Caves, Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls: Where to Cool Off in Tennessee

There are approximately more than 8,500 Tennessee caves. Roughly 10-12 of them are open to the public, offering ample opportunities to cool off and explore cave systems. In this section, you'll find caves near Gatlinburg and caves near Pigeon Forge such as Forbidden Caverns as well as a cave with an underground waterfall.

One of the best caves to visit in Tennessee is Dunbar Cave State Park. Not only is the cave beautiful to look at, you can even take a tour inside to see Mississippian Native American cave art.

• Parking: Ample, paved parking is available at the Visitor Center
   
• Accessibility features: Dunbar Cave isn't ADA accessible, but  there is a virtual reality tour for $9 ages 10 years and older that utilizes 360-degree immersive film at the wheelchair-friendly Visitor Center. The visitor center also has an adult-sized changing table. The Resort Trail is a paved 0.45-mile trail.
   
• Operational hours: Park office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST
   

• Ticketing: 
  Enter the Underworld 1-hour tour
  May 10-31 - weekends only
  June 9-Aug. 31 - Fridays-Tuesdays
  Sept. 5-27 - Saturdays and Sundays only
  $18/adult (13 years and older)
  $13/adult (5-12 years old)

  Unknown Realms 2-hour tour
  June 6-July 26 - 2 p.m. tours Saturdays and Sundays
  $36 per person (8 years and older)

  Spray Hall 1-hour tour
  June 24-Aug.31 - 2 p.m. tours Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
  $18 per person (8 years and older)

Take a tour of Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville to see cool rock formations, natural chimneys, grottos and even a stream. The caves has many unique calcite formations still growing and has the largest wall of rare cave onyx or dripstones known to exist. The cave is a comfortable 58 degrees all year, making it the perfect summer escape to explore.

• Parking: Parking is limited and free. Utilizing rideshare services or visiting during the week are recommended.
   
• Accessibility: The tour is not recommended for those with mobility or respiratory issues. 
   
• Operational hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays April 1-Nov. 25. Last tour leaves at 4 p.m. 
  Closed for the season Thanksgiving Day through March.
   
• Ticketing:
  $25 - ages 13 and up
  $15 - ages 5-12
  Free - ages 4 and under

The famous Ruby Falls in Chattanooga is America's largest underground waterfall topping at 145 ft. high. You can explore the cave to learn about Leo Lambert who accidentally discovered the cave in Lookout Mountain and named the falls after his high school sweetheart and wife, Ruby Losey. Ruby Falls Cave, the waterfall and Ruby Falls Castle are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Parking: Ample, paid parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: ADA accessible parking is available. Wheelchair accessible venues include the Blue Heron Overlook, Village Plaza, Gift Shop, Back Porch Dining, restrooms, Castle Cafe and the Castle Front Porch. The cavern is not wheelchair accessible due to natural formations, narrow passages and small groupings of steps. For those who are mobile, but may be at a slower pace, The Gentle Walking Tour offers several opportunities to rest on benches along the cavern trail while your guide shares in-depth information. There is also a Low Sensory Cave Walk for guests requiring a low-sensory experience. The tour is available by request with a minimum of two weeks advance notice. Read more about Ruby Falls' accessible features. 
   
• Operational hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
   

• Ticketing: Tickets are sold exclusively online.
  Cave Walk to the Waterfall - Offered daily
  $29.95 - General admission (ages 13 and up)
  $19.95 - Children ages 4-12
  $28.95 - ages 65+, ID required for discounted tickets
  Free - Children ages 3 and younger

  Lantern Tour - Friday nights, after-hours
  $42.95 - ages 10 and up

  Junior Caver Tour - Offered select days
  $29.95

  History Tour - Offered select days
  $40.95 - appropriate for ages 12 and up

  Gentle Walking Tour - Offered select days
  $40.95 - appropriate for ages 12 and up

  Adults Exclusive Cave Walk - Offered select days
  $29.95 - Guests ages 15 and older are welcome

  Geology Tour - Offered select days
  $40.95 - Appropriate for guests ages 5 and older

Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater is where you can find the largest underground lake in North America, The Lost Sea. Walk through the caverns and then glide on the lake in a glass-bottom boat.

• Parking: Ample, paved parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: The Lost Sea is not ADA accessible due to the steep incline into the cave.
   
• Operational hours: 
  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November - February
  9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March, April, September and October
  9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May-August
   
• Ticketing: It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance to ensure your day and time are reserved.
  $29.95 - Adult
  $18.95 - Ages 4-12
  $28.95 - Senior
  $28.95 - Military Adult, ID required
  $17.95 - Military children ages 4-12
  Free - Children 3 and under

In Townsend, travel below the earth's surface to tour the Tuckaleechee Caverns, located under the Great Smoky Mountains and estimated to be 20-30 million years old. Inside, you'll see the Big Room that can fit a football field and Silver Falls, a cave waterfall, cascading 210 ft. from top to bottom. Tuckaleechee Caverns is also home to the most sensitive seismic station on earth, making the caverns critical for detecting earthquake activity.

Parking: Ample, paved parking is onsite.

Accessibility: The caverns are not wheelchair accessible due to steep stairs and wet surfaces.

Operational hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1-31
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1 - Oct. 31
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1-30

Ticketing:
$28 + tax - Adult
$15 + tax - Children ages 5-11
Free - Children ages 4 and under

Venture on a ranger-led tour of Buggytop Cave, also known as "Buggytop," part of the Head of the Crow State Park near Sewanee and Sherwood. The wild cave is reached by a 2-mile hike from the parking area to the cave entrance. It's highly recommended you join park staff on a ranger-led cave trip to familiarize yourself with the cave. The wild cave is ideal for experienced cavers. 

• Parking: Parking is available at the Buggytop Trailhead.
   
• Operational hours: The cave is open until sunset May 1 - Aug. 31.
   
• Ticketing: Only 40 Caving Permits are available on open days and group sizes are limited to 20. Every caver must obtain a permit and register online or with park management at least 3 days in advance. The park manager may close the cave at their discretion. Cavers must be out of the cave and off the trail by sunset. Do not disturb any formations or small animals that live in the cave.

If you're wanting a music experience but want to stay cool while doing so, head to The Caverns Sessions at The Caverns in Pelham. Here, you can enjoy Americana, bluegrass and country music from some of the industry's top artists while enjoying the cave formations located all around you. Take a cave tour during the day to see beautiful cave formations. Get a thrill on the Tombstone Pass Adventure Tour.

• Parking: Free parking and premium paid parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: The Caverns mostly consist of naturally formed caves and rock formations. If you anticipate you will be unable to traverse paths, The Caverns will do their best to accommodate you. Please email info@thecaverns.com to coordinate with the onsite team. The Caverns welcomes service animals in accordance with state and federal guidelines and as defined by the ADA. Only dogs are accepted as trained service animals. Support animals and pets are not allowed.
   
• Operational hours: Cave tours take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST Saturdays and Sundays. Extended hours for cave tours on concert days include tours departing at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. CST.
   

• Ticketing: 
  Ticket prices vary by show. Check the calendar for details

  Guided Cave Tour
  45 minutes to 1 hour - Moderate - All ages
  $22.95 - Adults
  $12.95 - Ages 3-12
  Free- Ages 2 and under

  Big Room Adventure Cave Tour
  2 hours - Strenuous - Ages 16 and up
  $75 + taxes and fees 

  Tombstone Pass Adventure Cave Tour
  3-4 hours - Extreme - Ages 16 and up
  $130 + taxes and fees

From the deep, clear waters of Cherokee and Douglas lakes in East Tennessee to Center Hill, Dale Hollow, Cordell Hull, Old Hickory and Tims Ford midstate and farther west to the sprawling Pickwick, Kentucky and Barkley impoundments, lakes are accessible to you for all types of recreation.

Norris Lake has more than 34,000 acres of water and more than 20 marinas that offer hotel, condo, home or campground accommodations. Explore 809 miles of shoreline or rent a ski boats, fishing, pontoon boats or jet ski.

• Parking: Parking is available around the lake at the Norris Dam State Park, marinas and public boat launches.
   
• Accessibility: Accessibility features are dependent on activity. Please contact the marina you're planning to visit for details. At Norris Dam State Park, the accessible paddling launch is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and located at Oak Grove Boat Ramp. Shelters 1 and 2 are wheelchair friendly. RV Sites 37, 39 and 41 are wheelchair-friendly and need to be specifically requested when making a reservation. Historic CCC Cabin 1 is wheelchair friendly and Standard Cabins 22 and 25 are wheelchair friendly. Cabin 25 has an accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower and shower seat.

Watauga Lake is the highest-elevated reservoir in Tennessee and, because of this, it's usually a few degrees cooler than similar locations. The lake covers 6,430 acres and has depths of 305 ft. at most. It's perfect for families or individuals who want to leisurely float down its 50 miles of slow-moving Class I water with occasional Class II spots.

• Parking: Public launches and marinas such as the Watauga Lake public boat launch, Fish Springs Marina, Lakeshore Resort & Marina and Shook Branch Recreation Area have ample parking. Some parking like at Rat Branch Boat Launch has daily parking fees.
   
• Accessibility: ADA features are dependent on where you visit around the lake. Contact your lake destination to inquire about ADA accessibility features.

Among the most scenic, Reelfoot Lake, nestled in the northwest corner of the state, is famous for its year-round fishing, wildlife watching (including eagle-viewing excursions) and lakeside dining.

• Parking: Reelfoot Lake State Park is your access point to the lake. Parking can be found at Keystone Pocket, the visitor center/museum, Eagle Basin, Blue bank, the Broad Slough Nature Trail trailhead and Kirby Pocket boat launch.
   
• Accessibility: ADA accessibility features include all-terrain wheelchairs specialized in navigating a wide range of terrains. These are free to the public for both children and adults. Reserve an all-terrain wheelchair. An adult-sized changing table is available at the state park. An accessible paddling launch is located at Kirby Pocket for kayaks and canoes. The boat dock and the boat ramp at Kirby Pocket is wheelchair-friendly. There is also wheelchair-accessible parking. Accessible venues include the visitor center, Cypress boardwalk, aviary and the nature center and museum. RV campsites 11, 12, 13, 30 and 32 are wheelchair-friendly with ADA fire rings, electric, water and sewer. Cabins 2 and 6 are wheelchair friendly.

Looking for river adventure? Tennessee delivers with Class III and IV rapids found on the Nolichucky River, Ocoee River and Pigeon River. If you like a peaceful, easy feeling when you’re on the flowing water, traverse the Caney Fork, Little Pigeon, Barren Fork and Buffalo rivers. They provide more tranquil canoeing, kayaking, tubing and stand-up paddle boarding.

The Duck River is the longest river located entirely within the state of Tennessee. The 269-mile river flows through Middle Tennessee and is a great spot for paddling and fishing for smallmouth bass. Two premier outfitters offer guided trips down the river - Higher Pursuits and The River Rat's Canoe Rental.

• Parking: Limited parking near access points are available along the river. If doing a guided trip with Higher Pursuits, you'll park in the gravel lot. There are limited spaces, so carpooling with your group is highly recommended. At River Rat's Canoe Rental, you can park at River Rat's main office and take the shuttle to the access point.

A challenging kayak or canoe trip can be found at the Wolf River, right outside of Memphis. The sunken cypress trees and conservation efforts to keep the river as natural as possible will make the twists and turns of your expedition an adventurous one. Because the Wolf River can be difficult to navigate, it's recommended to do a guided trip with one of the experienced volunteer trip leaders through The Wolf River Conservancy. See the activity calendar for upcoming trips.

The Holston River runs 274 miles and is home to 47 species of fish, perfect for a leisurely afternoon waiting on a bite. With a large amount of rainbow trout, redline darter and smallmouth bass, you won't be waiting long.

• Parking: Parking is available at Holston River Park and at marinas along the river.
   
• Accessibility: Accessible features vary by your lake destination. Please call the marina you're wanting to visit in order to inquire about their ADA features. An ADA compliant fishing ramp located at the Weir Dam area at 376 Holston View Dam Rd, Bristol, TN 37620.

On the scenic Harpeth River, canoes and kayaks can be rented for short or long trips with local outfitters providing drop-off and pick-up services. Part of the Harpeth River is designated a State Scenic River and is near Nashville, about 17.5 miles south of downtown Nashville.

• Parking: Parking is available at a number of hiking trail trailheads and river access points. Check out the map for Harpeth River State Park for all parking details.

Cummins Falls State Park is home to the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee. Sign up for a Gorge Access Permit to make the strenuous hike to the base of the falls. Here, you can take a dip in the swimming hole and hang out close to the thundering falls.

• Parking: The main parking area is located above the falls.
   
• Operational hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the off-season and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in-season. The gorge area closes at 5 p.m. during in-season. Hikers at the bottom of the waterfall must start walking out at 5 p.m. in order to get back to the parking lot and exit the park by 6 p.m.
   
• Accessibility: Cummins Falls has an accessible overlook of the falls. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent for children and adults. The visitor center offers accessible parking and a wheelchair-friendly restroom. Enjoy the Access Road hiking trail with an all-terrain wheelchair as well as the Falls Overlook Trail. The access road is gravel and is 0.65 miles. The Falls Overlook Trail is 0.35 miles and is a mixed surface.
   
• Ticketing: A gorge access permit is required to visit the base of the waterfall.

Rock Island State Park is your destination for majestic waterfalls, challenging hiking and swimming holes. The premier swimming hole is The Cold Hole, a refreshing place to swim and relax during the summer.

• Parking: Parking can be extremely limited. It's recommended to visit during the week when crowds tend to be lower. Parking is available at the beach, nature center, visitor center, some picnic areas and trailheads. View all parking availability with the state park map.
   
• Operational hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. The main office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The waterfall hiking trail to Rutledge Falls is considered easy that is 0.2 miles with a 29-foot elevation gain. It takes about 1 hour to complete. Your reward is the beautiful falls where you can also go swimming.

• Parking: Located near the trail entrance across the road from Rutledge Falls Baptist Church.

Fiery Gizzard State Park offers you a sprawling outdoor paradise full of rugged hiking trails, rock climing, fishing and, of course, waterfalls. There are several throughout the park. And, you can swim in the waters found at Blue Hole Falls, Foster Falls, Sycamore Falls and Hanes Hole Falls.

• Parking: Ample parking is available throughout the park at the visitor center and hiking trail trailheads like the Fiery Gizzard North and South Trailheads, Denny Cove Trailhead, and the Grundy Lakes Historic Area.
   
• Accessibility: The park offers accessible parking, restrooms and picnic areas at the welcome center and Grundy Lakes.
   
• Operational hours: The state park is open 8 a.m. til 30 minutes before sunset. The park office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

One of the best ways to see the waterways and cool off is by boat. Boats ranging from houseboats, pontoons and paddleboats to kayaks, jon boats and sailboats can be rented on most of the lakes and used for fishing, swimming and on-board cookouts.
 

• Lakes at Tennessee State Parks such as Pickwick Lake State Park, Big Hill Pond State Park and Cumberland Mountain offer great fishing for both beginners and experienced anglers.
   
• Tennessee has 320 species of fish, making it a diverse destination for anglers of all kinds.
   
• Try wrestling in monster catfish from the Tennessee River or battling tackle-busting stripers on Percy Priest Lake outside Nashville.
   
• Field & Stream magazine named the Cumberland River as having some of the best catfishing waters in the world.
   
• Enjoy the tranquility of East Tennessee mountain brooks in the Great Smoky Mountains and Tellico Plains, where rainbow trout dart through icy ripples.
   
• In Gatlinburg, special trout-fishing packages are available for visiting anglers.
   
• On Dale Hollow Lake, guided fishing trips can be booked year-round.
   
• Chickamauga Reservoir near Chattanooga holds the state record for largemouth bass and is gaining a national reputation for producing lunkers.
   
• Don’t miss out on fishing on one of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes located throughout the state that offer anglers premier access points constructed to a standard of excellence endorsed and designed by Bill Dance Outdoors.

You can opt to be on, in or alongside the water. In addition to boating, skiing, fishing and cruising, most lakes have designated swimming, camping and picnic areas. Most state parks located along lakes and rivers have trails carved along the scenic riverbanks and shimmering shorelines. In Tennessee, the water – and the fun – is usually just a smooth stone’s throw away.

One of the newest parks in Bolivar, Tennessee, Sand Beach Lake is the perfect place to hang out for the summer. Take out small boats, kayaks, paddleboats and canoes on the pristine 70-acre lake. Picnic, enjoy events at the amphitheater and stroll the walking trails.

• Parking: Ample, paved parking is available near Sand Beach Lake.

When you're on a summer vacation in the Smokies, cool off at the Douglas Headwater Public Swimming Beach. Enjoy a lake day with family and friends with a stunning mountain backdrop. 

• Parking: Parking is available at the Douglas Headwater Campground, close to the swimming beach.
   
• Accessibility: Several campsites, the pavilion, swimming beach, picnic area, and restrooms are ADA accessible.
   
• Operational hours: Enjoy the swimming beach May to October.

Located on the shores of Kentucky Lake, Eva Beach is a popular destination for swimming, lounging on the sandy shore and boating. The Eva site is a prehistoric Native American encampment which had 180 burials. It was a living site for thousands of years during the prehistoric Archaic Period (8000 to 1000 B.C.) A stone marking the archaeological dig conducted by University of Tennessee archaeologists in 1940 is located inside the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.

• Parking: Parking is available on Eva Beach Drive within the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.
   
• Accessibility: Eva Beach is ADA accessible with wheelchair-friendly parking near the shoreline, a concrete boat launch with an accessible dock and ADA-compliant fishing pier. Reserve an all-terrain wheelchair at the Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.