Visiting Worley's Cave

Discussion in 'Adventure, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel' started by R Stowe, Jan 18, 2021.

  1. R Stowe

    R Stowe Moderator Staff Member

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    A buddy and I visited Worley's Cave just a few miles from Bristol, Tennessee. It's non technical in terms of rope work, but it does have some good crawls, a couple of spots where it's best to rig a handline, and a nice long creek walk at the back.

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    We're careful around these pools.

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    We don't want to muddy the waters on these guys.

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    Checking out some active formations.

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    My buddy sliding into one of the longer belly crawls. It was about 15 yards with one tight spot that took some maneuverability and patience.

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    These formations were incredibly consistent and there had to be a thousand "straws" along this wall.

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    Eppers Ledge. The map and information in Caves of Tennessee notes that rescue would be very difficult past this point. I'm sure the RAT team could handle it.

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    The final 1/2 mile required wading through knee to waist-deep water.

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    We took about 5 hours to totally work through the cave. It was an awesome adventure and I'm looking forward to searching out more local caves to check out.
     
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  2. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    What a great looking cave!!!! Did you have to get a permit?
     
  3. R Stowe

    R Stowe Moderator Staff Member

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    Thanks. Not for this one. It's on private property and you just sign a waiver and pay $8. There's a local guide service through USA Raft, but they're not required. We got most of our information from a book, The Caves of Tennessee, but outbound.com has some info as well.
     
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  4. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    Death waiver... got to love those. That means you are about to have some fun!!!!
     
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  5. R Stowe

    R Stowe Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep, if it mentions "possible maiming" break out the camera.
     
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  6. Jeff Randall

    Jeff Randall ESEE Knives / Randall's Adventure & Training Staff Member

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    Man that’s awesome. Nice pics also.
     
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  7. DYSPHORIC JOY

    DYSPHORIC JOY Administrator Staff Member

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    I haven’t been there in years. Cool place and one of the last caves in the area that doesn’t have trash in it.
     
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  8. R Stowe

    R Stowe Moderator Staff Member

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    Thanks Jeff. All of the photos are from IPhones, an 11 Pro and a 12. The newer models' night mode is pretty impressive.

    This was my second trip, but my first time going all of the way to the back. We only saw a few bottles down in crevasses near the front and a couple of fresh spray paint arrows.
     
  9. The Warrior

    The Warrior Member

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    Wow man, crazy. Beautiful, but I could never do that. I would get a bit on the claustrophobic side. Nice pics man, thanks for sharing.
     
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  10. R Stowe

    R Stowe Moderator Staff Member

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    Thanks. I’m usually good in tight spaces. This cave only has a few and it keeps the majority of people out of the back half.
     

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