America's great caverns: from massive limestone "cathedrals" to vast underground lakes, cave tours showcase glistening natural palaces dripping with pure fantasy and sheer beauty - Directory

Travel America, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Randy Mink

TENNESSEE

Cumberland Caverns, McMinnville, TN 37110; (931) 668-4396; www.cumberlandcaverns.com. The state's largest show cave has one of the largest cave rooms in the eastern U.S. and presents the sound-and-light show "God of the Mountain."

Forbidden Caverns, 455 Blowing Cave Rd., Sevierville, TN 37876; (865) 453-5972; www.forbiddeneavern.com. Not far from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, this cave was used as a hideaway for making moonshine in the 1930s. Waterfalls, natural chimneys, and a large wall of onyx dazzle visitors. A sound-and-light presentation enhances the experience.

Lost Sea, 140 Lost Sea Rd., Sweetwater, TN 37874; (423) 337-6616; www.thelostsea.com. Glassbottom boat ours glide along America's largest underground lake, which is stocked with huge rainbow trout. The cave is northeast of Chattanooga.

Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409; (423) 821-2544; www.rubyfalls.com. Each year 400,000 visitors see the cave's 145-foot waterfall, America's highest underground Waterfall open to the public. The roaring cascade deep inside Lookout Mountain was named for the wife of the man who discovered it in 1928.

TEXAS

Inner Space Cavern, P.O. Box 451, Georgetown, TX 78627; (512) 863-5545; www.innerspace.com. Hop a cable car down into the earth and see such formations as the Outer Cathedral, Flowing Stone of Time, and Soda Straw Balcony.

Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., Natural Bridge Caverns, TX 78218; (210) 651-6101; www.naturalbridgetexas.com/caverns. Located between San Antonio and New Braunfels, this marvelous cave has huge rooms, small lakes, and "a forest of rock," plus castles and canyons.

VIRGINIA

Luray Caverns, Box 743, Luray, VA 22835; (540) 743-6551; www.luraycaverns.com. This Shenandoah Valley attraction, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the most visited cave in the East. its Great Stalacpipe Organ produces music when electronically controlled rubber-tipped plungers strike stalactite formations encompassing 3 1/2 acres. Luray Caverns also has Luray Singing Tower (a 47-bell carillon) and an antique car/carriage museum.

Shenandoah Caverns, Box 1, Caverns Road, Shenandoah Caverns, VA 22847; (540) 477-3115; www.shenandoahcaverns.com. Limestone artistry includes the Bacon Formations in Bacon Hall Capitol Dome, Oriental Garden, and Grotto of the Gods.

A directory of cave attractions is available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to National Caves Association, P.O. Box 280, Park City, KY 42160; (866) 552-2837 (outside of Kentucky) or (270) 749-2228.