Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please e-mail us raccoon1@raccoonmountain.com or call us 423-821-9403 or 800-823-2267.

What is included with a Wild Cave Expedition?

* We provide you with a safety helmet, headlamp with battery pack, gloves, and a duffel bag (overnight tours).  We provide standard size Army duffel bags and you must be able to fit all your belongings into the bag.  Please do not bring items that you will not need as they just take up valuable space.  Do not bring framed backpacks.

* Knowledgeable, highly trained guides

* Overnight groups are invited to join us for a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning after their tour.

* One leader receives a complimentary admission with every 10 paid explorers.  This leader must be willing to accept responsibility for maintaining discipline within the group.

What should I wear on the tour?

* No expensive clothing! The tour can be rugged, wet, and muddy with occasional walking in several inches of water.

* Wear long pants. Blue jeans work well, but coveralls, overalls, or work pants are acceptable.  Please do not wear anything with an elastic waist as they tend to be pulled down (or even off) when belly crawling.

* Please do not bring paper-type disposable coveralls as they tear easily and offer virtually no protection.

* Wear either a long-sleeved T-shirt or a short-sleeved T-shirt with a flannel shirt over it. Sweat pants and jackets tend to be too hot.  Please remember that, even though the cave is always 60 degrees, you can get hot and even break a light sweat during the crawls.

* Hiking boots or high top sneakers (no street shoes). Boots or athletic shoes with good traction are necessary.  Worn out, slick sneakers are dangerous! No shoes with cleats as, while they give traction in the mud, are dangerous on bare rocks. 

* We will provide you with helmets, gloves, and kneepads to use. This equipment is essential and must be worn during the tour.

* Eyeglasses tend to fog up when you are staying still but clear up with movement.  Consider bringing an elastic sport strap to hold your glasses on while you are caving.

What else should I bring?

* An adventurous spirit!

* Canteen for drinking water (must attach at belt)

* Complete change of clothes as you will probably get dirty.

* A plastic bag for dirty clothes and gear.

Can I purchase items that I forgot to bring?

* We sell a variety of camping supplies, toiletries, batteries, film, disposable cameras, snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks in our gift shop.

What extra items are needed for overnight expeditions?

* You will need to bring a sleeping bag or bed roll, small pad (camping pads work very well, and a plastic sheet. Please make sure that the plastic does not have any paint chips on it as they will stick to the cave floor and might upset the delicate ecosystem within the cave.

* Clean clothes to sleep in. Sweat pants, sweatshirts, and warm socks work well.  While people stay warm during the tour even though the cave is a constant 60 degrees, they quickly lose body heat to the ground.  If you chill easily, we suggest you pack an extra jacket.

* Small flashlight for campsite after tour.  Glow sticks are good for those who do not enjoy total darkness.

* Drinking water

* Small plastic bag for trash removal

Are cameras permitted inside the cave?

* Yes, but disposable cameras are highly recommended as expensive cameras can be easily damaged while caving.

Can I take food into the cave on an overnight tour?

* Certain snacks can be brought into the cave. We suggest either water or Gatorade / Powerade for drinking.  Sport top bottles work best.  Carbonated beverages such as soft drinks are prohibited as they can easily explode and leave a sticky mess. As for snacks, beef jerky and most candy bars are acceptable except for those that contain flour as they may crumble.  Baked goods such as crackers are also prohibited.  In summary, no carbonated beverages, no glass containers, no coolers, and nothing that crumbles.

Are restroom facilities available during the tour?

* Portable restroom facilities are located near the sleeping areas.

Can I shower after my tour?

* We have a bathhouse with private showers that you may use. Large groups are asked to keep showers as short as possible to minimize waiting times.  Group leaders are asked to supervise their group and to make sure that there is no horseplay and that the facilities are not damaged. 

Do you have an achievement patch?

* Yes! Anyone who completes a wild cave expedition is eligible to purchase a specially designed patch.  These are available in our gift shop.

What is your deposit policy?

* An advance deposit of $20.00 per person ($100.00 minimum) is necessary to reserve a specific date and time.  Reservations, including deposits, are required at least 14 (fourteen) days prior to your scheduled tour.  We strongly suggest that you contact us as early as possible to determine tour availability for a specific date.

You deposit is fully refundable providing that we receive written notice of cancellation at least one week prior to your scheduled tour date.  Otherwise, we will hold your deposit for an additional 60 (sixty) days to permit rescheduling.  Your deposit will be forfeited if your tour is not rescheduled within the 60 day period.  The deposit for any tour that is postponed within one week of the arrival date is nonrefundable if the tour is later cancelled for any reason.

What if someone changes their mind before going into the wild cave?

* There will be no charge if a person changes their mind and decides not to go caving prior to entering the cave. After entering the cave but before entering the wild cave area, the full admission charge less a $10.00 fee will be refunded.  We regret that no refund of any kind is possible once you enter the wild cave area.

Our highly trained guides and staff strive to make sure that you will have a safe and memorable caving experience. If you have any additional questions or concerns that were not addressed in the above paragraphs, you are encouraged to contact us.  We have extensive experience in caving and take thousands and thousands of people caving each year.  As a result, we have extensive knowledge of the “do’s and don’ts” of caving which we will be glad to share with you.

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