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Caving in Tennessee
Tennessee has more caves to explore than any other state in the country! Our local chapters – known as grottos – are full of members out exploring caves in Tennessee. Grottos provide a great way to meet cavers near you and go caving regardless of experience level. Find one near you below.
With 8,000 members, the NSS is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to exploring, preserving, and studying caves. Our local chapters provide training, fellowship, and more to cavers regardless of experience level.
Mountain Empire Grotto 381 Beechwood Circle Bristol, TN 37620
Smoky Mountain Grotto 6204 Layton Ln Knoxville, TN 37909
Southport Chronic Cavers 1610 Evergreen Street Chapel Hill, TN 37034
Spencer Mountain Grotto 231 Spencer Drive Spencer, TN 38585
Upper Cumberland Grotto 1100 N. Peachtree Avenue Campus Box 5066 Cookeville, TN 38505
Chattanooga Grotto PO Box 11506 Chattanooga, TN 37401-2506
East Tennessee Grotto East Tennessee Grotto c/o Bill DeVan 126 Westlook Cr. Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Nashville Grotto PO Box 23114 Nashville, TN 37202
Sewanee Mountain Grotto 900 Old Sewanee Road Sewanee, TN 37375
Six Ridges Grotto 1835 Whitehouse Rd Greeneville, TN 37745
Get Underground in Tennessee
Interested in caves near you? The NSS is a great way to explore and learn about caves in Tennessee. Attend a meeting at one of our local chapters, meet other cavers, get training, and see Tennessee caves. No experience necessary! We are a national organization dedicated to exploring, protecting, and studying caves.
About the National Speleological Society
The NSS is the largest caving-focused membership organization in the world. We exist to promote fellowship among cavers & protect, explore and study caves. With thousands of members worldwide, being a part of the NSS means being connected to cavers everywhere. There is no better way to get access to trips, training, and fellowship. But the NSS also offers the following benefits:
Publications
Get immediate digital access to over 80 years and 1,500+ issues of NSS publications, including the NSS News. For an additional $10/year, members can receive a printed copy of the News.
Events
Every year the NSS holds a week long convention. Members receive a discount. Members also get access or discounts to regional events held all over the country.
Training
Members get discounts on National Cave Rescue Commission training events held throughout the country.
Gear
Get 45% or more off outdoor gear from major brands! Additionally, caving-focused vendors like Highline Rope, Inner Mountain Outfitters, and On Rope 1 all offer generous discounts to NSS members.
Support Caves!
Your membership dollars support NSS cave preserves, scientific programs, and exploration grants! Be a part of protecting the most fragile ecosystems on earth.
Grants
NSS members can apply for the exploration & scientific grants the organization gives out every year. Learn more here.
Additional Benefits
NSS Bookstore discounts
Discount on your first Convention
Connect with Cavers through the Membership Directory
Access to NSS Cave Preserves
Free Camping at HQ
Access to the NSS library
