History of Worley’s Cave
This property has been in our family for almost 100 years and we have been in this area of Tennessee for 250 years. We hope you enjoy this beautiful countryside as much as we have for all these years.
Have you seen the capsule in the back of the cave? You can thank the Watson siblings (photo on the right) for putting it back there over 20 years ago!
The cave has been mapped out to about 4.5 miles with many other side adventures along the way to the back. Historians say that the cave was used for mining saltpeter for ammunition during the Civil War. The original landowner was Elias S. Worley. A local by the name of John Morril led many explorations which is why you will sometimes hear the name Morrell’s Cave (along with a variety of spellings!). The name of Worley’s Cave has stood the test of time though and we like it that way.
If you have any interesting historical or current day stories then please share them with us on social media. We’d love to see you share your pictures on social media as well!
—
Tom Watson
FAQs
Do I need to schedule a trip?
No, we do not have “open” hours and do not do guided tours. This is truly a wild caving experience. All you need to do is sign up so we know who is on our property and pay for parking. You can do this on the website or at the front door of the house.
What should I expect on my trip?
Fun! Our cave is primitive. This means we do not have lights, rails, or any other type of assistance for your exploration. This is truly a wild exploration into the complete darkness of earth below.
How long will I be in the cave?
This is completely up to you. Most people are in the cave for a couple hours but if you go to the back it could take 4-6 hours depending on your pace.
Can I go by myself?
No. We do not want people to do solo trips in the cave. It is unsafe and you will not have a way to communicate to the outside world should you run into any trouble. We highly encourage you to enjoy the cave with great friends and even consider going with a local caving guide. You will remember this experience for years to come!
What should I bring into the cave?
Clothes - You should bring clothes that you do not mind getting caked with mud. Also bring a change of clothes so that you can ride home in something clean. The cave is 55 degrees year around.
Shoes - It is recommended that you wear mid to high sole hiking shoes. Your feet will get wet so waterproof shoes would be even better.
Lights - You should bring a headlamp along with extra batteries. Additionally, you should bring at least 2 other sources of light with additional batteries. Seems like this is an area where you will never regret going overboard
Other items - Water, food, helmet, backpack, gloves, did we mention lights and batteries?
How much does it cost?
We charge $10 per person for parking and accept payment through Venmo, CashApp, or cash. If you are paying by cash then drop it off along with your Release of Liability and Conditions of Use form at the slot in the front door. This fee is meant to help keep the property in good condition years to come.