underground river tour tennessee

Get Ready to Take an Unforgettable Adventure! Take a Boat Ride Underground!

You have never seen, heard, or done anything like this before…, listed in the guinness book of records.

Your Lost Sea adventure begins with a guided tour of the caverns. This involves a ¾ mile round-trip walk on wide sloping pathways. While touring the caverns and underground lake our guides will tell of the cavern’s exciting and colorful history. They will also explain the fascinating geological development of the immense cavern rooms and rare formations. At the bottom of the cave you will take a boat ride on The Lost Sea, America’s Largest Underground Lake.

We are open every day of the year for tours (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Either before or after your tour you might want to visit the Lost Sea Village where we have several shops.  Or take a walk on our self-guided Nature Trail. The gift shops in the Village are open seasonally.

We also host a Wild Cave Tour for organizations such as Schools, Camps, Churches, and Scouts. Check out our web site, and come visit us soon!

  Hours Of Operation (Lost Sea is located in the Eastern Time Zone)

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

The Lost Sea is located in Sweetwater on Hwy. 68, just seven miles off I-75, exit #60.

Lost Sea 140 Lost Sea Road Sweetwater, TN 37874 (423) 333-2289

Ticket Prices

Adult: $28.95 Child: $16.95 (ages 4-12). Children 3 and under are free. Senior $27.95 Military $27.95 Military Child $15.95

Buy Tickets! Group rates available for groups of 25 or more:

Click Here Educational rates for school groups of 15 or more:

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18 May The Lost Sea Adventure: Underground Lake in Tennessee

Have you ever explored an underground lake before? Well, I had not before visiting the Lost Sea Adventure in Tennessee while on a road trip from Pennsylvania to California. I bought a daily tour ticket, which allowed me to explore the caverns as well as ride in a boat on the underground lake 140 feet (~43 meters) below the surface. To this day, researchers are still unsure of the size of the lake . It is so large they have thus not yet been able to map out all of it. Keep reading below to plan your own visit!

While Glacier National Park does not have any underground lakes (that I know of), it does have an array of stunning lakes. For example, Iceberg Lake is a beautiful blue color while Avalanche Lake has crystal clear waters.

1) Lost Sea Adventure Location

2) opening hours and entrance fee.

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Additional Attractions

7) tour options.

8) Recommended Items to Bring

The Lost Sea Adventure is located in Sweetwater, Tennessee . It is just a two and a half hour drive west from Asheville, North Carolina. Moreover, it is only a 50 minutes drive southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee.

There are a lot of other attractions in the area worth visiting. For example, try to schedule time in your itinerary to   Clingmans Dome at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee.

There is a parking lot located right by the main building, so no need to worry about finding a spot for your visit. 

Nearby Lodging

For lodging, check out accommodations offered in the town of Sweetwater . Otherwise, you can stay in the city of Knoxville and make a day trip to the Lost Sea Adventure. 

Nearby Airports

There are a few nearby regional airports, with the main one being McGhee Tyson Airport in the city of Knoxville. It is 50 minutes northeast of the Lost Sea Adventure. The closest international airport is the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is three hours south. 

Rock formations within the cave

The Lost Sea Adventure is open (almost) every day of the year. It is only closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Its hours of operation differ slightly based on the time of year, but they are generally 9:00am to 5:00pm. They are then open a few extra hours in the evening in the summer months. Check out their website to confirm the hours for the day you plan to visit .

Entrance Fee

An adult ticket costs $25 while a child ticket costs $15 (for ages four to 12) for the daily tour. The daily tour allows you to walk around inside the caves as well as take a boat ride on the underground lake.

On the other hand, a daytime wild cave tour costs $37 per person while an overnight wild cave tour costs $47 per person. The wild cave tour allows you to walk, crawl, and explore the caverns to a greater extent than the daily tour. Additionally, you can choose to spend the night in the caves. 

Check out their website for more information on special pricing for groups and tours. Additionally, I have more information about the tour options in section seven below. 

3) The Best Time to Visit – Lost Sea Adventure

Ready for some good news? There is truly no bad time to visit the Lost Sea Adventure. They are open all year round, and thus you can visit in December or July. 

In terms of how much time you need to plan in your itinerary for the Lost Sea Adventure, that will differ based on the tour chosen. For example, plan between one hour and an hour and a half if you book the daily tour. On the other hand, plan for six hours if you book the daytime wild cave tour. If you book the overnight wild cave tour, you need to plan for around 15 hours. 

Getting ready to board a boat on the underground lake

1. Lost Sea Adventure is located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. 

2. It is open all year round, generally from 9:00am to 5:00pm. 

3. The tour options include a daily tour, a daytime wild cave tour, and an overnight wild cave tour. 

4. Lost Sea Adventure includes an underground lake, which was discovered in 1905. 

5. The size of the underground lake is still unknown as divers continue to explore more of it with no end in sight. 

5) Background – Lost Sea Adventure

Visitors can enjoy the largest underground lake in the United States at the Lost Sea Adventure. How large is it, you might ask? Well, that is somewhat of a mystery. Researchers do know it is at least 220 feet (~67 meters) wide and 800 feet (~244 meters) long. However, the full extent of the lake has not yet been discovered. Every time divers try to map out more of the lake, they just keep finding more and more water with no end in sight .

First Visitors and Discoveries

The lake exists in the Craigshead Caverns system. One of the first known visitors to the cave was a jaguar over 20,000 years ago. Its bones are not on display in the caverns but instead at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The next known visitors were the Cherokees. Multiple Cherokee artifacts were found in the caves, thus providing evidence of their presence. Then in the 1800s white settlers used the cave for food storage, and later the Confederate Army mined for gunpowder materials. 

Nevertheless, none of these people groups are believed to have found the underground lake. A child by the name of Ben Sands discovered the lake in 1905 when he was only 13 years old. After crawling, shimmying, and wiggling through the cavern system hundreds of feet, he found himself in a room partially filled with water. 

Just 10 years later in 1915 the public began to utilize the caves for activities such as dancing, cockfights, and producing moonshine. Visitors can now visit the caves to see its networks of caverns, crystalline structures, and underground lake. The crystalline structures are a rare variety known as “cave flowers”. These cave flowers are only found in a few caves throughout the entire world . 

Rock formations in the cave

There is so much more to see here than just the largest underground lake in the United States (though that might be the star attraction). During your visit, plan to also check out the café, sweet shop, and general store for a quick snack and souvenirs. Next, stop by the gem mines to find some gems of your own. Then visit the glassblower and stroll down the Lost Sea Nature Trail.

Some unique rock formations in the cave

There are two main tour options. First, the daily tour includes a walking tour and a boat ride. Second, the wild cave tour includes crawling through the caverns and an optional overnight portion.

Daily Tour – Lost Sea Adventure

• Approximate time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 0.75 mile (~1.2 kilometer) loop walk + underground lake boat ride
• Price: $25 for adults | $15 for children (ages 4 – 12)

If you want a leisurely walk around the caves and a boat ride in the underground lake, then the daily tour is the one for you. First, the tour includes a 0.75 mile (~1.2 kilometer) walk around a loop in the caverns. Please do note that the pathway is steep in some places, so do be wary of this tour if you have trouble walking on steep inclines. Second, after finishing the loop you will head to the underground lake boat ramp. Enjoy a boat ride 140 feet (~43 meters) below the surface on the largest underground lake in the United States.

Wild Cave Tour – Lost Sea Adventure

• Daytime and overnight tour options
• 12 participant minimum for booking (with exceptions)
• Price: $37 for day tour | $47 for overnight tour

Tour Schedule

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Craigshead Caverns system at Lost Sea Adventures, then book tickets for the wild cave tour. Round up everyone for the tour and be sure to arrive no later than 6:00pm the night the tour begins. While the tour will begin at 6:30pm, you still have to check in and be ready to go. Therefore, be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.

Then the fun begins! You will walk, crawl, and everything in between during the tour until settling down for the night at 11:00pm. That is right – you sleep in the cave overnight. There is not more of a “wild cave tour” than that! Wake up the next morning around 7:00am so the group can clean up all of their personal belongings and then head out by 8:00am.

If you do not want to sleep overnight in the cave, there is a day option for the wild cave tour.

Group Size for Booking

Please note you generally cannot book this tour as an individual. The minimum number of participants for booking is 12. To book the tour for less than 12 people, you will have to pay the full amount for 12 participants and ensure there is at least one adult chaperone. Why these rules, you might ask? The tour is designed specifically for tour groups, such as church youth groups, school field trips, etc. 

What to Bring / Wear

As mentioned above, this is a  wild cave tour. You will not be admitted to participate if you are wearing shorts. What should you wear? I will list out items briefly here as well as in the next section. It is recommended to wear long pants, a light jacket, and close-toed shoes. Additionally, bring a change of clothes to sleep in as your other clothes will get dirty throughout the tour. The cave stays at an approximate 58 degrees Fahrenheit (~14 Celsius), so plan accordingly.

For sleeping purposes, bring a sleeping bag or something similar to put on the ground to stay comfy and cozy all night long. There are no showers in the cave, though thankfully there are toilets. Bring wet wipes, dry shampoo, or other similar items to keep clean. Additionally, pack any medications or other necessary items. However, do not overpack. It would not be enjoyable to carry a large backpack through the caves.

The underground lake at Lost Sea Adventure

8) Recommended Items to Bring – Lost Sea Adventure

For general packing recommendations for road trips, check out my summer road trip packing list as well as my list of travel essentials for pop up campers .

1. Water bottle : Be sure to bring water with you while visiting the Lost Sea Adventure as there is no water available. Water is even more important if you book the wild cave tour, for you will be in the caverns for a longer period of time and also will be more active overall. For example, I always carry around my Yeti water bottle .

2. Flashlight: The flashlight will help you see all the beauty and wonders of the cave, especially during the wild cave tour. A unique type of headlight would be this one embedded within a beanie .

3. Light jacket: The caverns stay at a crisp 58 degrees Fahrenheit (~14 Celsius), so you will want a light jacket to help keep you warm.

4. Hiking shoes : A pair of hiking shoes will come in handy on the daily tour and especially on the wild cave tour. If you plan to do the wild cave tour, you will need to wear close-toed shoes even if they are not hiking shoes. 

For the Wild Cave Tour Specifically

5. Long pants: You will be crawling and maneuvering around the caverns on the wild cave tour, so you will want to protect your knees and legs from getting all scraped up. 

6. Extra set of clothes: You are likely to get fairly dirty and muddy during the wild cave tour. Therefore, bring an extra set of clothes so that you can change into something clean once the tour is complete. 

7. Medication: If you book the overnight wild cave tour, be sure to bring along any medication you will need to take before you go to sleep. 

8. Sleeping bag: Pack a sleeping bag or mat if you book the overnight wild cave tour. Otherwise, prepare to sleep on the cold, hard ground. 

9. Other overnight essentials: Pack anything else you might need. For example, dry shampoo, lotion, etc. However, be sure not to overpack as it is only one night. 

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Check out articles on some of my other cross-country road trip stops:

New River Gorge Bridge Lookout in West Virginia

Lost World Caverns Tours in West Virginia

Road to Nowhere Tunnel in Bryson City, NC

Falls of Hills Creek Waterfall Trail in West Virginia

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22 comments, monica woerner.

Things I never knew I needed to add to my bucket list… an underground lake! Looks so cool, thanks for collecting all the details!

Alaina Thomas

You are welcome! There are not many underground lakes in the world, making this a bucket list worthy adventure.

Really informative guide and looks like an amazing place to visit. Will absolutely be saving this for when we visit!

Glad to hear it! Underground lakes are not that common, making them the perfect, unique addition to your itinerary.

Bea Pinnegar

I didn’t even know of a concept like underground lakes! Sounds like such a special, incredible experience. Thanks for sharing this guide – dying to visit now!

You are welcome! The underground lake is quite unique; most people have not heard of them before.

This looks absolutely incredible! I will definitely have to add this to our must-try list for Tennessee activities when we come back stateside! I didn’t even know this underground lake existed!

Yes, glad to hear it has made the list! I was unaware of its existence until a few years ago when I was doing research for a road trip.

Natural wonders leave me speechless every single time! Wow, our planet is so gorgeous, isn’t it?

It truly is. I am often left speechless at the beautiful wonders and attractions I visit all over the world.

It sounds like a very special place to visit. Thanks for the useful information and great tips!

You are welcome! It is quite special as there are not many underground lakes in the U.S. or even in the world.

Looks so cool that we can ride a boat in the underground lake. Natural wonders are always very interesting. I would love to experience this some day. 🙂

I hope you are able to make the trip to take this boat ride. Definitely a one of a kind experience!

Wow! This looks like such a fun adventure. I’m hoping to explore TN a bit in the near future.

That is so good to hear! Tennessee is quite beautiful so I am sure you will have a nice time.

Woooah this is so, so cool! I love that you can even ride a boat so far underground. It is also pretty crazy that researchers have not discovered how big it is! I wonder if there is wildlife down there that never sees the sunlight!?

Hmm that is a good question! If there is wildlife in the water, it is either trapped or the underground lake runs into another water source. Will keep my ears open for future findings by researchers!

Travelling Tam

This looks like a super cool trip and amazing that they still don’t know it’s true size! I always find natural wonders like this so fascinating!

It is crazy to think there are still features in the world, whether it be a cave, the ocean, etc., of which humans do not know the full extent.

What an amazing world we live in that there are still features like underground lakes that are still being explored. It sounds like a neat adventure. Although, I’m not sure I would want to sleep in the cave overnight!

Very true – the world is still full of unknown wonders. Sleeping in the cave would definitely not be as comfortable as a nice, warm bed, but it would provide an adventure!

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Watch CBS News

Exploring the "rich history" of America's largest underground lake

August 14, 2019 / 8:41 AM EDT / CBS News

In our summer series "American Wonders," "CBS This Morning" is exploring places that make America wonderful, from majestic natural landscapes to spectacular creations. This week, Chip Reid takes you to a Tennessee cave for a tour of the largest underground lake in America. It attracts about 2,000 visitors a day from all over the world and is called "the Lost Sea."

Deep in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, about 50 miles south of Knoxville, sits an American wonder 140 feet below ground.

Inside, a narrow tunnel leads to an intricate cave system drenched in history. Cherokee Indians used it as a shelter in the 1820s. And during the Civil War, Confederate soldiers used the cave's minerals to make gunpowder.

Tour guide Savannah Dalton is part of that rich history. Her grandmother and great aunt played down here as children. 

"I was actually six years old the first time I came down here with my grandmother and older brother," Dalton said.

The cave system leads to the main tourist attraction: the lake.

"The lake was discovered by Ben Sands," Dalton said. "A 13-year-old boy who had actually crawled through a tunnel that was the size of a bicycle tire for 40 feet before he dropped down into the lake itself and actually waded out into about knee-deep water. It was a lot smaller when he came through. But we've blasted it out since."

Because of his discovery, the Lost Sea Adventure now sees about 150,000 tourists a year from all over the world. 

A boat ferries visitors across the clear water where you can dip your fingers in the cold lake and watch rainbow trout swim by. Dalton said there are almost 300 rainbow trout in the lake.

"So they're down here long enough that they do lose a small portion of both their eyesight and their color," Dalton said.

The water is at least 70 feet deep and covers 4 and a half acres. Dalton said some of the cave's characteristics have been forming for probably hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Dalton said she enjoys her job just as much today as when she started more than seven years ago. 

"There's a rich history here," Dalton said. "And it's something that you don't get to see every day. So just seeing the awe and the wonder on people's faces, when they come in and see this for the first time, it's-- it's pretty amazing."

So if you find yourself in the general vicinity of eastern Tennessee, you might want to stop by and check out this American wonder.

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Caving in Tennessee

Did you know that there are over 10,000 caves in Tennessee? There are miles of extraordinary subterranean adventures just waiting for you to explore. Secondly, Tennessee has more caves than any other state in America, therefore making it the perfect place for an unforgettable underground experience. Come caving in Tennessee!

The majority of caves lie in the eastern two thirds of the state. Layers of limestone have developed from calcium deposits that used to sit on the bottoms of shallow oceans millions of years ago. Over time, rainwater and river flows have carved out breathtaking caverns.

There have been lots of historic remains and artifacts from Native Americans and early explorers have been found in Tennessee’s caves. Several of them offer family friendly tours where you can learn about the people who once lived there and the way they used the caves to survive. Surprisingly, some of these have been converted into music venues due to the historical significance combined with the superb natural acoustics.

Here are a few of our favorite caves to visit:

Craighead Caverns – home to the country’s largest underground lake, the Lost Sea. Peer into it’s depths from a glass bottom boat

Racoon Mountain Caverns – pan for gemstones

Ruby Falls – home to the largest underground waterfall in the US, day and night tours are available

Bell Witch Cave – thrillingly haunted

The Caverns – location of wild underground concerts

Bunkum Cave – location where Cordell Hull’s father made moonshine in the 19th century

Those hot and humid Tennessee summers give locals and visitors alike the perfect excuse to climb underground and go caving in Tennessee. Lastly, you can cool of on the Ocoee River .

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Explore an Underground Lake in a Glass-Bottom Boat in This Tennessee Town

Sweetwater, Tennessee is home to The Lost Sea, America’s largest underground lake.

You've probably heard of the Dead Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. They may even be on your travel bucket list, but have you ever heard of The Lost Sea? The Lost Sea, located in the eastern Tennessee town of Sweetwater, is America's largest underground lake, and it's open to visitors year-round.

The Lost Sea is part of Craighead Caverns, a massive network of caves that runs from Sweetwater all the way to the neighboring town of Madisonville. The huge cavern system has quite the history and has been used by animals and humans for thousands of years.

The cave's first-known human residents were the Cherokees who entered the cave from a tiny natural opening on the side of the mountain. In a large room about one mile from the cave's entrance, artifacts including pottery, arrowheads, weapons, and jewelry were found, proving that Native Americans once used the caves.

Though the caves have been used for years, the Lost Sea wasn't discovered until 1905, when a 13-year-old boy named Ben Sands was exploring the caves and found himself in a room half-filled with water.

Today, visitors can see what young Ben first discovered more than 100 years ago on a tour of the caves through The Lost Sea Adventure . The company operates tours every day of the year, minus Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 9 a.m. to anywhere between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Note: Tours are temporarily closed through March 2023 for construction and maintenance.

WATCH: Why Travelers Are Flocking to Ginnie Springs, One of Florida's Most Beautiful Natural Wonders

The guided tour starts with a three-quarter-mile walk on sloping pathways through the caves. While walking, you'll learn all about about the history and science behind the caves. When you've descended 140 feet into the cave, you'll reach The Lost Sea. From there, you'll continue the tour via a boat outfitted with a glass insert on the bottom, so you can peer into the depths that lie beneath. The visible portion of the lake is 800 feet long and 220 feet wide, spanning more than four acres. However, divers have mapped more than 13 acres of water, and there's still more to be discovered.

While on the boat, look out for rainbow trout swimming below and magnificent crystal formations called anthodites overhead. Also known as cave flowers, these naturally occurring formations are composed of long needle-like crystals that radiate from a common base and are only found in a few caves around the world.

Who knew we had such an amazing natural wonder right in our own backyard? At just $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children, this is one adventure you can't miss.

Related Articles

10 Unique & Fun Things To Do In Tennessee

• Dollywood in Pigeon Forge offers thrilling rides and entertainment inspired by Dolly Parton.
• Graceland in Memphis is a captivating museum showcasing Elvis Presley's life and legacy.
• The Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga is a natural wonder with stunning views and is free to visit.

Tennessee's musical roots run deep. Granted, the state is probably most known for its country music, but its influences on other genres, such as the blues, rock and roll, and R&B, are hard to ignore. Of course, Tennessee is famed for more than just its musical talents. It's home to the finest of whiskeys and, of course, mouthwatering barbecue.

But, beyond its most revered and iconic trappings, the Volunteer State is brimming with interesting tourist gems that make it well worth a visit all the same. From underground caverns to Greece-inspired landmarks, here are some of Tennessee's most unique and fun things to do.

Related: 10 Amazing Things To Do In The Scenic Smoky Mountains

Visit Dollywood In Pigeon Forge

Thrilling rides & entertainment nestled amidst the scenic great smoky mountains.

Going to Pigeon Forge? Have a fun day out at Dollywood . Spanning 160 acres , the theme park — which is inspired by the iconic country music singer Dolly Parton — features more than 50 exciting rides, providing an amazing day of fun that just about anyone can enjoy.

• Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
• Hours: Open seasonally; visit the website for a complete schedule
• Cost: 1-day tickets start at $92

Visit the website to learn about all the seasonal events held in the park, such as the Flower & Food Festival in the spring.

Tour Graceland In Memphis

Elvis presley's former home. now, a captivating museum showcasing his life & legacy.

Situated on 120 acres, Graceland offers fans a glimpse into the life of the legend himself, Elvis Presley. Tour the stunning mansion, which the singer used to call home. From classic cars and his old jeweled jumpsuits, tourists can explore the interactive exhibits that immortalize the King of Rock and Roll forever.

• Address: Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
• Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: Ticket prices range from $28 to $215; visit the website for more information

Elevate the experience with a stay at the property's resort hotel called The Guest House at Graceland .

Visit Cumberland Caverns In McMinnville

Underground awe-inspiring rock formations & the longest show cave in tennessee.

From walking cave tours to scaling underground canyons, Cumberland Caverns is quite the quirky experience. Visitors can journey 333 feet below to see the more than 27-mile stretch of incredible rock formations for a one-of-a-kind adventure to remember.

• Address: 1437 Cumberland Caverns Rd, McMinnville, TN 37110
• Cost: Tour prices vary per experience; visit the website for more information

Related: 10 Scenic Smoky Mountain Vacations To Add To Your Bucket List

Visit The Most Popular National Park In The U.S.

Great smoky mountains national park.

From beautiful hikes to scenic drives, there are a variety of pretty amazing things to do in the scenic Smoky Mountains . The National Park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, is a natural wonderland that's teeming with outdoor adventures.

• Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Hours: Open 24 hours ; some roads, campgrounds, or other facilities may be closed in the winter due to inclement weather
• Cost: Admission is free ; parking passes are required, which range from $5 per day to $15 per week

Visit the National Park Service's website for a list of some of the most popular hikes that the park has to offer.

Explore Centennial Park In Nashville

See a full-scale replica of athens' parthenon.

Exploring Centennial Park is one of the most surprisingly free things visitors can do in Nashville . The 132-acre park features a mile-long hiking trail, a lush garden, a glistening lake, and several historical monuments, including the iconic Parthenon replica (which does incur a fee to enter).

• Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
• Hours: Hours vary; visit the website for more details
• Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and youth, and free for children under the age of four

Visit Ruby Falls In Chattanooga

Tallest underground waterfall in the us.

Step into a glass-front elevator and descend 260 feet into the abyss below. The spectacular cave formations are located deep inside Lookout Mountain, which is also home to towering Ruby Falls, the tallest underground cave waterfall in the U.S.

• Address: 1720 S Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409
• Hours: Open daily; hours vary by season
• Cost: $25.95 for adults and $15.95 for children for the Cave Walk tour; visit the website for more tour options

Enjoy Live Country Music At The Grand Ole Opry In Nashville

See a live performance at music city's most historic venue.

Visiting the Grand Ole Opry is a big deal — and not just for music fans. The legendary weekly concerts have been broadcast live around the world since 1925. So when in town, seeing award-winning musicians and country music stars take the stage at Nashville's renowned performance venue is an absolute must.

• Address: 600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
• Hours: Ticket prices vary; visit the website for more information

Related: 15 Most Beautiful Small Towns In The Tennessee Mountains

Tour Jack Daniel's Distillery In Lynchburg

The oldest registered distillery in the united states.

Established in 1866 , the Jack Daniel's Distillery is the first recognized distillery in the U.S. and offers much to learn about the history of whiskey making. With its iconic Lynchburg location, guided tours showcase the craftsmanship behind Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, providing a rich immersive experience for visitors.

• Address: 280 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352
• Hours: Tours are held daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Cost: Tour prices range from $25 to $135 per person

See The View From The Gatlinburg Space Needle

Panoramic views of the great smoky mountains from the observation deck.

Ride a glass elevator more than 400 feet up this mammoth tower to see panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains from the observation deck. Gaze upon the splendor of the Smokies, spotting lush landscapes and charming Gatlinburg, making the glass elevator ride a memorable mountain adventure.

• Address: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Cost: Prices range from $9.95 to $15.95 per person

Visit The Tennessee River Gorge In Chattanooga

The grand canyon of tennessee.

Featuring 27,000 acres of surrounding land, the Tennessee River Gorge is a sight to see. The river canyon, which stretches for 27 miles, was carved through the Cumberland Mountains by the Tennessee River. The natural wonder begins near downtown Chattanooga and extends to about the Hales Bar Dam Marina in Guild.

• Address: Tennessee River Gorge
• Hours: Open daily from sunrise to Sunset

For a thrilling outing on the water, explore the gorge with a boat rental or private boat tour via River Gorge Excursions .

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This Lesser-known U.S. Destination Is Hiding the 'Shortest, Deepest River in the World' — and an Underground Cave That Leads to a 'Blue Hole'

Kentucky's disappearing Lost River reappears in this underground cave, which hides the blue hole.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Courtesy of Visit BGKY

Several waterways flow through and around the community of Bowling Green, Kentucky , a small city that’s an hour north of Nashville. But one river, the aptly named Lost River, ends suddenly before reappearing magically in the mouth of the cave in the heart of Bowling Green. The natural phenomenon is the result of two geologic limestone formations that cover the river for a stretch, making it disappear before it reappears in the Lost River Cave .

This cave, and the river that runs through it, can be explored by boat, allowing visitors to venture into the Earth via the only natural underground boat tour in Kentucky. The most interesting part of the 25-minute boat tour is the blue hole, which gets its vibrant blue color from the abundance of limestone in the cave.

The blue hole is estimated to be 437 feet deep, while the river is only 400 feet long — a ratio that makes it the "shortest, deepest river in the world," according to Ripley’s Believe It or Not . 

Long before the cave became a tourist attraction, it played an important role in the nation’s history. It was an ancient native hunting ground before serving as a Civil War campground. It was a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James before being transformed into an underground nightclub in the 1930s.

The Lost River Cave sits below a wooded, urban 72-acre park in the center of Bowling Green. In addition to explorations below ground, there is plenty to do above ground. Hiking trails pass through woodlands and prairie and the Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitat houses native Kentucky butterfly species that can be viewed via a screened-in garden. There’s also a playground featuring all-natural elements and a gem mining activity that offers budding miners the chance to collect gems like rose quartz, amethyst, and amber, along with horn coral fossils.

The Lost River Cave boat tour runs daily and includes a 20-minute guided walk along the river’s edge followed by a 25-minute boat ride through the cave. The tour is appropriate for all ages, but because of the cave’s natural features, the experience is not accessible to people who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. 

A boat tour is $23.95 for people over the age of 12, $16.95 for kids ages 4 to 12, and $5.95 for kids who are 3 and under.

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Kentucky cave boat tours, cave boat tour details.

A Laid Back, Smooth Ride On A Custom "Cave Boat" Get ready for a fun and educational Kentucky cave boat tour that starts with descending underground and boarding a custom-built boat. Your informative and highly entertaining guide will drive the boat through tunnels while you sit back and enjoy the sights and the stories. Visitors call this place a cave, but it is actually a 100-year-old spring-fed limestone mine. While on tour, you'll discover the rich history and hidden secrets. On this underground "cave boat tour," guests always tell us they love our engaging guides and their unforgettable stories. Our cavern boat ride is perfect for families, large groups interested in geology and history, or just cooling off on a hot day and exploring a unique and unexpected place. The Kentucky "cave boat tour" is open to all ages 3 and up and anyone who wants to take things a little easier. The underwater lights, viewing panel, and spotlight ensure everyone gets a magnificent view. Bring some extra layers to wear, as the temperature inside the cave is 55F/12C all year long. You'll be equipped with a helmet and floatation seat cushion. (Life jackets required for kids 12 and under) Book your cave boat tour today!

• Max Group Size: 20
• Weight restrictions: 350 lbs
• Minimum age for children on this tour is 3. For safety, children under 3 years of age are not able to participate.

PFD (Personal Flotation Device) for ages 12 and under, helmet & headlamp, and flotation seat cushion.

Cave Boat Tour

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 3-12)

$30 All Days $25 All Days

Got a Group?

Gather up your friends, family, even uncle Gary, or some co-workers and we’re here to show you how adventure is done. Give us a call for special pricing and package offers.

The Gorge Underground Kayak and SUP tours are fine for beginners. There is no wind, waves, or current in the mine, so it is a gentle, easy paddle. It is very dark, but everyone will have a helmet with a headlamp, and the guides will have a spotlight to highlight different features of the mine. There will be a quick intro to paddling given for each craft before departure.

It’s 50 degrees underground, so dress in light athletic quick drying layers (you may get a bit damp depending on your paddling skill), extra pair of socks (no shoes allowed in clear kayaks), gloves (great idea) and comfortable shoes. Kids tends to get colder, so dress them warmly. We rent neoprene socks and mitts on the deluxe tours for $2.00 if needed.

We try our best to keep you dry, but there are times when you may get a little wet. There may be a little bit of water in the bottom of your kayak, and sometimes the seats are a bit wet. Some people also get wet from the water dripping off their paddles, but if you hold your paddle low this should not be a problem. There are also a few places in the mine where the water drips from the ceiling, but your guides will direct you around these places.

The mine stays a constant temperature of about 52 degrees year round, and the water temperature stays about 40 degrees.

No, it really doesn’t. The entire tour is underground in the mine, so our tours go out rain or shine! (In fact, some people prefer to go on a rainy day so they can do other activities when it’s sunny.)

Yes, we do have some tandem kayaks. If you would prefer to use a tandem with someone in your group, simply let the guides know when you get there, and they will pull out a tandem for you to use. Pricing is still by person.

We provide all necessary equipment.

Kayak Tours : Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Helmet & Headlamp

Clear Bottom Kayak Tours:  Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Helmet & Headlamp

SUP Tours : NRS Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board or Hylife Sit & Stand Hybrid Board, Paddle, PFD, Helmet & Headlamp.

Boat Tour : Boat, PFD, Helmet & Headlamp

Ride Along Child Ticket: PFD, Helmet & Headlamp

The cave boat tour is probably the best choice if you have small children. All children need to be at least about 40 lbs. and able to wear a PFD and helmet and sit still for the full hour-long tour.

The Gorge Underground is dark, but everyone will have a helmet with a headlamp, and the guides also have spotlights to point out various features in the mine.

We’re sorry, but we cannot accommodate children under 3 years of age.

We have had a few, but it doesn’t happen very often at all. The kayaks are relatively stable and are safe even for beginners. The Stand Up Paddle boards are also very wide and stable. A guide with rescue training goes on every tour, just in case.

30 minutes prior to your tour time

Yes! We highly recommend booking tours in advance. In the busy season many of our tours will fill up, and during the slow season, we need to know what tours are going out so that we have guides available.

The tours last one hour, but you will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time for check in and to put on gear.  Deluxe Tours  last 90 minutes for extra time to explore.

The Gorge Underground does not allow any pets on tour.

The Gorge Underground is open year round! We have more tours during the summer and fall, but we have tours available during every season! (The mine stays about 52 degrees year round, so the water in the mine never freezes!)

If you are coming with more than 12 people, we highly recommend our cave boat tour which can accommodate up to 20 people.

We limit our kayak tours to 12 people and our SUP tours to 10 because it becomes very difficult to hear the guides when you are spread out in a bigger group. For larger family groups or church/scout groups, we occasionally make exceptions to this rule at the manager’s discretion.

Yes! You can get a 10% group discount if you have at least 12 people and one person is paying for the whole group. For church/scout group discounts, please call the office at 844-254-6244. 

(Group discounts and church/scout discounts are not available on Saturdays or holiday weekends.)

We understand that sometimes plans change. Please read our policy fully. 

Due to the specialty nature of our events and our limited availability we  DO NOT OFFER REFUNDS.  Tickets can be rescheduled  NO LESS  than 7 days before event! A change fee of $10 will be applied per reservation. If you need to reschedule the week of the event you will be charged 50% of your booking as a rescheduling fee. Changes made less than 48 hours prior to tour are not allowed. Ensure you arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your tour time.

No shows are not eligible for rescheduling, gift card, or refund.

We reserve the right to decline any person as a tour participant if the person’s behavior, health, or mental condition impedes the operation of the tour.

Need a place to stay in the Gorge?

Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals - 70 Cabins and Luxury Yurts for rent throughout the Red River Gorge. Small families to large groups we have something for everyone.

We’re Right in the Heart of Red River Gorge

Convenient for groups coming from: Lexington, KY: 1 hr Louisville, KY: 1 hr 59 mins Ashland, NC: 2 hrs 4 mins Cincinatti, OH: 2 hrs 2 mins Nashville, TN: 4 hrs 3 mins

Yes! You can get a 20% group discount if you have at least 13 people and one person is paying for the whole group. For church/scout group discounts, please call the office at 844-254-6244. 

(Group discounts and church/scout discounts are not available on Saturdays or holiday weekends during our busy season, May-October.)

Classic Tour Cancellation Policy:

We understand that sometimes plans change. Please read our policy fully.

  NO REFUNDS

If you need to cancel your tour, you will be charged a rebooking fee to receive a gift card or to move your reservation to a different date.  The rebooking fees are as follows:

7 or more days before your tour – $10 fee 6 days before your tour – $25 fee 1-5 days before your tour – $50 fee Day of your tour – $75 fee

1-844-254-6244

2478 Glen Cairn Road, Rogers, Kentucky 41365

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Subterranean Tunes

Music venues the world over do a variety of things to stand out from the crowd, but one of the most successful at doing so has to be The Caverns in Pelham. As you might gather from the name, this unique venue brings musical artists and fans together inside a cave — not your typical place to see a show. And that these high-quality concerts are staged far outside an urban area, surrounded by natural beauty, is no small feat.

Music in the mountains

The Bluegrass Underground shows, which were started by owner Todd Mayo in 2008 and are the subject of an Emmy-winning PBS series of the same name, moved in 2018 from another cave to the current location — Big Mouth Cave, which has likely been used for human shelter for up to 25,000 years. It gets its name honestly. According to Jeff Meltesen, marketing director for The Caverns, you could place the Leaning Tower of Pisa on its side in the entrance to the cave.

“We opened The Caverns with a show by Billy Strings, a popular jamgrass artist,” Meltesen says.

And since then, the schedule has been increasingly full with 75 underground shows this year along with another 10 at The Caverns Above Ground Amphitheater, which opened in October 2020 to bring back live music shows in a safer environment when the pandemic made underground shows impossible. A full season of outdoor shows was staged in 2021. The concert season typically runs March through December with multiple events every weekend.

The variety of musical types represented at shows has expanded beyond bluegrass, though that is still a favorite among show attendees.

General Manager Joe Lurgio notes that The Caverns now hosts acts ranging from bluegrass, country and gospel to EDM, rock, hip-hop and even classical. A look at upcoming shows offers something for a wide variety of musical tastes: rock band Drive-By Truckers; reggae and pop band UB40; indie rock group Copeland playing with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra; and even the I Love the ’90s tour with familiar names Vanilla Ice, Tone Loc, Coolio, Young MC, Rob Base and All-4-One.

Some notable past performers are Arlo Guthrie, Los Lobos, Molly Hatchet, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Old Crow Medicine Show, John Anderson, Wyclef Jean and Steve Earle & The Dukes.

Don’t let the fact that the shows are held in a cave fool you. This is a well-equipped venue with state-of-the-art sound and lights that can accommodate 850 seated guests or 1,200 for standing-room-only shows. There are restrooms and food and beverage service inside the cave, and its gentle slope makes it both good for viewing a show and easily accessible to music fans with mobility issues.

“A wild cave was turned into a state-of-the-art music venue,” Meltesen says.

Music fans love the venue, and they used that love to help propel The Caverns to the winner’s circle of Garden & Gun magazine’s 11th annual competition for best Southern music venue.

In addition to the parade of shows available throughout the year, The Caverns is hosting its first Cavefest two-day music festival Oct. 8–9. Headliners include Sam Bush Band, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters and Yonder Mountain String Band with more than a dozen other acts scheduled to perform. In true music festival spirit, there will also be primitive car camping, cave tours, food trucks, vendors, cave yoga and more fun activities. Tickets are already on sale on the venue’s website, thecaverns.com .

Lurgio notes that Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and CEO/President Mike Partin have been wonderful partners and friends to The Caverns.

“We have a great relationship with them,” Lurgio says. “They ran three-phase power out to us, something that’s normally only available in urban areas. They went above and beyond and have been great partners when we need it.”

Natural wonders

While the music venue is a big draw to The Caverns, those who enjoy visiting caves will want to put a trip to this Grundy County spot on their to-visit lists. Visitors can go on guided tours of the caves either alone or in combination with music show tickets.

Daily guided tours take visitors not only through Big Mouth Cave and a behind-the-scenes look at the music venue but also Big Room Cave, which is also appropriately name since it is, indeed, big — three football fields long. Not only will you get to explore the history and geology of the caves but also hear more about cave lore and Grundy County at large. Tours last about an hour.

For the more adventurous spelunkers, the three-to four-hour adventure cave tours are challenging, tight in spots and may very well get you muddy. But a benefit is seeing sights such as an underground river before maneuvering your way back out. These tours are led by experienced cavers.

For the youngsters, Camp Caverns is a residential summer program catering to children ages 8–13. Hosted at the historic DuBose Center in Monteagle, the camp involves programming in the caves. Topics covered include various aspects of history, geography, arts and teamwork.

A great destination

Situated where it is, The Caverns offers a great destination for several days of vacation fun when you pair a cave tour and a show or festival with the many hiking, rock climbing and other outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Grundy County. “Stay and Cave” packages are available for those who want to stick around and play a little longer.

According to Meltesen, some 125,000 visitors will make their way to The Caverns this year.

“And that number is going to continue to grow,” he says. Lurgio says that the combination of natural beauty and musical beauty makes The Caverns such a great place to visit.

“There’s nothing else like it,” he says.

For more information

Visit thecaverns.com or call 931-516-9724.

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Trish Milburn is a freelance writer and USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 novels. A former Tennessee resident for 20 years, she now lives in her native state of Kentucky. She enjoys reading, taking nature photos, listening to K-pop music, watching Asian dramas, traveling, and visiting National Parks and historic sites. Information about her books can be found at trishmilburn.com.

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Underground River

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• Beauty of nature carved by millions of years
• Encounter with nature and wildlife in their natural habitats.
• Rock formations inside the cave.
• Information through an audio guide available in multiple languages, and from your friendly guide.

Explore Underground River, one of the most amazing attractions in Palawan Island and in the Philippines.

Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River (Underground River) is one of the world’s most impressive cave systems hailed as one of the new 7 wonders of the world and listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The entire area where the Underground River is located is actually a national park and a model of biodiversity. The park encompasses one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, featuring spectacular limestone karst landscapes, pristine natural beauty, and intact old-growth forests and distinctive wildlife.

This Underground River cruise is about 1.5 km upstream into the cave. In order to reduce the impact on the environment, we arrange this cruise on a shared boat.

The cruise can be extended to cover 4.3 km into the Underground River if covered by a special permit and surcharge.

• 07:00 AM | Puerto Princes City, Palawan
• A round-trip on shared air-conditioned tourist van transfer
• Buffet lunch
• Professional/licensed english speaking tour guide
• Entrance Fees
• Round trip boat transfer
• Safety gears (helmet and life vest)
• Use of audio device (multi-lingual)
• Free Hotel Pick-up & drop Off
• Travel Insurance
• A one-time payment of the mandatory Eco Tourism Development Fee (Php 150.00/pax).
• Gratuities (Tips for guides and drivers) – optional

DAY TRIP Underground River Tour

07:00 H – Hotel pick up in Puerto Princesa city

• Drive to Sabang Wharf (there will be one stop on the journey each way)
• Boat transfer to the Underground River National Park
• Guided paddle boat in the Underground River (approximately 45-60 minutes)
• Buffet lunch in a Sabang restaurant
• Return drive to Puerto Princesa City
• 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM – Hotel drop off
• What To BRING
• Terms & Conditions
• Passport or Id card must be presented during registration
• Light comfortable clothes, shorts are fine, loose fitting shirt / T-shirt of light cotton
• Sun hat, sun block, sunglasses
• Camera and video
• Flip flops, shoes, or sturdy lightweight footwear that are easy to wear and take off as you may have to step into the water during boat transfer
• Insect repellent
• Drinking water
• Raincoat (just in case of rain)
• Cash for personal expenses

This tour is Group/shared tour arrangement and available all year round.

Pick up & Drop off to & from accommodation is free of charge (FOC) within downtown of Puerto Princesa, along the way – Salvacion Junction,  Bahile, Macarascas, Buenavista, Tagabenit & Sabang area only. Guests/travelers staying outside mentioned places may opt for a roundtrip van transfer. The surcharge will be paid directly to the operator.

The durations of transfers are approximate. The exact duration will depend  on the time of day and traffic conditions. The actual pick up time shall be communicated/reconfirmed to you through your hotel or contact details before the scheduled tour. 

For private tour arrangements, the pick-up time is flexible and can be adjusted according to your convenient time.

Immediately after submitting your reservation, you will receive a Booking Confirmation Order by email.

If your booking is accepted, a Voucher will be sent to you via email. The voucher will serve as your proof of purchase. You must provide the voucher to the appropriate service provider in order to redeem your tour, ticket, or package. Your reservation cannot be honored or redeemed without presenting a valid voucher.

In the event a travel product booked by you is not available, we will either refund you in full or suggest you an alternative travel product of similar pricing.

If you do not receive the automatic Booking Confirmation message within a few minutes after submitting payment, please check your Junk email folder just in case the confirmation email got delivered there instead of your inbox. If so, select the confirmation message and click Not Junk, which will allow future messages to get through.

If the Booking Confirmation message is not your in Junk email folder, please send us an email immediately at [email protected]. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that you have received the Booking Confirmation message and Voucher.

Whilst we try and ensure that all details, descriptions and prices which appear on this website are accurate, errors may occur. If we discover an error in the price of any travel products which you have booked we will inform you of this as soon as possible and give you the option of reconfirming your booking at the correct price or cancelling it. If we are unable to contact, you we will treat the booking as cancelled. If you cancel and you have already paid for the travel products, you will receive a full refund.

We reserve the right to make changes and updates to any information contained within this site without prior notice.

We reserve the right to make amendment including altering, postponing and cancelling the tour/transfer due to unforeseeable or unavoidable events beyond our control. These include: war, threat of war, riot, civil disobedience, government action, terrorist activity, natural or industrial disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, level of water in rivers or floods, technical or maintenance problems and closure of airports.

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these terms and conditions we regret that we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reason of such events beyond our control.

Under no circumstances can we be held responsible for weather conditions. We accept no responsibility for weather conditions that may affect the delivery and implementation of the itinerary.

Some of the travel products or services on this website are provided by third party suppliers of travel products or services, which we have contracted with. When we are acting as an agent we have no liability in respect of the supply of any element of your booking, including any liability for illness, personal injury, death or loss of any kind, delay and inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any provider of travel services or products or by other third parties.

Any claim must be brought against the relevant supplier of the travel services or products and where refunds are due to you from third party supplier of travel products or services, we will provide reasonable assistance to you in claiming such funds from them.

We strongly recommend that you do not travel without adequate travel insurance for your own protection and peace of mind. It is your responsibility to ensure that you purchase adequate travel insurance for your needs.

We reserve the right to change the boat/vehicle type, capacity without notice.

We reserve the right to reroute or change the order of the visits of any tours and to make any changes to the pick-up time.

No refund will be given for such substitutions or changes.

If you have a problem during your holiday it is of the utmost importance that you immediately bring it to the attention of the relevant person (for example the hotel manager, the tour guide, the driver) who will do their best to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved, you should contact our office to advise us of the problem so that we may endeavour to resolve it.

However, should a problem remain unresolved, a complaint should be made in writing within 30 days of your return home. We will not accept any liability for claims received after this period.

Our organization may issue a full or partial refund under certain circumstances:

In order to claim the refund, you must send an email to [email protected] and specify your name and booking number.

Refund requests must be received within 30 days from the date of tour/transfer  Beyond that, we will no longer entertain such requests.

It is your responsibility to obtain a visa (where required) and other relevant travel document at your own costs. You must be in possession of a valid passport required for entry, departure and travel through each destination point along the itinerary of the tour, (your passport must be valid 6 months after your return date), and be in possession all visas, permits and certificates including vaccination certificates, insurance policies, required for the whole of the journey.

Any information or advice given by us regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of vouchers and other travel documents at time of going to issue, however we can not be held responsible for typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.

It is your responsibility to ensure that all of the details on your travel documents are correct and to bring to our attention any error or discrepancy immediately.

In order to make your booking and ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly, and in accordance with your requirements, we need to use the information that you provide and pass this onto suppliers. This information may include your name, address, age, passport number and any special needs, disabilities, dietary requirements etc.

Luggage and personal belongings are yours and your party’s responsibility. Do not leave personal belongings unattended even for a minute, in the vehicles. We are not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to baggage or personal belongings during the tour/transfer.

Please ensure that small items such as mobile phones, purses and wallets are accounted for before the vehicle departs. We can not guarantee that once the driver has left you, that they will be able to return items left in the vehicle to you immediately. If an item has been left at the hotel then you can call the hotel and provide them with your home address along with their credit/debit card details so the hotel can arrange for the items to be returned to your home address.

You can cancel your booking for free within 24 hours after you have placed it.

After 24 hours, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking cancellation fees will apply.

A cancellation will only be effective when we receive written confirmation of the cancellation (please send an email to [email protected])

Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges under the terms of any insurance policy you may have.

Standard Cancellation policy for day trips, ferry and van transfers :

• Cancellation Made within 7 Days prior to departure date
• Non-refundable
• Cancellation Made within 8 Days or more prior to departure date
• 80% of payment is refunded

Amendment for day trips, ferry and van transfers :

• Any changes made to a reservation 7 days prior to the departure date will be subject to a minimum PHP 300 Amendment Fee (per change).
• Amendments can be made up to 8 days before the trip free of charge

Cancellation policy for tour package with hotels:

• 7 Days prior to departure date
• 8-10 Days prior to departure date
• 20% of payment is refunded
• 11-14 Days prior to departure date
• 45% of payment is refunded
• 15 or more Days  prior to departure date
• 65% of payment is refunded

The refund shall be processed within 5-15 working days from the date of cancellation.

What cannot be refunded:

Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

1) Airfare is completely non-refundable and non-changeable 2) Promo packages with hotels are not refundable and non-changeable 3) Admission tickets, entry permits cannot be refunded once confirmed

If, after the booking is placed, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes, but it may not always be possible.

Where it is possible to meet your request, the cost will be recalculated in accordance with any new travel arrangements taking into account the prevailing prices, under occupancy supplements, any cancellation fees, amendment fees or other extra charges payable and a new booking confirmation issued.

There are travel products on this website where amendment fees will be charged on each occasion that the booking is amended. Please read each product “important note”.

You hereby waive any objection you may have to our use of electronic records with Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express or banks that issue credit cards should it be necessary for us to respond to a chargeback. You agree that we do business electronically by email, so email is accepted as the form of delivery of the services provided by us, so you agree to accept email as the form of delivery and instruct Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and banks that issue credit cards that email delivery constitutes delivery of services in this transaction.

Any claim or dispute arising from or related to this contract will be governed by Philippines law and the courts of Philippines shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any claim arising out of it.

Terms and conditions updated on the 20th May 2022.

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BiblioChatt: the Underground Railroad in Chattanooga, TN

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The story of the Underground Railroad in the Chattanooga area | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Editor’s Note: BibiloChatt is a series for which NOOGAtoday editors research reader-chosen, history topics using only resources from the Chattanooga Public Library.

Chattanooga has a long history of railroads , but one that isn’t spoken of as much is the Underground Railroad . A reason for this may be that the Southern system of freedom networks operated in much the same manner, but it was not called the Underground Railroad — that terminology was used north of Ohio . For the purpose of this story, we will refer to the network as the Underground Railroad.

What was different?

• Instead of “conductors,” leaders or fugitives were called “pilots” or “guides.”
• The places along the network where fugitives stopped were known as “safe houses,” not “stations.”
• The pilots in the Southeast used their own codes and signals that were understood only in this region .
• Many of the pilots were also slaves .

Local networks

Map of Underground Railroad routes in East TN | Photo on pg. 45 in “Chattanooga: Tennessee’s Gateway to the Underground Railroad”

Northeast to Kentucky

The Ridge + Valley route passed through East Tennessee north to Kentucky — there were many hiding places and safe houses along this route.

In Chattanooga, members of the Beck family were the most active operatives. Unfortunately, due to their illegal behavior , there isn’t a lot of information about the Becks, but we do know that they gave up land for a cemetery that could be used by residents of the Civil War-era refugee camp — the land is on the north side of the Tennessee River .

North to Kentucky

Another route, which went up through the Sequatchie Valley, was known for a remarkable pilot named Richard Flynn of Flynn’s Cove, whose code name was “Red Fox.” Richard was an experienced hunter + woodsman who knew every inch of Chattanooga up to Kentucky . With the help of other operatives along the way, he led hundreds of fugitives to freedom .

1 stop along the Sequatchie Valley route was Richard’s house , which was surrounded by a maze of trees he’d cut down that only he and his family could find their way through.

After passing through the Chattanooga area, the path to freedom continued north to Bradley County , into Kentucky, then to Ohio, and ultimately to Ontario, Canada.

Safe houses + hiding places

The Griffits house | Pg. 39 in “Chattanooga: Tennessee’s Gateway to the Underground Railroad”

Bradley County

This area had some of the most unique strategies for providing safety to fugitives — they are known as “subterranean houses or artificial caves,” and were created on hillsides in forests that were not often traveled.

These underground hiding places were basically square or oblong excavations that were covered with strong poles across the top + those poles were covered with planks, rails, or more poles that acted as a makeshift roof . To camouflage the area in case of travelers, the space was then covered with leaves, shrubs, or pine. A trap door covered with pitch, moss, and leaves would also be installed to one corner of the roof.

By the time the structure was complete, a cavalier could ride over one and not tell the difference between it and the rest of the land.

North of the Hiwassee River

According to oral tradition, there was a farmhouse in McMinn County that had rooms built into the walls , perfect for hiding fugitives .

Just across the McMinn county line in Loudoun County was the William Giffits House, built in ~1854. The Griffits family members were leaders in the Quaker community , and their house is recognized as an important safe space for slaves seeking freedom. Plus, in the 1830s, the same family provided refuge to Cherokees in the 1830s escaping removal via the “Trail of Tears.”

Also in Loudoun County, there are at least 2 known caves that housed fugitives. In a cave near Friendsville, William J. Hackney provided refuge, provisions, and any other assistance needed to escape slaves + white men looking to exit the confederacy. The other cave is located near the Greenback Community — a large Black community occupied this area post-Civil War .

Sequatchie Valley

Prominent pilots in this area included Polly Hand, James S. Garrison, and J. W. Farmer — they rarely made contact with fugitives, but instead kept caves and fence corners stocked with food and provisions .

Some years back, TVA archaeologists found a cave in Dunlap with hollowed rocks inside containing meal.

Keep learning

Bessie smith cultural center.

The Bessie is a great place to go to delve deeper into the history of enslaved people in Chattanooga. There are artifacts , timelines , and interactive exhibits . The museum us open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. + Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Books I consulted at the Chattanooga Public Library

• “Chattanooga: Tennessee’s Gateway to the Underground Railroad” by E. Raymond Evans
• “African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes” by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

The Lost Sea Adventure

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The Lost Sea Adventure - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Cave Boat Tour You Can Only Take In Tennessee Will Bring Out Your Inner Adventurer

Meghan Kraft

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.

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It’s one thing to go spelunking through the underbelly of Ol’ Rocky Top, but it’s another thing entirely to experience the whole of Tennessee’s caving systems by boat. By BOAT, folks. This isn’t just a walk through a winding cave trail, this is an underground nautical adventure. This is truly one of the most unique and interesting experiences that Tennessee has to offer. The question is: are you ready to explore the Lost Sea?

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The Lost Sea is open year round, 7 days a week. You can expect to spend about $20 per adult on tickets, which you can buy ahead of time online at their website . You can visit the cave yourself in Sweetwater at 140 Lost Sea Road. Happy sailing!

If you’re looking for unique experiences, you should definitely Go Llama Hiking Through The Forest On This Unforgettable Tennessee Adventure .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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