A moderately difficult 4 mile roundtrip hike to one of the largest cave openings in Tennessee. Watch your footing as you descend into Lost Cove and enjoy the cool air at the opening of the cave before heading back up. Bring lots of water and be sure you have sturdy footwear!
This strenuous trail climbs from the trailhead to the top of Spur Ridge, follows the top of the ridge for 3/4 mile, then descends into Lost Cove.
The trail divides at the top of a 150-foot limestone bluff with the right fork descending steeply to the Buggytop entrance to Lost Cove Cave, and the left fork leading to other cave entrances over more moderate terrain.
The descent to the Buggytop entrance is a total of 620 vertical feet. The return climb is challenging. The cave entrance is 100 feet wide and 80 feet high, and opens at the base of a 150-foot overhanging bluff. The cave stream cascades down from the mouth and drops 40 feet in less than 100 yards. A cold draft of air blows from the cave in summer and can be felt in the creek valley nearly half a mile from the entrance.
Be sure to bring lots of water to stay hydrated for the climb back out, and make sure you have sturdy footwear! There is no camping along this trail, or in Lost Cove Cave.
Be kind to our bats!
White Nose Syndrome has been found in bats hibernating in Lost Cove and other Tennessee caves, and is named for a white fungus that appears on the faces, ears, wings and feet of hibernating bats. Once a colony is infected, the fungus spreads rapidly and can have devastating effects on the colony. For that reason, the interior of Lost Cove Cave is closed from September through May. Rare and endangered species of salamanders and bats are found inside the cave.
Important Info
Visit our Nearby Business Members
Bigfoot Adventure
Dutch Maid Bakery
Greeter Falls Campground
High Point Restaurant
Hwy 56 Coffee
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