ROCKVALE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Located in western Rutherford County, Snail Shell Cave is 13 miles of underground water passage through the limestone of Middle Tennessee.
Snail Shell Cave has been known by local residents for years. In 2002, the Southeastern Cave Conservancy purchased the cave to conserve it for scientific research and education, while still allowing the public to visit the property.
The cave is at the bottom of a 100-foot deep by 300-foot wide sinkhole. It should be noted that it is a steep trek down the sides of the sinkhole to reach the cave’s entrance. In fact, the cave itself is for experienced cavers, not beginners, especially since the cave is not lit like commercial caves.
Bob Biddix is the property manager for the cave and is an expert caver.
“It’s a very enjoyable cave,” Biddix said. “But the water itself does mean that it’s going to be fairly cold. The temperature is 56 degrees year-round. That means the water is also 56 degrees. That said, hypothermia can be a big problem if you don’t come in properly prepared with exposure suits, wet suits, things of that nature. But it’s a wonderful, wonderful cave that has lots of unique formations and things to see.”
“The cave itself is one of the longer water caves in the state, if not the entire United States, consisting of about thirteen miles of surveyed passage” Biddix added. “Most of it is water. There are very few dry passages, but most of it is water-filled passage.”
Since the cave isn’t recommended for beginners, News 2’s Davis Nolan asked Brian Krebs, a member of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, for a few tips about safe caving.
“Don’t ever cave alone, although some people do,” Krebs said. “Always let somebody know when you are going and when you expect to be out. Three sources of light are a great idea, a helmet just like I am wearing or something similar that’s got a chinstrap. Take extra food, water, and a couple of layers with you in case in case you get cold. Extra batteries aren’t a bad idea.”
Protection from the water and cold is a must in the Snail Shell Cave.
To visit the property, you have to obtain a permit from the Southeastern Cave Conservancy. For a permit, click here.
