Noob looking for action in TN

[KosherPig]

Hello everyone! I am an extreme Noob to caving. Living in South Florida, its quite hard to make it routine, but I plan to do a little exploration over the Xmas break. I've been to the Oregon Caves and Ruby Falls (I know, nothing but tourist traps) and would like to explore some more. I will be at Mammouth Caves on 12/26 & 12/27 and already got my tickets, however, I want to do a few more.

I'd like to do a short cave trip either late afternoon on 12/22 or early morning 12/23 as I plan to stay in the Manchester, TN area that night.

I'll be in Knoxville from the 28th-30th. I'm also looking for some good caving between Knoxville and the Florida border on my way back home off I-75 between 12/30 & New Year's.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If there are any groups gathering, I'd love to tag along.

Over the past 4 years, I've done lots of camping/hiking/rafting (mostly Class 4+) in the Southeastern US, mostly in the Smokey Mountains region. I've also explored Northern Cali including the Redwoods and southern Oregon and am always looking for new places to go. One of my favorite spots to camp in Suches, GA on Cooper's Creek.

Thanks everyone!

[wendy]

have you gotten to do any florida caving yet? There are 4 active caving grottos in Florida. The central florida grotto in Orlando is closest to you.

[TAGCaver]

we are cooking up a trip to blue springs cave 12/29, if you were around then, it would be a must see. Not really a short trip, probably 8 -10 hrs underground. however, just thought i would tell you in case things change.

chris

[tcreim]

I'm looking for caving pals too. I've been flying into Chattanooga regularly and expect to return January 24th. I don't know any regular buddies.

I was just there this last weekend so I can't come back up til January(family obligations). Blue Spring is a cave I was hoping hit someday soon.

Last trip was for several days. We did Whiteside for an afternoon. I got on rope and did GourdNeck for a bit and then Howards Waterfall. Hoping to return to Howards Waterfall to head down into those pits a bit.

Last day took a trip up to Kennemar and found the crawl-in entrance. Spent some time checking out the cave there but was not prepared for the full 8 hr traverse. Maybe next time!?

[Davidb101]

Hey I live in southeastern area (Tennessee/Kentucky Borders) I have some underground experience. I know where some very extravagant caves exist and along the Pine Mountain area with finding the caves I've found Indian artifacts the caves are cold and seem to run deep some have huge clay rooms that almost look like they have man-made steps in them at the mouth of the cave it posses the names and dates of people from the 1850's rumor has it a arrowhead made of silver was discovered there and it was 85% silver to verify that a book was written about it the arrowhead was tested by numerous jewelers. I am very familiar with the mountain. The reason for posting this is there is nobody that I know personally who does this kind of thing but if you, or anybody that you know is interested in going new places and checking out some caves that need mapping you can contact me, e-mail me for my contact information: Davidb101@live.com and we will go from there maybe get the chance to explore some more of "God's country"
-David Blakley

[mgmills]

Hey I live in southeastern area (Tennessee/Kentucky Borders) I have some underground experience. I know where some very extravagant caves exist and along the Pine Mountain area with finding the caves I've found Indian artifacts the caves are cold and seem to run deep some have huge clay rooms that almost look like they have man-made steps in them at the mouth of the cave it posses the names and dates of people from the 1850's rumor has it a arrowhead made of silver was discovered there and it was 85% silver to verify that a book was written about it the arrowhead was tested by numerous jewelers. I am very familiar with the mountain. The reason for posting this is there is nobody that I know personally who does this kind of thing but if you, or anybody that you know is interested in going new places and checking out some caves that need mapping you can contact me, e-mail me for my contact information: Davidb101@live.com and we will go from there maybe get the chance to explore some more of "God's country"
-David Blakley

Check this link http://www.caves.org/grotto/pmg/ for the Pine Mountain Grotto. There is a link on that page for meeting information. There are also some active grottos in northeast TN. East Tennessee Grotto and Mountain Empire Grotto come to mind. Click on the link on the main page of the Discussion Board to Find a Caving Club/Grotto. Tennessee has lots of grottos.

I live in Southeast TN near AL and GA and do most of my caving there especially with the rising cost of gas.