We have had numerous requests for pictures so that you can get an idea of the adventure that awaits you at Raccoon Mountain Caverns. Photography within the cave is quite difficult as the light from flashes tends to bounce off of the closest rocks and often does not penetrate the depths of the area being pictured.  We are very grateful to Jerry Wallace, a Senior Wild Cave Guide, who took the pictures which appear on this page. Jerry spent many hours working on the lighting and precise shots in order to achieve exceptional pictures of our cave.  His hard work and attention to detail in his cave photography is very much appreciated.

Almost immediately after entering our cave, you will enter the Crystal Palace Room.  This is the third largest room in the cave system and is the largest cave formation chamber in the Southeast.  Depending upon the time of year that you visit, you may notice that many of the rocks and formations within the Crystal Palace Room (and throughout the cave) are slightly damp.  Our cave is a living cave and our formations “grow” via minerals being deposited out of seeping water. Once your group assembles within the Crystal Palace Room, your guide will stop and explain about the use of your lights and provide valuable information on proper caving techniques.  Emphasis is placed upon safety so please listen up!

At Raccoon Mountain Caverns, our guides are trained to move the group at the speed of its slowest member. It is especially important to note that the entire group does the tour and stays with the guide as no one is permitted to do any solo cave exploring. Caving is an excellent activity as it promotes group cooperation.  Individuals help each other as various obstacles are encountered. 

The Fossil Crawl Expedition (approximate tour time of 2 hours) gets its name from the abundant array of delicate fossils which are millions of years old.

The Echo Room Expedition (approximate tour time of 4 hours) is our most popular tour and includes a visit to Sandpaper Slide.

The Gypsum Flower Expedition (approximate tour time of 6 hours) is a very strenuous tour and includes a stroll through our stream passage.

Another memorable experience is found as you navigate around our famous canyon passage. It is imperative that you pay close attention to what you are doing and there is no problem as long as, between your two hands and two feet, that at least three of the four are touching the rocks at any point. Please also notice that we only touch the rocks and formations when we are wearing gloves.  Gloves protect our hands from the edges on the rocks and protect the rocks from the oils on our hands. These oils could otherwise deposit onto the rocks and prevent minerals within the dripping water from depositing. What you may view as a harmless touch could actually stunt the growth of the rocks / formations for up to 15 years!

Caving is a physically challenging activity and is not recommended for those with heart conditions, recent surgery, etc. If unsure, please call and ask as we want you to have a safe and memorable caving adventure. Your guide must be informed about any medical conditions (asthma, bad knees, bad back, diabetes, etc. before entering the cave.

Special thanks again to Jerry Wallace for these exceptional pictures.

Thank you for visiting this page and always remember the Caver’s Motto: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.”

[Welcome] [About Us] [Expeditions] [Scouts / Youth Groups] [Pictures] [FAQ] [Waivers]