Most People Don't Realize That There Is An Underground Quarry Right Here In Tennessee

We’re sure you could rattle off a series of neat places to visit while in Tennesee, but have you ever heard of Rock Quarry Cave? It’s a location known by few and visited by even fewer in Erin, Tennessee. Learn more about this abandoned spot below! We were positively gobsmacked.

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It most likely will come as a shock to some folks that there is a natural wonder hiding right behind this Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Erin, Tennessee. It's not just the kind of place where you buy some eggs and bread...

Delinda Haynes - Youtube

...but also where you ogle at Tennessee's profound beauty.

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Delinda Haynes - Youtube

The town of Erin, Tennessee is known as the state's own little "Ireland." It's a beautiful, green enclave that hosts a tiny community that has a deep history in the business of limestone.

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Brent Moore - Flickr

If you're ever in downtown Erin, you should head on down to the local Piggly Wiggly where you'll find a large rock jutting out from behind the grocery store. It is a part of a large cave, one that was constructed to be a part of the operating limestone quarry.

Brent Moore - Flickr

You'll want to be careful because the quarry is no longer operating and now floods. It's beautiful, of course, with the large pond and the ducks that congregate on its surface, but you'll want to be careful not to slip and fall. The area isn't protected or maintained, so you visit at your own risk.

Brent Moore - Flickr

If you keep your eyes peeled you'll even see the remains of a large furnace that once serviced the quarry. There's even a sign that examines the quarry's history, so take a look! This particular lime kiln was built in the 1880s and was utilized for road, bridge, and dam construction in the 1940s.

Brent Moore - Flickr

If you're looking for Rock Quarry Cave, know that you'll want to direct yourself to the Erin, Tennessee Piggly Wiggly. Make sure that you're careful in the surrounding areas and respect local rules and regulations. Even if you're only able to see the quarry from afar, it's worth it!

What a wild place to visit! You can see a few more photos here:

Have you ever been to this surprisingly hidden underground quarry in Erin, Tennessee? Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments!