Archive for the ‘Cave Exploring’ Category
Paved, well lighted walkways wind through the vaulted chambers and along the banks of the ancient Underground River that carved these remarkable caverns from the hard core of the earth 200 to 400 million years ago. In the frontier days, Indians used the Underground River as an attack and escape route in their raids on settlers. Stealing into the area by way of the Underground River and the caverns, they swooped down on unsuspecting families, then disappeared as if swallowed up by the earth.
I know, I know, why would I go to Bristol TN when I’m visiting Asheville NC. I’ll tell you why. As long as you are here and you are so close, just driving distance, and you want to see everything around, you will want to check out the many caverns in the area. There were no state lines when they were created. Stay at your Asheville Pet Friendly Cabin and leave for a day trip to explore both of the Tennessee caverns mentioned in this blog, this one and the Appalachian one. You won’t be sorry.
For many years, the cavern lay in silence broken only by the sound of the water, the animals that called it home, and the occasional human who made their way into it. It was home to many wild animals, used by local people as a home, celebrated by the Native Americans as a place to hold special meetings, a weekend hangout for local kids, and had many other varied uses down through the years. In 1991, it was opened to the public as a show cave for the first time in its’ long and varied history. Since that time, the caverns have had many visitors through its magnificent chambers. It is a bat sanctuary for the endangered gray bats, as well as home to 6 other species, and is a testament to the beauty not only in the world above, but also in the world underneath that many have forgotten exists.
Going to these caves would be a little bit more than an hour and a half trip each way from your Asheville vacation cabin. It would be a day trip, but an interesting and fun one. A stop in Johnson city to put together a picnic basket for a picnic once you get to the caverns would be a really nice idea.
Linville Caverns is located in Marion NC, just a short distance from Asheville NC. Definitely an easy and worthwhile day trip from your Asheville rental cabin. You get to see inside a mountain. Lots of hanging things and big caverns and a lake and Linville Falls is just right there. A really fun excursion.
From Asheville, NC : Take Interstate 40 East to exit 72 (Old Fort), staying straight off exit ramp on US 70 East for 10-12 miles. Turn left at intersection with US 221 (Wal-Mart & McDonald’s on left) travelling north for 18 miles. Cave entrance on left. Approx. Travel Time: 75 mins.