A Trip Inside Tennessee's Frozen Caves Is Positively Surreal
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on January 10, 2024(Originally published December 29, 2018)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee isn’t known as ol’ Rocky Top for nothing! Beneath the surface of our great state, there’s a whole new world of stalactites and stalagmites that help create an incredible underground world of wonder. Did you know that Tennessee has the most caves out of every other state in the United States? With around 10,000 caves in Tennessee, that’s a lot of underground exploring just waiting for us to discover. Bristol Caverns is one of our favorite places to visit, especially in the wintertime, for its incredible views and unbelievable look at a world we usually don’t get to see.
Bristol Caverns in Tennessee is an ancient underground labyrinth filled with wonder. This cave system was once used by Native Americans as they raided local settlers. They would disappear into the ground and cause much fear in the early life of our state. This is just a taste of the history you can embark on in a journey to the underground.
Bristol Caverns is aptly located in Bristol, Tennessee, and it's the home of an ancient cave system that boasts incredible mineral formations and even a meandering underground river. If you find yourself visiting east Tennessee or living as a local in the Tri-City area and you are searching for "Caves near me" this is one of the top attractions.
Guided tours are offered daily, and you'll spend roughly an hour wandering the otherworldly cave system. The walkways are paved and well-lit, however, so there's no need for spelunking equipment. This is a fun and educational opportunity that's great for folks of all ages. Kids included! The tour itself will take visitors down the three levels of the cave. Starting first at the Mayor Preston's Chamber down to the Underground River. You will be ogling fascinating formations and experiencing the glory of underground water flow.
You'll learn all about the formation of the cave system, some areas of which are considered to be very old even predating the Native Americans that used this cave system. There are quite a few stairs as you descend into the depths of Tennessee, so make sure that you're ready to wander. You will possibly be too busy marveling at the scenery to notice the stairs anyway.
Locals and tourists alike rave about the intelligent and thoughtful guides who lead folks through the twists and turns of the ancient system. You'll learn about the caverns, not only how they were formed but about the delicate ecosystem that now exists within it. Make a plan to visit and you too will be singing the praises of this beautiful underground area.
If you're looking to visit Bristol Caverns, head to 1157 Bristol Caverns Highway in Bristol, Tennessee. It's a wonderful experience for folks of all ages, and we can't recommend it enough. Make sure to call ahead for prices, and visit for one of their guided tours that leaves every twenty minutes from the gift shop. You will also want to leave time for the gift shop to peruse the different items and kids are sure to love the gemstone panning too. Happy adventuring!
What do you think of this amazing cave in Tennessee? Will you be planning a trip underground? For more information please visit the Bristol Caverns website. Let us know because we love hearing from you. If you are coming into town from far away you may need a place to stay, so check out these great accommodations in Bristol Tennessee.
You can get a closer look at the gorgeous Bristol Caverns a bit closer, right here:
If you’re looking for something fun to do while you’re in East Tennessee, then you should check out 620 State for some delicious sushi.
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