Guided Cave Tour at The Caverns, Tennessee
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
Visitors should have basic mobility and be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces with some incline.
Overview
Descend into the expansive Big Room Cave of The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee. This 45-minute guided tour reveals stunning rock formations and local lore, ending with a unique photo on an underground music venue’s iconic stage.
Guided Cave Tour
45 minutes • Moderate difficulty • All ages
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 45-minute journey through The Caverns, exploring the expansive Big Room Cave and uncovering local history and cave mythology. Conclude your adventure at the renowned music venue for a memorable photo on the iconic stage. Perfect for all ages, this tour promises unique sights and experiences!
Explore The Caverns!
Duration
45 Minutes
About
From 9a to 5p CT, every hour on the hour, our daily cave tours will take you through two caves at The Caverns. The tour starts in a cave historically known as Big Room Cave because it’s 3 football fields long. You’ll see amazing cave features, learn a little about Grundy County history and cave mythology, and finish your tour inside The Caverns world famous music venue for a photo op on the iconic stage.
- Difficulty level: Moderate (there’s a couple steep hills)
- Accessibility: Not handicapped accessible
- All Ages (infants ages 2 and under are free)
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy shoes
The moderate route includes steep spots and uneven terrain, so closed-toe shoes with grip are essential.
Bring a light jacket
Temperatures inside the cave remain cool year-round, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Mind your head
Some low ceilings require careful navigation; watch your step and stay alert throughout the tour.
Photography permitted
Capture images inside the cave and on the music stage, but avoid flash to preserve cave life and visitor experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bats which roost in off-limit sections
- Cave salamanders hidden beneath rocks
History
The Big Room Cave has been part of Grundy County’s heritage for centuries, with legend linking it to early Native American use and pioneer tales.
Conservation
The Caverns enforces strict visitor controls to protect fragile formations and cave-dwelling species, balancing access with preservation.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Chattanooga
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Protects feet and provides grip on uneven cave floors.
Light jacket or fleece
Keeps you warm in the consistently cool cave temperatures.
all specific
Small flashlight or headlamp
Useful for low-light sections, though tours are generally well-lit.
Camera with no flash
Allows capture of cave features without disturbing wildlife.