Raccoon Mountain Caverns: Crystal Palace Walking Tour

Walk through lit passages and learn how stalactites and rare shield formations take shape

The Crystal Palace Tour is a 45-minute guided walking tour through the first quarter-mile of Raccoon Mountain Caverns near Chattanooga, with paved pathways, steps and handrails. A guide explains cave geology, points out stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, shield and helictite formations, and you'll see bats, salamanders and ancient fossils. Children must be at least 4 years old and able to walk the tour themselves. The cave is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

The experience

The tour moves through a section of the cave that's been fitted with lights, pathways, steps and handrails, so you're walking on solid ground the whole way. Your guide focuses on education: they explain how caves form, walk you through the cave's history, and stop to point out specific formations. Stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, delicate soda straws, and rarer shield and helictite formations that don't appear in most caves. The route covers the first quarter-mile of the cavern.

You'll also have a chance to spot cave wildlife. Bats and salamanders live in the passages, and the cave holds ancient fossils you can see as you walk. Photography is welcome, though you'll need to keep pace with the group. The whole tour runs 45 to 55 minutes, so it fits into a morning or afternoon without eating up your whole day.

What’s included

• Admission to Raccoon Mountain Caverns.
• guided tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• access to the lit, paved section of the cave with pathways, steps and handrails.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and Wednesday7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Raccoon Mountain Caverns

Is this one for you?Small groups and families with children 4 and up work well here, since the paved, lit passages and handrails make the walk manageable for kids who can handle a 45-minute pace. If anyone in your group has mobility challenges, spinal issues, or is pregnant, this tour involves enough walking and uneven terrain that it's worth reconsidering.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What kinds of rock formations will I see on the Crystal Palace Tour?

The tour shows stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and rare shield and helictite formations. Your guide points out each type and explains how they form over time.

Is the cave accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

No, Raccoon Mountain Caverns is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The tour involves walking on steps and pathways through the cave passages.

How long does the Crystal Palace Tour take?

The tour lasts 45 to 55 minutes and covers the first quarter-mile of the cave, which has been fitted with lights, pathways and handrails.

Can I take photos inside the cave?

Yes, photography is welcome on the tour. You'll just need to keep up with the group as it moves through the passages.