The Largest Underground Lake In The U.S. Is Here In Tennessee And It’s An Unforgettable Adventure
By Chris Dodge|Updated on November 15, 2023(Originally published November 16, 2022)
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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.
We have a couple of record-breaking feats done right here in the volunteer state, for instance, Ruby Falls. This is the tallest free-falling waterfall open to the public in the country, pretty impressive right? For today, I want to take you to another mind-blowing underground attraction. Craighead Caverns is known as The Lost Sea Adventure and this is one of the most interesting caves we have in the state — that’s saying a lot for a state with 10,000 caves. This phenomenal geological wonder is the country’s largest underground lake, in Sweetwater, Tennessee. It is an absolutely magical place with its turquoise translucent waters, dynamic lights, and excellent rock formations. You can tour this cave year-round, and we have to say, it is definitely an unforgettable adventure.
The Lost Sea Adventure takes you 140 feet into the Craighead Caverns for a magnificent journey to the country’s largest underground lake. Tours through the cave are incredibly popular, so we recommend buying tickets online before you go (link below).
You will start your adventure down the long, yellow, cylindrical hallway. The cool 58-degree air will greet you from the cave below. The walls resemble those of a submarine, which is fitting for the deep drive you will be doing underground to get to the lake.
The Craighead Caverns have a long history which includes the Cherokee people who used the cave for shelter and Confederate soldiers mining to make gunpowder. Along the way, you will see fascinating rock formations while hearing great information from your tour guide.
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Soon you will arrive at the ramp leading to the lake. The large iron walls resemble the inside of a boat that could have been used in World War II.
Spanning a little over four acres, the lake feels huge nestled into its underground confinement. The translucent waters glisten in the low lights of the cave, and the water gives off a distinct blue hue.
Head to the docks where you will get into your tour boat and traverse the iconic lake itself.
The depth of the lake starts on one side and is only about five feet deep, sloping down dramatically to 70 feet at its lowest point. Be on the lookout for the rainbow trout that call the lake home. After spending so much time underground, they have lost most of their eyesight and much of their original color. Seeing the fish peacefully swimming around in their underground home is just a bonus to this grand adventure.
If a peaceful stroll through the underground doesn't sound quite as exciting to you, then you can book a Wild Cave Tour. These more intense tours will allow larger groups to see areas that the main tour does not explore. Rare rock formations and a close look at the fascinating history will all be part of this experience.
You will also get the chance to squeeze into tight spaces and you will get dirty. Not only will you be able to explore in a more traditional spelunking manner but you will also be spending the night in the caverns.
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If squeezing through tight spaces and sleeping in a cave doesn't sound like your version of a good time then perhaps a stay at this Sweetwater farm is more suitable for you.
This beautiful farm and stable location is saturated in Tennessee countryside charm. Stay the night and see the animals. The Lost Sea Adventure is less than a 10-minute drive away.
Taking a trip to the underground to Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater, Tennessee, is a blast for the whole family. Seeing the unique rock formations, traversing the cave, gliding over the waters of the largest underground lake in the country, and seeing the fish make this one amazing way to spend the day. The cave is open year-round, and we highly recommend taking a trip to experience it for yourself.
For more information or to buy your tickets in advance, please visit The Lost Sea Adventure website. Also, make sure you check out this video from Through My Lens to get an up-close look at this glorious cave.
The town of Sweetwater recently made it on our list of small towns that Tennessee just wouldn’t be the same without. Check it out.
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Caves In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|November 15, 2023
What are the best caves in Tennessee?
With around 10,000 caves to explore, finding the best caves in Tennessee might be hard to narrow down. However, here are some of my favorites:
