We have a couple of record-breaking feats done right here in the volunteer state, but none are quite as impressive as The Lost Sea, which is the country’s largest underground lake, in Sweetwater, Tennessee. It is an absolutely magical place with its turquoise translucent waters, dynamic lights, and excellent rock formations. You can tour this cave year-round, and we have to say, it is definitely an unforgettable adventure.
The Lost Sea Adventure takes you 140 feet into the Craighead Caverns for a magnificent journey to the country’s largest underground lake. Tours through the cave are incredibly popular, so we recommend buying tickets online before you go (link below).
Nikki Powers/ Google
You will start your adventure down the long, yellow, cylindrical hallway. The cool 58-degree air will greet you from the cave below. The walls resemble those of a submarine, which is fitting for the deep drive you will be doing underground to get to the lake.
Management/ Tripadvisor
You will then be traveling about three-quarters of a mile through a windy and open cave tunnel. The whole tour takes a little over an hour.
Amber S/ Tripadvisor The Craighead Caverns have a long history which includes the Cherokee people who used the cave for shelter and Confederate soldiers mining to make gunpowder. Along the way, you will see fascinating rock formations while hearing great information from your tour guide.
Soon you will arrive at the ramp leading to the lake. The large iron walls resemble the inside of a boat that could have been used in World War II.
Leesa Wright/ Google
Following the path, you will soon arrive at The Lost Sea.
Management/ Tripadvisor Spanning a little over four acres, the lake feels huge nestled into its underground confinement. The translucent waters glisten in the low lights of the cave, and the water gives off a distinct blue hue.
Head to the docks where you will get into your tour boat and traverse the iconic lake itself.
Horacio Diaz/ Google
Dip your fingers in the cool 56-degree water as you slowly drift on the Lost Sea.
Anup/ Google The depth of the lake starts on one side and is only about five feet deep, sloping down dramatically to 70 feet at its lowest point. Be on the lookout for the rainbow trout that call the lake home. After spending so much time underground, they have lost most of their eyesight and much of their original color. Seeing the fish peacefully swimming around in their underground home is just a bonus to this grand adventure.
Taking a trip to the underground Lost Sea in Sweetwater, Tennessee, is a blast for the whole family. Seeing the unique rock formations, traversing the cave, gliding over the waters of the largest underground lake in the country, and seeing the fish make this one amazing way to spend the day. The cave is open year-round, and we highly recommend taking a trip to experience it for yourself. For more information or to buy your tickets in advance, please visit The Lost Sea Adventure website.
Nikki Powers/ Google
Management/ Tripadvisor
Amber S/ Tripadvisor
The Craighead Caverns have a long history which includes the Cherokee people who used the cave for shelter and Confederate soldiers mining to make gunpowder. Along the way, you will see fascinating rock formations while hearing great information from your tour guide.
Leesa Wright/ Google
Spanning a little over four acres, the lake feels huge nestled into its underground confinement. The translucent waters glisten in the low lights of the cave, and the water gives off a distinct blue hue.
Horacio Diaz/ Google
Anup/ Google
The depth of the lake starts on one side and is only about five feet deep, sloping down dramatically to 70 feet at its lowest point. Be on the lookout for the rainbow trout that call the lake home. After spending so much time underground, they have lost most of their eyesight and much of their original color. Seeing the fish peacefully swimming around in their underground home is just a bonus to this grand adventure.
The town of Sweetwater recently made it on our list of small towns that Tennessee just wouldn’t be the same without. Check it out.
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Address: The Lost Sea Adventure, 140 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA
