We popped the top on the Jeep and headed for the hills on another Tennessee adventure! You’ll find a lot of fun in East TN. e Despite our familiarity with the area, we were a little surprised to learn that Raccoon Mountain Caverns is the Top Rated “Thing to Do” by Trip Advisor for East Tennessee. Now we know why!
The Tours
We reserved our tour online, choosing the 45 minute walking tour of the Crystal Palace Room, a 1/4 mile round trip trail. This small group (just four of us this time) tour is $29 over age 12 and $19 under. If you want more adventure, there are two other tours. Under Wild Cave Expeditions, see the 2 hr. Canyon Crawl, ($60 per person), and the 3.5 hr. Waterfall Dome Expedition, ($125 per person). Here, you’ll “get muddy” with gloves, lights and helmets. Tour restrictions include Minimum age 8, height 56″ and max weight 275.
The Experience
Entering the cave we were received by the the 60 F temp, a few cave crickets and endangered Crystal Cave Spiders, www.inaturalist.org. Our knowledgeable guide led us explaining how the natural stalagmites, stalactites and Soda Straws form. Even the fastest growing formations grow less than 1/8 of an inch per year. She also pointed out the Salamanders along our way.
You will be amazed by the formations, colors and shadows throughout the cave. We were very happy with this tour considering the cost, time spent and quality of our guide. Don’t miss this attraction!
The Camping
The secluded campground is about 20 minutes West of Chattanooga and offers Tent Camping, Cabins and RV Parking. There is a lot of activity, especially in the summer as this is an attractive location for families. The amenities include Laundry, Propane, Firewood, Ice, Pool, Playground and Dog Park. Have fun playing Corn Hole, Shuffleboard and Basketball. There’s a lot of boating and fishing nearby at Nickajack Lake.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground (2023 Travellers’ Choice from TripAdvisor)
guestservices@raccoonmountain.com,
1 (423) 821-9403
Some of our other adventures nearby include Sewanee Natural Bridge, Cumberland State Park, Denny Cove, Foster Falls, and Ruby Falls. We use our favorite App, All Trails to guide us. www.alltrails.com
Two more caves to explore this Spring! Escape the cubicle and join us on the path to nourish your soul! Find us on the Facebook at lostrv.
Richard & Mary
