The sweltering heat of August can bring on dreams of places to visit where there’s a chill in the air and sweaters are required. Or at least where one doesn’t drown in perspiration.
You may think no such place exists in the Deep South in August but you’re not thinking deep enough. As in deep within the earth.
These Southern caves — many of which claim world status in their unique attributes — are all within a day’s drive.
Majestic Caverns, Alabama
The folks at Majestic Caverns claim it’s the most historic with the largest accumulation of gem stone quality onyx in the country, but what mattered most to us was the 60-degree temperature all year round. As you enjoy that cool nip in the air, view an underground waterfall, a laser light show and cool rock formations about an hour south of Birmingham. majesticcaverns.com/
War Eagle Cavern on Beagle Lake, Arkansas
Here’s another boast—the largest natural cave entrance in Arkansas. And it’s pretty spectacular. Located near Bentonville and Eureka Springs, War Eagle contains unique cave formations, an underground stream and occasional wildlife such as bats and salamanders, all within an environment that’s about 58 degrees. There’s also scenic Beaver Lake to enjoy. wareaglecavern.com
Ruby Falls, Tennessee
It’s been almost 100 years since Leo Lambert accidentally discovered one of the South’s most astonishing natural wonders. In 1928, Lambert found a massive underground waterfall 1,120 feet beneath the summit of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga and Ruby Falls has been thrilling visitors ever since. Ruby Falls now offers more than a cave tour, with spectacular views, zip-lining and dining options but take the elevator to the base of the falls if you’re envying for something truly cool and amazing. rubyfalls.com
Dunbar Cave State Park, Tennessee
Visitors need a guide to enter this prehistoric site where indigenous people left sacred carvings on the cave walls outside today’s Clarksville. It’s believed that the ancient civilizations thought the cave to be a portal to a world below as well as a cool protected site so it’s imperative that rangers keep crowds in check. The cave exists within the 144-acre wooded forest and restored prairie and the museum explains all inside the 1933 Bathhouse. tnstateparks.com/parks/dunbar-cave
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
You could spend a week at this national park and never see it all. It’s called “Mammoth” for a reason. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is the longest cave system in the world with only about 400 miles explored. The park offers a variety of tours, some of which are accessible by wheelchair. The park is also an official “Dark Sky” park so plan to stay behind sunset and take in some stargazing. nps.gov/maca
Longhorn Cavern State Park, Texas
About an hour north of Austin, deep in the Texas Hill Country at Burnet, things get really cool — temperature and otherwise. Longhorn Cavern dates to the prehistoric era but was opened to the public by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) back in 1938. Visitors will appreciate its long history from antiquity through the Civil War and into the 20th century. In the 1920s, the main room was used as a dance hall and concert venue. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/longhorn-cavern
