Caving

South Cumberland and Savage Gulf State Parks have several large caves, as well as a number of sinkholes, or “sinks”, which appear to make some of the streams in this park “disappear” into the ground!  Some of the better-known caves and sinks are listed below; next to each is the trailhead you can use to reach that cave.

NOTE:  All caves are closed from September to May, to control the spread of white-nose syndrome, a disease deadly to the many populations of bats who call our caves home.  Please respect the health of our bat populations!

NEVER ENTER A CAVE WITHOUT PROPER CLOTHING, HEADLAMPS, AND PROTECTIVE GEAR.  CAVING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED BY NOVICES. 

All caving requires advance online registration.  Caves can be very dangerous. It is recommended that you participate in a ranger-led tour of the cave to become familiar with the cave and caving before entering the cave.  The cave environment is fragile. Visitors that choose to explore the cave should be careful not to disturb any formations or small animals that live in the cave.

• Buggytop Cave is open June 1 through August 31.

• Daily Limit: 40 Permits issued per day (1 permit per person, regardless of age)

• Do not cave alone.

• Group size is limited to 20 people at a time.

• Visitors must be out of the cave and off the trails by sunset.

• Cavers should be able to show proof that they are registered and complying with rules & regulations.

• The park manager may close the cave at his or her discretion.

To ensure that Tennessee State Parks continues to provide quality areas for recreational caving, all cavers should register online before their visit. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email/receipt. This receipt is your permit; keep it with you while caving. At some locations, you may be asked to leave a piece of paper with your registration number on your car dashboard. 

    • Groups of eight or more people, please call the park before filling out a registration: 931-924-2480.

    • Be sure to follow all Clean Caving Guidelines, Leave No Trace, and all park rules and regulations.

    • You will be required to fill out a Liability Release and Clean Caving Acknowledgement.

Some Important Reminders

South Cumberland, Savage Gulf and Head of the Crow State Parks are ecological sanctuaries, and all features including plants and animals (living and dead), rocks, minerals, artifacts and fossils are protected by Tennessee State Law. Leave them as you find them. Violators are subject to prosecution.

As in any wilderness environment, obvious hazards exist. Visitors are reminded to exercise care, stay on marked trails and be adequately prepared for backcountry trips. Know the length and difficulty of the trail you plan to take.  Be aware of local sunset times, and how long it will take to reach your destination.  There is no hiking in the park after dark!  Filter all stream and spring source drinking water. Use special caution when approaching high bluffs. Be careful with fires and help keep your state park beautiful and natural.