The Little Known Cave In Tennessee That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once
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Meghan Kraft
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Ask any Tennessean what caves you should visit, and they’ll likely recommend favorites like Cumberland Caverns, The Lost Sea, and maybe even the Bell Witch Cave. But few will recommend Dunbar Cave in Clarksville because not many know about it. While it may not be very crowded, this Middle Tennessee cave is historically and geologically fascinating, and everyone should visit at least once. You’ll be amazed at just how much Dunbar Cave has to offer.
Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville used to be a natural area in the country that was a day destination for people in the area. Today, it's in a residential area as the city has spread out to it. Of course the cave has been there for much longer. Archaeologists have found artifacts over 10,000 years old inside!
As you approach the cave, you see Swan Lake, a man-made lake created by damming the water that comes from the mouth of cave.
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The mouth of the cave is just a small slit in the rocks, but this spot had a lot of significance to the area in the '30s and '40s.
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The formations at the mouth of the cave make a great amphitheater that stays cool on hot summer days, so the spot was used for concerts in the '30s and '40s.
Many visitors to Dunbar Cave assume that the park's iconic archways are the entrance to the cave, but they actually were designed to bolster the concrete dance floor above, at the real mouth of the cave.
The cave is actually quite large, stretching over eight miles into the limestone. Tours are only offered in the summer and not very often. Other activities are available, including yoga in the mouth of the cave.
Whether you like history, caves, lakes, hiking, or all of the above, Dunbar Cave State Park is a must-visit. Check it out in Clarksville at 401 Dunbar Cave Rd.
Looking for more great day trip ideas in Tennessee? Try this hiking trail that leads to an incredible 360-degree panoramic view.
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