Raccoon Mountain Caverns, Chattanooga

Raccoon Mountain Caverns, located just eight miles west of downtown Chattanooga, is a remarkable underground network of caves spanning over 5.5 miles of mapped passageways. Known for its stunning limestone formations, embedded fossils, and geologically active features, it is considered one of the most dynamic cave systems in the South. Visitors can explore its subterranean beauty through guided tours, making it a must-visit destination for spelunking enthusiasts and casual adventurers alike.

First documented in 1853, the caverns were truly explored in 1929 when caver Leo Lambert, known for discovering Ruby Falls, investigated air escaping from cracks at Raccoon Mountain’s base. He widened the openings, revealing decorated passages, and by 1931, installed electric lighting, opening them as "Tennessee Caverns." After several name changes, they became Raccoon Mountain Caverns in the late 1970s.

Today, the primary visitor experience includes the Crystal Palace Tour, a guided exploration of approximately a quarter mile of the cave system. This well-lit, developed pathway ensures safety with steps and handrails while offering an up-close view of the cavern’s intricate formations. During the tour, guides share fascinating insights into the natural and social history of the caverns. Some lucky visitors might even spot the cave’s unique wildlife, including several species of salamanders and the rare Crystal Caverns Cave Spider (Nesticus furtivus), an arachnid known to exist only within this cave system.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Wild Cave Expeditions provides access to the cave’s undeveloped sections. Introduced in the 1970s, these spelunking tours take explorers deeper into the cave’s raw, untouched channels, requiring participants to crawl, climb, and get muddy. Equipped with helmets, lights, and protective gear, visitors can navigate these primitive passages, experiencing the caverns much as early explorers did.

Beyond caving, Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for campers. The site features a campground with full-service RV sites, electric and water sites, primitive tent sites, and cabins. Other attractions include gemstone panning, go-karting, and hiking, making it an all-encompassing experience for nature lovers.