Thunderhole Nature Preserve
KEY STATS
Putnam County, Tennessee
2020
562 feet
In 2020, the NSS signed a Memo of Understanding to re-open a classic TAG pit to experienced cavers. The 129-foot pit is formed at the Hartselle-Monteagle contact and during rainfall, a waterfall occurs the full length of the wall opposite of the entrance and disappears into the floor. Thunderhole has been dye-traced to caves in Hidden Hollows Springs. The amazing generosity of the landowner allows cavers to enjoy access and helps the NSS with our mission of education, exploration, and conservation of caves.
Want to Visit?
On January 9, 2020, the NSS Board of Governors unanimously approved a Joint Management Agreement and NSS Preserve Management Plan for Thunderhole Cave. The Preserve Management Team has organized push trips into the cave and plans to clean trash out of the cave using volunteers.
Cavers with appropriate experience and gear may enter Thunderhole by completing a waiver and obtaining a permit to visit this preserve. Approval of all permits will be at the discretion of the Preserve Management Team. The Preserve Access Rules will be provided to applicants upon approval of their permit.
To request a permit, click on the button at the top of this page or go to the Permit System where you will be prompted to create a login and select the NSS Nature Preserve for which you would like a permit.
Requests for access can be made by applying for a permit through the Permit System where you will be prompted to create a login and select the NSS Nature Preserve for which you would like a permit.
For additional questions about this NSS Nature Preserve, please contact the Preserve Management Team via email at: ThunderholePreserve@caves.org .
