Cave

Raccoon Mountain Caverns consists of over 5 1/2 + miles of underground passageways. While many caves have small areas of formation growth, Raccoon Mountain Caverns has countless formations along the lighted walking trail of the Crystal Palace Tour. Our cave is exceptionally well preserved as compared to other caves and is considered to be the most geologically active in the South. We are pleased to offer two distinctly different types of tours:

    The Crystal Palace Tour is a 45-minute +/- (we take time to answer all questions and let you take pictures), guided walking tour through the front portion of the cave and covers slightly over one-quarter mile. Education is the focus of our tours and your guide will explain how caves form, provide a brief history of our cave, and point out a wide variety of formations including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flow stone, natural bridges, and much more!  The cave is always a comfortable 60 degrees.  Reservations are not required, except for large groups. Be sure to bring your camera.

    Wild Cave Expeditions are our famous “get muddy” tours which require participants to wear gloves, pads, lights, and helmets -- all of which are provided for your use. We offer a variety of tours ranging from an Eco-Expedition which focuses on viewing life within the cave to much longer and more strenuous tours possibly combined with an overnight stay in the cave.

The Crystal Palace Walking Tour

Background: Grandfather Rock

Wild Cave Expeditions are challenging tours into the more remote portions of the cave. 

Recent Awards & Recognition:

      • Tennessee’s Highest Rated Cave / Rated #8 in the United States (Parade Magazine, 2002)
      • Chattanooga’s “Top Outing” (Fodor’s Travel Guide, 2002)
      • Featured on Turner South’s “Three Day Weekend” (2004)