Raccoon Mountain Caverns

319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419

423 821 9403

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145 visitor photos

Ranked #5 of 65 attractions in Chattanooga

163 Reviews

Type: Caverns/ Caves, Parks, Lookouts

Owner description: Raccoon Mountain Caverns is located just 1.3 miles off of I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit (#174), and is less than ten minutes from downtown... more » Owner description: Raccoon Mountain Caverns is located just 1.3 miles off of I-24 at the Lookout Valley exit (#174), and is less than ten minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Visitors are presented with a cave in its natural state and our 45-minute (+/-) Crystal Palace Walking Tour allows them to view thousands of diverse formations - stalagtites, stalagmites, delicate soda straws, flowstone, rimstone pools, draperies, columns, natural bridges, and a rare shield formation. We also offer a variety of wild cave "spelunking" expeditions for those who want to view beyond the lighted pathways and explore deeper into the mountain. Our Waterfall Dome expedition permits visitors to view the areas tallest underground, natural (unassisted) flowing waterfall.

Useful Information: Activities for older children

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163 reviews from our community

willhammonds

1 review

“Walking tour.. Not good.”

Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW via mobile

The walking tour was not impressive. The tour lasted five minutes and we could tell that the guide did not want to be there. If you go, I suggest that you go on the caving tour. It is much better!

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Hannahkay2013

Senior Reviewer

6 reviews

3 attraction reviews

Reviews in 5 cities

1 helpful vote

“Walking Tour :(”

Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Lasted five minutes. Tour guide hated his job and we could tell!!!!! Have never had worse customer service. If you come to the caverns, go for the wild cave tour! So much better!

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Cotontop17

Chattanooga, Tennessee

1 review

“Glad we purchased the annual pass”

Reviewed 13 May 2013

After living next door to the caverns for 7 years we finally decided to take the 45 minute cavern tour. I can't believe we waited so long. Our guide, Avery, was amazing! The natural beauty of the caverns combined with Avery's enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the cavern itself and the history made this tour absolutely fascinating! Can't wait to... More

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Thank you very much for visiting our cave and viewing the incredible beauty that exists under Raccoon Mountain. The annual pass offers exceptional value and permits you unlimited Crystal Palace Walking Tour visits during the year. The cave experiences seasonal changes during the year. The winter and spring tend to be the wetter months outside and more water soaks into... More

Dana_butler

Ellabell, Georgia

1 review

“Better than Ruby Falls”

Reviewed 1 May 2013

Awesome experience! Wayyyy better than Ruby Falls. Smaller groups. Better pricing, more info from guides and discovered by the same man as Ruby Falls. Military friendly. Will revisit on next trip to Chattanooga.

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Thank you very much for visiting our cave and for your service in the military. We work hard to preserve our cave in its natural state and firmly believe that, like classrooms, more is learned in smaller groups. Our cave was opened by Leo Lambert in 1929. Up until this time, the local farmers would enjoy relaxing on a hot... More

Adaa70

Grand Island, Florida

2 reviews

“Great tour”

Reviewed 30 April 2013

After setting up our RV, we decided to take the guided tour of the cavern. Our guide, Colby, is young but he knows a LOT about caves. Having visited Carlsbad Caverns and Wind Cave, we were fairly knowledgable, but Colby made sure to add to our store of information.

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Thank you very much for staying with us on the campground and for touring the cavern. I mentioned your comments to Colby and he wanted me to extend his thanks to you for visiting the cave. He appreciated your comments as well. All our our guides are thoroughly trained in both the history of the cave, its geology, along with... More

Tfoutz

2 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

“Amazing cave experience!”

Reviewed 29 April 2013 via mobile

We just got done with a 45 minute cave walking tour. It was beautiful and informative. Our kids, ages seven and two, loved it. Paul was our guide, and he was so great! He answered all of our questions and explained everything we saw. This was our second time here. We always rent a cabin and stay because there is... More

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Thank you very much for your repeat visit and I am glad that you once again enjoyed your tour. I spoke with Paul and mentioned your comments to him. He was very appreciative and wanted me to thank you for visiting. I enjoyed viewing the attached pictures and especially of the cave salamander. This is because, despite all my access... More

lkakko

Nashville, Tennessee

Reviewer

3 reviews

2 helpful votes

“Awesome Cave Tour”

Reviewed 24 April 2013

We really enjoyed the Crystal Cavern Cave Tour and plan to return for one of their extended tours. The cave contains beautiful formations, and the tour guides are very friendly, and informative. The experience was much more relaxed and enojoyable than Ruby Falls, because we weren't rushed through the tour. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.

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See 2 more reviews by lkakko for Chattanooga

Thank you very much for taking time to visit our cave during your visit to Chattanooga. We believe that people learn best in small groups (much like students learn best in smaller classes) and believe that it makes a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. The Crystal Palace Walking Tour that you took is advertised as being 45-minutes, +/-. This is... More

Dawn L

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Senior Reviewer

9 reviews

7 attraction reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

2 helpful votes

“Really nice cave”

Reviewed 24 April 2013

Very informative tour guides and friendly. Had a lot of patience for those of us who "lingered" a bit too long taking in all the sights!!!

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See 3 more reviews by Dawn L for Chattanooga

Thank you very much for visiting our cave and for your comments. I am glad that you enjoyed your tour. It is amazing at what exists under the very mountains that we see each day. I noticed that you are from Chattanooga and suggest that you might want to inquire at the office about a season pass. This permits unlimited... More

Jim J

Duluth, Georgia

2 reviews

“Good introduction cave”

Reviewed 24 April 2013

We thoroughly enjoyed our guided walk through the cave. It's a whole new world underground. The young guide was real knowledgeable about the cave and it was a great two hour or so long walk. More reasonable price than some of the other caves tours I have heard about.

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Thank you very much for taking the time to visit our cave and I am glad that you enjoyed your tour. It is indeed "a whole new world underground" as the cave is a delicate ecosystem that features some life forms such as the Crystal Cavern (prior name for our cave) Cave Spider that exisit in the near constant 60-degree... More

Dilman1995

Alpharetta, Georgia

1 review

“Great Time”

Reviewed 23 April 2013

We visited on Sunday 4/21/2013. Paul was our tour guide and he was great. He told us everything about the history of the cave and the science behind it. We only did the 45 min tour. This tour is a great starting point if you are usure about going in a cave. This can be fun for all ages. I... More

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Thank you for visiting our cave and for taking the Crystal Palace Walking Tour. I spoke with Paul and thanked him for doing a good job. I also appreciate your picture that was taken within the Crystal Palace Room looking back towards Grandfather Rock. I hope that you are able to return in the future to experience one of our... More