Caving Adventures

Sarah Cline explores the Enchanted Forest room at Wolf River Cave in Fentress County, Tenn. The Wolf River Cave ishome to 2,500 endangered Indiana bats. Photo by Chuck Sutherland

In Appalachia, most of us stick to mountains and rivers for our outdoor adventures, but if we limit our experiences to the surface, we overlook the magical caverns beneath our feet.

Like caves themselves, navigating information about where, when and how to explore them can be challenging. Curious visitors can tour a number of commercial caves in the region, but many more caverns are closed to protect the rare and fragile ecosystems within.

Expert cavers recommend interested adventurers find a grotto, a local caving club. Grottos organize group expeditions, host trainings in safe caving practices and provide resources. For those looking for a more accessible and less daring experience, commercial caves are a great fit. Throughout Appalachia, education, history and adventure become en- twined in spaces such as Linville Caverns or Organ Cave, both featured below. These caves offer various public tours. Regardless of ability or age, there is a cave for us all.

Over the years, The Appalachian Voice has explored a wide array of the marvelous and wonderful hidden treasures of Appalachia. Visit appvoices.org/hiddentreasures to explore them all.