The Lost Sea Adventure

The Lost Sea Adventure: A Brief Travel Guide

History

The Lost Sea Adventure is nestled within Craighead Caverns, a maze of underground passages that have intrigued explorers for ages. The cave has a rich history, having been utilized by the Cherokee Indians, moonshiners, and even Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The caverns were mined for saltpeter, an essential component in making gunpowder. Today, visitors can see remnants of this history, including Native American artifacts and Civil War graffiti.

How to Get There

Getting to the Lost Sea Adventure is pretty straightforward from major highways. If you’re coming from downtown Nashville, take Highway 40E southeast for about 175 miles. The attraction is just off Highway 68, roughly 10 minutes south of Interstate 75 (Exit 68). From Knoxville, it’s about a 45-minute drive south via Highway 75, and from Chattanooga, it’s about an hour and 15 minutes northeast using the same route.

List of Attractions

1. Guided Tour: The tour kicks off with a descent into Craighead Caverns through a man-made tunnel. Visitors will walk a ¾-mile loop through the caverns, marveling at stunning geological formations like anthodites (cave flowers), stalactites, and stalagmites.
2. Underground Lake Boat Ride: The highlight of the tour is a 20-minute boat ride on the Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in America. The lake spans over four acres and reaches depths of more than 140 feet.
3. Unique Ecosystem: The lake hosts a diverse ecosystem, including rainbow trout and a rare species of blind cave fish.
4. Historical Landmarks: During the tour, visitors will see an old moonshine still and Civil War graffiti.
5. Wild Cave Tour: For the more adventurous, the Wild Cave tour offers a chance to crawl through small holes and explore less-visited parts of the cave.

Ticket Information

• Regular Tour: The most popular tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes and includes the boat ride on the underground lake. Tickets are $28.95 for adults, $16.95 for children (ages 4-12), and free for children under 3.
• Group Rates: Discounts are available for groups of 25 or more.
• Educational Rates: Special rates are offered for school groups of 15 or more.
• Flashlight Tour: This tour is available for groups of 25 or more and requires advanced notice.

Tips for Visiting

1. Book in Advance: Tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season. It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets online ahead of time.
2. Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes and layers as the temperature inside the cave stays a steady 58°F.
3. Be Mobile: The tour involves a ¾-mile round-trip walk on wide sloping pathways, which can be steep in places.
4. Enjoy the Gift Shop: After the tour, visit the gift shop for souvenirs and explore the Lost Sea Village, which offers additional attractions like a sweet shop, glass blowing place, cafe, and nature trail.
5. Explore Beyond the Tour: Take a self-guided walk on the nature trail or explore the various shops in the Lost Sea Village for a more comprehensive experience.

The Lost Sea Adventure offers an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty, historical significance, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, this subterranean wonder is sure to leave you awe-struck and inspired.