Caving Tours
Mastered the overland? Let's go under-land. caving, or Spelunking as we call it is one of the most intense and physically challenging adventures we've done. Tennessee has over 10,000 caves, 3000 more than any other state and we want to explore them all. For the first time ever, Red Clay Rally will be offering wild caving tours to private groups, We will explore one of the longest caves in the state, nestled in the mountains just outside Bristol, Tennessee.
Our Tours
Will take you deep underground into one of the longest caves in Tennessee. Our experienced guides will talk about local folklore surrounding this cave, rock formations you'll see, and detail cave conservation. We will also cover basic safety, and cave maneuvers. This tour is geared towards novice cavers seeking a thrill. This tour will be physically challenging to even the most athletic visitors. We will offer 3 tours to participants.
Half-Day: This tour is 3.5 to 4.5 hours long and covers an approximate 4 mile loop. While there are low clearance sections in this tour, nothing is extremely confined. This section includes unsure footing, Near vertical climbs and a trek through 12" deep water water. Participants should be prepared to lift themselves up onto waist-height boulders using only their upper body strength.
This tour will cover an approximate 8 mile loop to the final sump of the cave. It will require 6.5 to 8.5 hours to complete and will include two sections of slope requiring rigging, off-camber footing throughout, and numerous confined space crawls. Participants may traverse 30" deep water. you should be comfortable belly-crawling and have good upper body strength. This tour will require Much more physical exertion than the half day tour.
2 Day Expedition
This tour will cover an approximate 10 mile trek to the final sump of the cave. Spelunkers will camp inside the cave and spend a total of approximately 14 to 18 hours underground. This will include multiple sections of rigging, extreme off-camber footing throughout, and numerous confined space crawls. Participants should be comfortable belly-crawling and have good upper body strength. You will need a sleeping mat, bat netting or small free standing tent, and sustenance/water for 2 days. Participants should be in good physical shape and comfortable for extended periods in confined spaces. Contact before booking. Requires guide approval.
What we supply
We will supply A suspension mountaineering helmet conforming to standard aNSi z89.1-14 to wear during your trip
Any rope, rigging, and harnesses necessary to complete the tour
Chemlights for trail marking
emergency Backup lighting and first aid
All of our guides are first aid and cpr certified.
What you need
A group of two (2) to eight (8) friends
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Two (2) led Headlamps with headbands you trust.
backup batteries for the headlamps.
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at least three (3) quality lightweight handheld flashlights preferably powered by an 18650 or 21700 battery, and
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one (1) replacement battery for each light.
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Durable pants or Coveralls you are willing to get muddy.
Good, grippy boots. Some prefer waterproof, some don't, but whatever you choose your feet will eventually get wet.
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Food and water for the duration of the trip.
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