Tennessee·United States
Photo: BrianSWoods · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The TAG region packs thousands of caves and hundreds of pits within the limestone plateaus where three states meet. It is the centre of American vertical caving, from the photogenic entrance of Stephens Gap to Fantastic Pit in Ellison's Cave, a 180 m free drop on a single rope.
In season: Oct–Apr · Peak: Nov–Mar
Long rappels and ascents on single-rope technique, cold mud and water, and many caves on private land or managed by the Southeastern Cave Conservancy. Some caves close in winter to protect hibernating bats.
The photogenic entrance pit, and the beginner's rappel
A vast wild cave system with the 130 m Surprise Pit, permit only
586 feet of single rope in the dark
Learn single-rope technique with a local grotto of the National Speleological Society, then join their trips. Get the required permits from the cave owners, start at Stephens Gap, and save Fern Cave and Ellison's Cave for when you are experienced.
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