Explore Raccoon Mountain Caverns — Guided Cave Tours & Gem Panning in Chattanooga
Underground adventures for families, groups, and thrill-seekers — Crystal Palace tours, wild cave expeditions, gem panning, and seasonal haunted experiences.
Featured Tours & Experiences
A curated lineup of guided cave tours, wild cave expeditions, gem panning options, and seasonal lanterned adventures.
About Raccoon Mountain Caverns
Raccoon Mountain Caverns in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a publicly accessible cave system offering a variety of guided tours and hands-on mineral experiences. The site features the Crystal Palace Tour, a 45–55 minute guided exploration of spectacular formations such as stalactites and rare helictites, presented with interpretive information about cave geology and local wildlife. For visitors seeking more active adventure, the Wild Cave Tour — Canyon Crawl invites participants to crawl, climb, and slide through narrower passages while observing unique formations in a managed, safety-focused environment.
In addition to guided cave tours, Raccoon Mountain Caverns provides multiple gem panning options and add-on activities. Available packages include gemstone mixes, a large “Mother Load” bag suited for families, fossil discovery bags, emerald-focused pans, and curated arrowhead collections composed of jasper, agate, and chert. Group Tours are coordinated through a request system with staff responding within 24 hours to plan visits and accommodate group needs. Seasonal programming includes themed events such as the Halloween “Beneath the Mountain’s Breath” lantern tour featuring folklore and atmospheric storytelling.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns emphasizes accessible, educational experiences grounded in cave conservation and visitor safety. The operation combines guided interpretation, hands-on mineral activities, and special events to deliver memorable outings for families, school groups, and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Chattanooga and the surrounding region.
Book a Cave Adventure at Raccoon Mountain Caverns
Reserve Crystal Palace tours, wild cave expeditions, gem panning add-ons, or a Halloween lantern experience — perfect for families and groups visiting Chattanooga.