For outdoor enthusiasts, it can sometimes feel like everything has been done; every trail has been hiked, every mountain has been climbed. But what about diving below the surface? If you enjoy discovering hidden parts of nature full of unique natural formations and landscapes, cave exploration or spelunking should be your next adventure. A world of their own, caves are fascinating destinations for locals and tourists alike.
Here are five of the most incredible caves to visit in the South:
Devil’s Den Spring in Williston, Florida
Underwater rivers, lakes and waterfalls are the main attraction for some caves, but Devil’s Den Spring is a full-fledged dive site. The crystal-clear, icy blue water — which reaches maximum depths of 54 feet and maintains a steady temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round — allows divers to see ancient stalactites and fossil beds dating back 33 million years.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Formed over ten million years ago, this national park was named after its size, not the ancient woolly animal. Mammoth Cave is touted as the longest cave system in the world, with 400 miles of wondrous limestone and sandstone formations. Both guided and self-guided tours are available year-round and range in difficulty from relatively easy to “why am I doing this?” There are also non-cave adventures to be had at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including more than 85 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, camping and kayaking.
Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater, Tennessee
Inside Craighead Caverns is America’s largest underground lake, known as The Lost Sea, where tours are offered on glass-bottomed boats. While touring the caverns, guests will learn about the exciting and colorful history of the caverns, including the tale of one of the cave’s earliest visitors.
In addition to the caverns and lake, there are also several shops in the Lost Sea Village, along with a self-guided Lost Sea Nature Trail.
Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Lookout Mountain is home to some of Chattanooga’s most popular attractions, including ziplines and a century-old limestone castle. But the 145-foot Ruby Falls is without a doubt the main draw. In a glass-front elevator, you’ll descend 260 feet underground and spot ancient formations along the cavern trail before seeing the thundering falls, which are illuminated by color-changing spotlights. For a spookier expedition, special after-hours tours are given, lit only by handheld lanterns.
Ellison’s Cave in Walker County, Georgia
With a length of 12 miles and a depth of 1,063 feet, this cave on Pigeon Mountain in northwest Georgia is one of the country’s deepest. It’s also home to the Fantastic Pit, the country’s deepest cave drop. The Fantastic Pit is big enough to hold the Washington Monument and is almost twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.
This cave system is only for seriously experienced cavers; there have been several fatalities here, mostly due to hypothermia from becoming entangled and stuck on climbing ropes.
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