Bunkum Cave In Byrdstown, Tennessee, Is So Little-Known, You Just Might Have It All To Yourself
By Chris Dodge|Published May 30, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
You know, we are truly blessed here in Tennessee. We have beautiful lush green mountains, sweeping valleys, gorgeous forests, majestic waterfalls, and so much more. There are so many hidden gems in Tennessee to discover, in fact, that you can spend your whole life seeking them out. There is, as it were, an entire hidden world just underneath our feet filled with wonder. Did you know that there are about 10,000 caves in our state alone? That’s a staggering figure, and with so many of them, you might not have heard of this awesome cave in Byrdstown, Tennessee. Bunkum Cave is a lesser-known geological gem just waiting to be explored.
Bunkum Cave is hidden within the historic-themed Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park.
Following the life of Cordell Hull and his contribution to our US history is a fascinating side road to follow and you certainly can while you are there. The park has a replica of Hull's cabin and a museum with a variety of documents covering this accomplished man. The main focus for today is Buckum Cave, which is where Cordell’s father made moonshine -- and you, too, can explore this incredible hidden gem.
From the trailhead, you'll make your way along a pretty forest with trickling water and lush green trees.
The trail is a loop that will take you a little over two miles to complete. With nearly 300 feet of elevation gain, the trail is rated as "easy" -- but some people would rate the trail closer to "moderately difficult." The path is well-maintained and a staircase will take you to the entrance of the cave.
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The opening to the cave is an epic 100-foot-long and 50-foot-tall entrance that is certainly stunning to see.
There is no doubt when you stumble upon this gaping maw of the earth. I love finding these things while traveling in the woods and it always makes for some amazing photos. The trail itself is worth the trip, but that's not even the best part: you can even go in and explore the cave yourself.
The rangers will also be able to assist you with any questions you may have. Please note that a permit is required to get underground, but the permit is free. The cave is a precious and delicate piece of nature so they only allow 20 permits per day. That means there is a good chance you may have this whole experience to yourself, although caving alone is never recommended!
A stream, slithering salamanders, and rock formations are just a few examples of the wonder found underground. You never know what might be seen until the flashlight illuminates what is hidden, I find this to be one of the most exhilarating experiences while spelunking.
The cave is approximately a mile long and you are free to explore to your heart's content. Most places like this are reserved for tours and as much as we love touring caves, there is something special about heading to the underground at your own pace.
This cave in Byrdstown, Tennessee, is worth the visit to not only witness the sheer stunning size of the entrance but to dive deeper into the depths to find the beauty hidden in the dark. Bunkum Cave is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored so if you want any more information please make sure you visit the Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park website.
