Crystal Palace Tour at Raccoon Mountain Caverns
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–55 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires steady walking on uneven surfaces and stairs without assistance.
Overview
Journey into the stunning subterranean world of Crystal Palace Cave near Chattanooga with Raccoon Mountain Caverns. Discover rare formations and local cave wildlife on this accessible 45-55 minute guided tour.
Crystal Palace Tour
Ages 4+ • 45-55 Minutes • Most Popular!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 45-55 minute guided tour of the Crystal Palace Cave, where you'll explore stunning formations like stalactites and rare helictites. Learn about cave formation and history while spotting fascinating wildlife. This unique experience combines education and adventure, perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to capture nature's wonders.
Experience the Wonder!
Duration
45-55 Minutes
About
The Crystal Palace Tour is a guided walking tour through the first 1/4 mile of the cave. This section of the cave has been modified to include lights, pathways, steps, and handrails. Education is the focus of our tours and your guide will explain how caves form, provide a history of the cave, and point out a wide variety of formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and much more, including rare shield and helictite formations! Guests also have a chance to view cave wildlife including bats and salamanders, as well as ancient fossils. Photography is welcome, 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.
More Info
As a reminder our cave is not wheelchair or child stroller accessible.
What to Bring
- Appropriate Footwear
- Camera
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes
The cave paths include stairs and sometimes damp surfaces—footwear with good grip helps ensure safe footing.
Keep pace with your guide
Photography is encouraged, but you must stay with the group to avoid getting lost or causing disturbance in the fragile cave environment.
Bring a camera with adjustable settings
Lighting inside the cave is low and occasionally uneven—cameras with manual exposure controls or smartphones with night mode work best.
No strollers or wheelchairs inside
Pathway design and stairs restrict accessibility beyond walking unaided; plan accordingly for young children and mobility needs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Big brown bats
- Southern cave salamanders
History
Raccoon Mountain Caverns has been open for public tours since the mid-20th century, showcasing some of the region’s most extensive cave formations.
Conservation
Careful trail management and visitor education minimize human impact on fragile cave ecosystems and protect resident wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chattanooga
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Ensures good footing on slippery or uneven cave pathways.
Camera or smartphone with low-light capability
Captures the intricate formations within dim cave lighting.
Light jacket or long sleeves
Cave temperatures stay cool year-round, so layering helps regulate comfort.
spring specific
Water bottle
Hydrate before and after the tour; no water available inside the cave.
all specific