee also includes access to a 40′ Climbing Wall. 

Note that all participants must weigh 60-275 lbs for the ZIP Adventure, and 35-275 lbs for the climbing tower.

Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are required, and children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  –by Bret Love; all photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted; lead image courtesy of Ruby Falls

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Bret and Mary

The BRMTG was created by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett, the award-winning team behind the world-renowned responsible travel website Green Global Travel. Born and raised in North Georgia, Editor-In-Chief Bret Love grew up hiking and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his family. A professional writer/editor since 1995, he's covered travel and culture for 100+ publications, including American Way, Destination Marriott, Georgia Travel Guide, National Geographic, and Southbound. In 2010 he co-founded the award-winning website, Green Global Travel, which is ranked among the world's top travel blogs. Since launching BRMTG in 2020, he and Mary Gabbett have visited 50+ Blue Ridge Mountain towns together. Though she lived in NYC for 14 years, photographer/Business Manager Mary Gabbett's family has Georgia roots dating back 200+ years. Her great-grandfather was President of the Western Railroad of Alabama. Before moving to Atlanta in 1989, she fell in love with the North GA mountains, where her aunt owned a cabin. In 2010 she co-founded Green Global Travel, and has since traveled to more than 40 countries on six continents. Her photos have appeared in numerous travel publications (including National Geographic and Southbound) and various textbooks.

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Cave Tours at The Caverns in Pelham, TN

The Caverns, home of PBS’s Bluegrass Underground, recently opened a new cave on its grounds and is offering daily guided tours. Known for underground concert experiences, the new cave tours make The Caverns a daytime destination for underground adventure as well.

“This opening marks the first show cave to open in Tennessee in over 50 years! We’re excited to provide the public with a new natural tour showcasing the wonder and awe that only a select few skilled cavers have ever seen before,” says The Caverns owner Todd Mayo.

Located between Nashville and Chattanooga – The Caverns is just minutes off I-24 in Pelham, Tenn., in Southeast Tennessee. Beginning July 4th, guided cave tours will be offered daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. The cost is $22.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 12 and under.

With a 7-day advance booking, The Caverns will also offer adventure cave tours for $130 (includes t-shirt) to take guests deep inside The Caverns cave system. To be one of the first to experience the new attraction, The Caverns is now accepting reservations via its website, TheCaverns.com.

Historically known as “Big Room Cave,” guided cave tours start in a natural cave room that’s longer than three football fields. Now accessible to the general public for the first time, it’s one of the longest commercial cave rooms in the United States. The tour will also entwine geology, cave lore and the unique history of the area.

The second portion of the guided tour takes guests inside The Caverns music venue to learn how the cave was developed for concerts, how underground concerts are produced, and more. The tour ends on The Caverns iconic stage where guests can pose for photos just like the venue’s headlining artists. All told, the experience is two tours for the price of one and lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

“Since opening in 2018, The Caverns has attracted visitors from all over by celebrating what makes Tennessee unique—music and natural beauty. With the opening of The Caverns new show cave, guests have all the more reason to visit us in Tennessee,” says Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell.

The Caverns hosts more than 50,000 guests a year for concerts. Many of these guests take advantage of the venue’s Stay & Cave Packages, which include VIP tickets, accommodations in either Monteagle or Manchester, ground transportation to and from the venue, meal vouchers, commemorative merchandise and a VIP liaison to help make the experience all it can be.

Creating unforgettable experiences is a core principle at The Caverns and during COVID-19 we are committed to The Tennessee Pledge to responsibly open and operate the tours. The cave tour staff at The Caverns will follow CDC recommended cleaning practices and protective measures. In addition, the size of tours and the space between parties on tours will be limited.

Make your reservation today at TheCaverns.com.

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Chattanooga Caves in Tennessee: Choose One of 7000+ Sites

You may have heard that Tennessee offers several wild cave sites for spelunkers. But you might have underestimated the variety. The territory surrounding Chattanooga, Tennessee is home to more than seven thousand caves ! The cave closest to the city center is approximately sixty miles away.

If you’re planning to go caving near or in Tennessee, you’ll find plenty of options here. You can explore caves here any given day, regardless of the weather. Caverns maintain a temperature of roughly 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

There are a lot of commercial caverns that attract tourists from all over the country. However, if you’re after excitement, consider going on a guided tour inside a natural cave. In addition, a few commercial caverns attract visitors from different parts of the nation, which we recommend as well.

You can get more information on visiting wild caves in the Chattanooga area by paying a visit to the Southeastern Regional Association of the National Speleological Society or the Southeastern Cave Conservancy .

Let’s take a look at some of the more popular caves found in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area.

Ruby Falls , a waterfall on Lookout Mountain, is among the most popular spots for travelers to visit while in Chattanooga.

A man named Leo Lambert found Ruby Falls by chance in 1928. He opened up the famous Chattanooga landmark in 1929 and honored his late wife Ruby by naming the waterfall and cave in her honor.

The modern-day Ruby Falls is a popular tourist destination due to its underground cave adventures, breathtaking views of the Cumberland Plateau, and thrilling zip lines. Inside historic Lookout Mountain sits the United States’ tallest and deepest publicly accessible underground waterfall.

Visitors take the elevator down 260 feet into the caverns to experience the roaring waterfalls up close.

Raccoon Mountain Caverns

More than five and a half miles’ worth of underground caverns is just waiting to be explored at Raccoon Mountain Caves , located just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Crystal Palace Tour is a simple stroll that lasts forty-five minutes, includes the cavern attractions, and offers information on the cave’s history.

The tour begins at the Crystal Palace, which is easily navigable. Guests are welcome to go on this tour if they so choose. Customers interested in getting their hands dirty have the option of participating in the Wild Cave Expedition.

This activity equips customers with gloves, knee pads, torches, and helmets, allowing them to explore underground chambers, canyons, tunnels, streams, and waterfalls. It would be helpful if you braced yourself for a significant amount of confined spaces, and there’s a good chance that you’ll have to crawl through some of them.

Pettyjohn’s Cave

Around 6.5 miles of underground channels make up Pettyjohn’s Cave, which you’ll find in the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. These passages stretch to a depth of 235 feet. Many animals, such as owls and bats, inhabit the cave.

In addition to its more open areas, the cave contains a passageway known as the Worm Hole, which is relatively narrower than the rest. You will hear a stream around 80 feet below the bridge when you are in one of the rooms. When you are in the other room, you will be unable to listen to the stream. The Georgia Girl Guides offer wild cave trips that last one, two, or four hours. Make your reservations through them.

Sitton’s Cave

Visitors can go on tours of Sitton’s Cave in April, June, July, September, and October. These are the only months in which excursions are offered. The cave may be found in the beautiful Cloudland Canyon State Park, which can be found at the foot of the canyon itself.

As a result of the cave’s horizontal nature, ropes are not required to navigate through it climb through it. You will find a river running below and several other remarkable structures, such as stalactites composed of a soda straw.

Offered by the Georgia Cave Conservancy and led by The Georgia Girl Guides, you have the option to take 1, 2, or 4 hour guided wild cave trips inside Sitton’s Cave.

Something you should anticipate with Sitton’s Cave is a bit of crawling. The ceiling lowers gradually until reaching a height of about 1.5 feet. After crawling for a little while, the cave opens up.

Sitton’s Cave is a wet cave, so be prepared for both water and mud, and dress accordingly.

Nickajack Cave

You can find this cave located right next to Nickajack Lake, a 30-minute drive from Chattanooga. From the end of April to the start of October, Nickajack Cave is the abode of thousands of gray bats, a species in danger of going extinct.

To view Nickajack Cave, you have two choices at your disposal, which are as follows:

• The Maple View Boat Ramp: This ramp can be found near the cave. and from there, it is only a short paddle to the entrance of the cave.
• The traditional way: climbing up some stairs.

In addition, one can get inside the cave by descending several stairs within the cave itself. You will find a boardwalk waiting for you at the Maple View Day Use Area, and before you enter the day-use area, you are welcome to take a stroll along the path.

You will have to make your way through some trees and then walk along a creek as you make your way to an observation platform. Once you reach the forum, you can take in the view. We recommend that you go just before dark between July and September to see the bats as they emerge for their nightly feeding.

To have the best opportunity, go to the location just before dark. It’s an unforgettable site, and you must see it once.

Learn more about Nickajack Cave here .

Every snowflake is unique, and each of these natural wonders is one-of-a-kind as well. There is no doubt that these caves are spectacular. They should be on everyone’s list of places to see. You will discover some incredible formations and see why the Chattanooga Caves remain one of the most well-known cave systems in the world. They are also a fantastic destination for families, and learning about both cave plants and animals as well.

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Nickajack Bat Cave Kayak Tour with Chattanooga Guided Adventures

• Kayak, Lifejacket, Paddle, Guide, Group Throwbag,  Group Towline, Group First Aid Kit, Kayak Light
• Mapleview Road, Mapleview Rd, Tennessee 37380, USA Please Note THIS TRIP RUNS ON EASTERN TIME. Meet us at the Mapleview Recreation Area in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Our guides will have kayaks laid out in the grassy area next to the boat ramp and swimming beach. Please arrive 10 min before trip departure time to get checked in and sign waivers.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• atl407 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous kayak tour! Fascinating tour, so cool to go through the lock, and experience it in a kayak. The guide was super interesting and knowledgeable. Chattanooga Guided Adventures does a great job! Highly recommend this tour! Read more Written September 26, 2023
• ATLGeorgia 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Experience What a wonderful experience! The 3 hour trip was well worth the money. Our guide Zak was outstanding. The whole trip was paced beautifully and it was truly a joy to be on the water. Loved that the guide gave us tips on how to handle a wake from a boat and how to stabilize our kayak so that we felt safe and comfortable. This was a bit of a challenge for me since I am not really comfortable being on the water. The only thing I would change would be to reduce the time in the open water in front of the dam at the very beginning. Felt a little exposed and had to actually maneuver my kayak to go over a wake from a rude boater but felt so confident because of the excellent instruction that was given. The opportunity to actually go into the dam lock was pretty amazing and this tour was the best of all of the activities that we did when we visited and that is saying a lot since all of our tours were stellar. Our guide was able to project his voice so that we never missed any information that he was imparting. Highly recommend!!! Read more Written September 9, 2023
• Melissa M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding tour - wouldn't hesitate to book again This was by far one of the best tour experiences my husband and I have ever had. Perfect even if you're brand new to kayaking. Not only was going through the dam lock an amazing experience but our guide Zach provided so much interesting information on the history of the dam, the river and the local wildlife. We can't wait to come back and try another of their tours. Read more Written August 23, 2023
• mona31794 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chickamauga Dam My family enjoyed kayaking through the dam lock. Fascinating experience! Brandon was our guide and made sure we survived! Read more Written August 1, 2023
• cheryll690 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Such a great trip with the perfect guide. Kayaking and locking through the dam up close and personal was something I always wanted to do. The trip was everything I could hope for. Read more Written July 15, 2023
• P2029QKteresaf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles so dam good Our guided tour of the lock and dam was so dam good ;). Zach knows so much about the history and local wildlife. This was a great way to spend the morning. We will be back! Read more Written July 14, 2023
• bpuff 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience! We had a great trip through the locks with Brandon as our guide. I was in a kayak with my 9 year old grandson who was new to kayaking, and he had a great experience. Brandon was knowledgeable, identifying birds and giving us a history of the locks. Don't miss this trip! Read more Written June 26, 2023

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One Hour Cave Tour, Chattanooga

LOCATION: Rising Fawn, GA

GGG-GA5-001

Discover a New World

How long has it been since you went exploring?  This one hour guided tour takes you into a Georgia cave to see a brand new world.  Get down and dirty to uncover the mysteries of a natural limestone cave with the help of the best guides anywhere!  Don't worry if you've never been underground before, as this experience is for beginners.

Helmets, headlamps, kneepads and gloves are provided for your adventure and you'll need them!  The caves are in pristine natural condition with no lights, rails or walkways.  you crawl, shimmy and climb as your guides lead you to rock formations, hidden rooms and even an underground river.

This one hour cave tour is a muddy workout that promises and unforgettable look at the beauty of life below the surface.  Ages six and up are welcome.  Sign up now to discove a new adventure!

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• Explore a Cave with this Guided One-Hour Adventure
• Held at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northwest Georgia
• Experienced & Certified Guides Keep You Safe
• Physically Challenging - Requires Crawiling & Climbing!
• Maximum Group Size: 12

All required exploration equipment is provided.  Wear supportive footwear and clothing that you don't mind getting dirty and wet.  Bring a clean change of clotes too.  Changing rooms are available at the cave site.  The caves are 56 degrees year round, so dress for chilly climate.  Further details available upon registration.

Show up 15 minuttes before your scheduled departure time to get started on your underground adventure!  You'll get all the details for where and when to meet when you register.  When you and your group arrive, you'll be outfitted with gear and briefed on basic exploration safety rules.

Then it's time to go into the cave!  You crawl and climb through tunnels and over rocks with no lighting but a headlamp.  The caves are all natural with no handrails or trails.  Follow your guides and explore open rooms, beautiful rock formations and underground water sources.  Be prepared to get wet, muddy and have an unforgettable adventure!

Photography is allowed and encouraged but be sure you have a flash!  You may see bats, salamanders and other underground wildlife, but don't worry, they won't bite.

When you emerge from the cave, you'll want to change out of your muddy clothes.  Changing rooms are provided for this purpose.  Turn in your safety gear and than your guides for taking you on a cave exploration adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime!

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Here in Lookout Valley, you’ll have access to stunning views, top-notch amenities, and dedicated, hardworking staff that provides exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re camping with us, staying in one of our beautiful cabins, or taking a tour of our spectacular caverns, you’ll love the tranquility of our retreat.

Tennessee's Highest-Rated Cave Tour

Experience the wonder of a natural underground world at Raccoon Mountain Caverns! Rated as the #1 ‘Thing To Do’ in Chattanooga on TripAdvisor, with over 5.5 miles of passageways, our caverns boast an incredibly well-preserved landscape filled with countless natural formations. Considered one of the most geologically active caverns in the south, you’ll be amazed by the beauty that surrounds you. Don’t miss out on this adventure!

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

Chattanooga’s Underground Caves

December 11, 2013 By Caroline Eubanks Leave a Comment

To experience Chattanooga , Tennessee in a truly unique way, you’ll need to visit one of the many underground caves . The state has some 14,000 total and some of the most famous are within the Chattanooga area.

Ruby Falls , an underground waterfall, and Lost Sea , an underground lake near Sweetwater , are popular tourist attractions, but there are so many others to explore.

Not all of these thousands of caves are open to the public, but luckily for visitors, Raccoon Mountain Caverns is one such. The family-run campground and caverns are located near Lookout Mountain.

The cave was opened as a tourist attraction in 1931 by Leo Lambert, the man behind Ruby Falls. At the time, the property was part of a hotel’s farm that supplied for their restaurant.

The cool temperatures brought farmers in from the humidity and, soon enough, tourists.

Today, the campground is filled in the summer months with families looking for a unique getaway. In addition to the caves, guests can enjoy go-kart rides, swim in the pool or pan for gemstones.

The caves themselves run 5.5 miles underground and remain a constant temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

The Crystal Palace tour brings guests to the largest room in the cave, known by the same name, as well as the Hall of Dreams and other rock formations. 

Wild Cave tours bring guests into unexplored parts of the cave where there aren’t walking paths and lights. You’ll definitely be getting dirty on this tour, so come prepared with a change of clothes. You can also spend the night in the cave if you book in advance.

Tips for Visiting Chattanooga’s Caves

Raccoon Mountain  is located at 319 West Hills Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419. It’s open rain or shine daily from 9 am to 5 pm during the week and until 7 pm on Saturdays.

The Crystal Palace tour is $17.95 for adults, while the Wild Cave tour starts at $35.00 and increases for length of tour and equipment rental. The Chattanooga Adventure Pass includes admission to Ruby Falls, which is also located at Lookout Mountain.

From downtown Chattanooga, take I-24 westbound (towards Nashville ) and go about 4 miles to exit #174. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp then go 1.3 miles and our entrance will be on your left.

Looking for a place to stay in Chattanooga ? Raccoon Mountain has cabins and campsites for RVs and tents. Treetop Hideaways  and  Live a Little Chatt have tiny houses and treehouses.

My visit to Raccoon Mountain Caverns was hosted by the Chattanooga Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, but all opinions are my own.

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

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Guided Tours for Exploring Chattanooga

Let a local take you on a guided tour to explore chattanooga.

Visiting a fun and vibrant city like Chattanooga means the opportunity to try all kinds of new adventures. In fact, there are so many spectacular things to see and do here that it often helps to have a local expert show you the ropes. Whether you enjoy history, outdoor recreation, or craft beer, Chattanooga has a guide and a tour that will perfectly suit your interests and teach you all about this wonderful city. These are just a few of the very best guided tours to check out during your time in the Scenic City. 

Food & Drink Tours

Bike & brew tour.

Beer lovers, this tour's for you! The Chattanooga Bike and Brew Tour with Bike the South hits up four of Chattanooga's best craft breweries with guided tours, beer samples, and additional discounts along the way! 

Chatt Taste Food Tours

Experience the unique cuisine of Chattanooga on one of Chatt Taste’s food tours . Foodies can get a taste of that classic Southern cuisine within Chattanooga’s historic MLK district on the MLK Southern Cuisine Food Tour, take in the vibrancy of downtown while dining at restaurants that serve food from across the globe on the Downtown Chattanooga Tour, or revel in the excitement of Nooga’s Southside via four local restaurants on the Southside Food Tour. 

Raccoon Mountain Cave Tours

For the true adventurer, a Wild Cave Expedition inside Raccoon Mountain is a must-do while in Chattanooga.  Explore the limestone cavern in its natural state as you crawl and climb through a maze of formations and passageways. These expeditions aren’t for the faint of heart and are known as some of the most rigorous excursions in the Southeast. Whether you choose the Canyon Crawl, Waterfall Dome, or Gypsum Crawl Expedition, be prepared to get dirty and put your spelunking skills to the test! 

If you love caves and caverns but aren’t so sure about crawling through the mud to explore them, Ruby Falls ’ Lantern Tour is for you. Discover the cavern like Leo Lambert in 1928. The cavern and falls are illuminated by hand-held lanterns during this after-hours specialty tour. Rock formations and shadows take on intriguing dimensions as your guide shares stories exclusive to this tour. 

Hiking Tours

Experience chattanooga.

Experience Chattanooga offers guided hiking tours that showcase the natural beauty of Tennessee. Transportation and a professional photo gallery are included with every tour. Visit the area's best waterfalls & mountain views ! Experience Chattanooga's hiking tours are designed for all ages + ability levels, so they're perfect for families with kids, couples, and even solo travelers. Additionally, all customers receive recommendations & discounts for some of the top local restaurants. 

TrailblazUS Outdoors

This inclusive community welcomes all to join them in the great outdoors! TrailBlazUS Outdoors hosts multiple guided hiking tour events throughout the year to connect people of all backgrounds through education, movement, and reflection.    

The H2O Life

Hiking Healing (H2) and Outdoors (O) leads guided hiking tours and other outdoor activities and provides guidance and resources to facilitate natural and spiritual healing in the outdoors.  

Paddle Tours

Rock/creek adventures ocoee rafting trips.

For adventures outside of Chattanooga proper, Rock/Creek and Nantahala Outdoor Center offers guided whitewater rafting trips on six rivers in the Southeast, including two trips on the infamous Ocoee River in Eastern Tennessee, full of fun rapids, leaving you soaked and smiling. 

L2 Outside Sunset Paddles

Perhaps one of the best places to experience a Chattanooga sunset is from right on the Tennessee River, The and this guided tour allows you to do just that. The 90-minute trips are offered on Saturdays and Sundays and explore downtown’s favorite sights via paddleboard before finishing with a serene sunset. 

Whitewater Rafting Tours

Located about an hour from Chattanooga in the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River is home to Class III and Class IV rapids, making the Ocoee one of the top whitewater rafting locations in the country. With all the so many exciting rapids and waves, there are many outfitters to choose from when planning your whitewater rafting trip.   

River Canyon Adventures

Whether you want to go with a guide or on your own, River Canyon Adventures will help get on the water. Rent a kayak or paddle board and start your self-guided tour paddle through the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge. 

Outshine Adventures

Explore Chattanooga’s scenic waterways and natural landscapes with immersive outdoor eco-tours. Outshine Adventures offers many adventurous experiences including paddling down the Tennessee River and to Nickajack Cave at sunset and provides custom tours just for your group!  

See the City Tours

Chattanooga segway tours.

Hop onto a zippy Segway PT and see the city with ease on one of these spectacular and informative sightseeing trips. Chattanooga Segway Tours offers two options: a two-hour excursion around the historic downtown area, and a 1.5-hour outing through Northshore and Coolidge Park. You’re likely to enjoy it enough to do both. 

Chattanooga Ducks

This iconic Chattanooga activity is a fascinating one-hour land and water tour all in one. The amphibious WWII duck boats take passengers on a drive around downtown Chattanooga before plunging straight into the Tennessee River for a trip around Maclellan Island. Along the way, your driver will regale you with interesting facts and humorous anecdotes about the city and the river. 

Tennessee Valley Railroad

This beautiful early 20th-century passenger train whisks its passengers out of the city and into some of the most peaceful and pleasant scenery in the region. Tours range from one hour to all day and include destinations like Missionary Ridge, Summerville, and Chickamauga, plus special holiday outings for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and more. 

Southern Belle Riverboat Cruises

Chattanooga’s elegant riverboat offers several fabulous sightseeing tours on the Tennessee River all-year long. Cruises range from two to three hours and include options like sunset tours, fall foliage trips, and moonlight cruises. Food and beverages are served on board, so you can kick back and relax as you admire the Tennessee River Gorge. 

Chattanooga Ghost Tours

See the spooky side of the city with one of five different tours that explore ghostly happenings throughout the downtown area. You’ll visit and learn about places in the city with documented ghost sightings, and some tours even let you use special devices to monitor paranormal activity. 

Little Vehicle Tours with Adventure Sports Innovation

Adventure Sports Innovation offers a Little Vehicle Tour of Downtown Chattanooga. Choose from their "little vehicle" fleet of electric bikes, scooters, and more. You'll get an insider's view of the city while having a blast riding an innovative personal transportation device. 

Tennessee Aquarium's Deep Dive Tours

There are plenty of fish in the sea, and even more to see at the Tennessee Aquarium ! With the Deeper Dives guided tours, you'll say "Good morning!" to some of the amazing animals at the Tennessee Aquarium. During this in-depth exploration, an aquarium educator leads you through both River and Ocean Journeys for an exclusive 1.5-hour tour before the aquarium opens to the public. 

Swincar Tour

On this high-tech trip with Adventure Sports Innovation , you can explore trails while driving a rugged four-wheeled vehicle called a Swincar. The backcountry tours can be 60 or 90 minutes and launch from Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center’s scenic property at the base of Lookout Mountain. 

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Chattanooga Guided Adventures

Nickajack bat cave sunset kayak tour.

Are you looking for fun things to do in Chattanooga? Then Join us to see endangered gray bats begin their nightly hunt for insects! The Nickajack Bat Cave and Wildlife Refuge in the Tennessee River is the summer roost for up to 100,000 of these animals. 

These tours run from late March to early October. Enjoy a 3-mile easy scenic paddle to several view points around Nickajack Lake. The grand finale of the trip takes you to the cave entrance during which you may be lucky enough to observe such local treats as a river otter, multiple osprey and the occasional bald eagle. Take in the thrill at sunset as thousands of bats leave the cave at dusk on their nightly hunt for water born insects. 

Learn cool facts about these gray bats and the interesting local history of the river and surrounding areas from your guide.   Reflect with your new friends about the dangers white-nose syndrome poses to the bat population and its impact on the ecology of other species in the area. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the sights on this bat cave kayak tour. This trip is a fun way to meet new friends or get your old friends off of the couch to try something new. 

Group Sizes:  We can take up to 20 guests per trip

Single and tandems kayak available, equipment provided:  .

Life jacket

Group throw bag 

Group towline

Group first aid kit

Kayak light

Personal Gear:

Synthetic clothing layers

Water bottle

Trip Duration:

Time Zones:

All trips operate on Eastern Time (this trip is located in the Central Time Zone) All trips times are operate on Eastern Time.

Fitness Level:

No experience 

What to Wear:

Short or long sleeve synthetic shirt, board shorts, or pair of synthetic pants

Secure Footwear Options:

Old tennis shoes, water shoes, sandals with a secure heal

Price:$75 per guest

Arrive 10 min before your trip time to give yourself time to sign the waiver and get checked in with your guide. 

Minimum Age: 7 years old and must weigh over 50 pounds

12 Unforgettable Things To Do In Chattanooga

L ooking for an exciting destination that offers a blend of natural beauty and urban attractions? Look no further than Chattanooga, Tennessee. From the adventurous outdoors to the rich history to the delicious food, there are plenty of things to do in Chattanooga.

This vibrant city nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway.

With so much to see and do, Chattanooga is a destination that should be on every traveler’s radar. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, this charming city has it all.

Things To Do In Chattanooga

1. ruby falls.

Located in Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the US that’s open to the public.

Guided tours offer a way to explore the cavern trails and ancient geological formations. It is the first attraction in the US to earn certification from Green Globe, leading the way in cave conservation and environmental sustainability.

2. Cursed in Chattanooga Haunted Walking Tour

Join the only adults-only ghost tour in Chattanooga . They’re great whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between!

Visit locations like the Read House Hotel, The Hunter Museum, and some underground spots.

3. Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Raccoon Mountain Caverns consists of over 5.5 miles of underground passageways with 100% natural formations that are exceptionally well-preserved.

It is considered to be one of the most geologically active caverns in the South .

4. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Are you a fan of history or love trains? The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum collects, preserves, and displays railroad artifacts.

It offers a fascinating look at the city’s railway heritage. You can take a ride on an authentic steam locomotive or explore the museum’s collection of vintage trains and equipment.

5. Highpoint Climbing Gym

Ever wanted to try rock climbing? This climbing gym offers a bouldering area, outdoor climbing walls, and a variety of classes.

6. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

To start your adventure, head to Lookout Mountain, a natural wonder that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. You can take a scenic drive up the mountain or opt for a thrilling ride on the Incline Railway, which has been in operation for over a century.

The Incline Railway is a funicular railway system that is 125+ years old. It carries passengers up and down the historic Lookout Mountain.

Once you reach the top, be sure to check out Rock City, a beautiful garden featuring ancient rock formations, lush vegetation, and stunning waterfalls.

7. Walnut Street Bridge

The Walnut Street Bridge is an iconic landmark in Chattanooga, Tennessee that draws visitors from all over. Originally built in 1891, the bridge was restored in the 1990s and is now a pedestrian-only walkway spanning over the Tennessee River.

The bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the bridge’s 2,376 feet, and enjoy the serene beauty of the river and its surroundings.

8. Take A Tour & Taste Chattanooga Whiskey At Experimental Distillery

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Experimental Distillery is the first distillery to craft whiskey in Chattanooga in over 100 years.

With over 100 different barrels maturing in the aging cellar, every visit to the Experimental Distillery is an exploration of the past, present, and future of hand-crafted bourbon.

9. Chattanooga Market

For a more intimate shopping experience, head to the Chattanooga River Market, where local artists display their work along the scenic Tennessee River.

Whether you’re in the mood for artisanal crafts, fresh produce, or vintage finds, Chattanooga has it all. The Chattanooga Market is a must-visit, featuring over 200 vendors selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to delicious food.

10. Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum

The Songbirds Foundation shares the transformative experience of music in eastern Tennessee by delivering educational programming, preserving music history, hosting enriching events, and providing concrete resources to emerging artists.

11. Stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Choo Choo Hotel is a beacon of history located in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga.

In 1909, the Terminal Station opened as the first railway station in the South, designed in the famous Beaux-Arts style. The Choo Choo Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and remains one of the city’s first historic preservation projects.

The post 12 Unforgettable Things To Do In Chattanooga appeared first on Wild Hearted .

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