For many, the heat may be unbearable. But for a few local adventure seekers, one particular outdoor experience provides a unique way to cool down—underneath the outdoors.
Thousands of caves hidden throughout the Chattanooga region offer cool, year-round temperatures of 55 degrees, providing a natural respite from hotter above ground conditions. While the unique experience of spelunking may lure people underground, experts advise that anyone thinking of heading into a cave plan accordingly.
Marty Abercrombie, chairperson for the Chattanooga Grotto Club, has been spelunking for more than seven years in the "TAG" cave system, which spans across Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.
The system, regarded as one of the finest in the country, was formed by the dissolution of limestone by acidic water over millions of years, which formed networks of cavernous holes underground that many compare to sponges or swiss cheese.
"The air is cool, which is nice, but it gets cold after awhile," Abercrombie said. "And the water in caves is considerably colder, which means you could get hypothermia if you don't dress appropriately."
Many of the entrances to wild caves in the area are located on private property, leading Abercrombie and his group to do their best to maintain healthy relationships with gatekeepers.
Caving Safety Tips
- Never go alone.
- Always tell someone where you are going, and when you will return.
- Bring multiple sources of light.
- Bring appropriate gear, such as a helmet, gloves, long-sleeved clothes, and boots.
- Dress warmly.
Safety is paramount to keeping things cordial, as caving accidents are not out of the ordinary.
In February, two University of Florida students were killed during an expedition to Walker County's 586-foot deep Ellison's Cave, after contracting hypothermia underground. In May, a man was rescued after being trapped in a Franklin county cave for more than 24 hours.
Philip Grymes, executive director for Outdoor Chattanooga, said that there are plenty of "controlled" caving opportunities for people without experience, such as guided trips into the Raccoon Mountain Caverns, located just a few miles outside Chattanooga.
"The tours at Raccoon Mountain are a little more wild, where you can get dirty and crawl and have more of a true caving experience," said Grymes. "There's more caves in this area than anywhere else in the country, and that's a great way to take advantage of getting to see them. You don't just want to go climbing into a cave on a whim."
Grymes said that while the guides at Raccoon Mountain would be helpful in pointing aspiring spelunkers to other caves in the area, that attending a meeting of the Chattanooga Grotto Club would be good next step for seeking out more underground adventure.
The club meets on the second Monday of every month, at the Nature Center.
