Tennessee isn't known as ol' Rocky Top for nothing! Beneath the surface of our great state, there's a whole new world of stalactites and stalagmites that help create an incredible underground world of wonder. Did you know that Tennessee has the most caves out of every other state in the United States? With around 10,000 caves in Tennessee, that's a lot of underground exploring just waiting for us to discover. Bristol Caverns is one of our favorite places to visit, especially in the wintertime, for its incredible views and unbelievable look at a world we usually don't get to see.
Bristol Caverns in Tennessee is an ancient underground labyrinth filled with wonder. This cave system was once used by Native Americans as they raided local settlers. They would disappear into the ground and cause much fear in the early life of our state. This is just a taste of the history you can embark on in a journey to the underground.
Bristol Caverns is aptly located in Bristol, Tennessee, and it's the home of an ancient cave system that boasts incredible mineral formations and even a meandering underground river. If you find yourself visiting east Tennessee or living as a local in the Tri-City area and you are searching for "Caves near me" this is one of the top attractions.
Guided tours are offered daily, and you'll spend roughly an hour wandering the otherworldly cave system. The walkways are paved and well-lit, however, so there's no need for spelunking equipment. This is a fun and educational opportunity that's great for folks of all ages. Kids included! The tour itself will take visitors down the three levels of the cave. Starting first at the Mayor Preston's Chamber down to the Underground River. You will be ogling fascinating formations and experiencing the glory of underground water flow.
You'll learn all about the formation of the cave system, some areas of which are considered to be very old even predating the Native Americans that used this cave system. There are quite a few stairs as you descend into the depths of Tennessee, so make sure that you're ready to wander. You will possibly be too busy marveling at the scenery to notice the stairs anyway.
Locals and tourists alike rave about the intelligent and thoughtful guides who lead folks through the twists and turns of the ancient system. You'll learn about the caverns, not only how they were formed but about the delicate ecosystem that now exists within it. Make a plan to visit and you too will be singing the praises of this beautiful underground area.
If you're looking to visit Bristol Caverns, head to 1157 Bristol Caverns Highway in Bristol, Tennessee. It's a wonderful experience for folks of all ages, and we can't recommend it enough. Make sure to call ahead for prices, and visit for one of their guided tours that leaves every twenty minutes from the gift shop. You will also want to leave time for the gift shop to peruse the different items and kids are sure to love the gemstone panning too. Happy adventuring!
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What do you think of this amazing cave in Tennessee? Will you be planning a trip underground? For more information please visit the Bristol Caverns website. Let us know because we love hearing from you. If you are coming into town from far away you may need a place to stay, so check out these great accommodations in Bristol Tennessee.
You can get a closer look at the gorgeous Bristol Caverns a bit closer, right here:
If you're looking for something fun to do while you're in East Tennessee, then you should check out 620 State for some delicious sushi.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
We set off to find one of the best hikes near Knoxville, and what we found was Hazard Cave. There are many caves in Tennessee; in fact, there are more caves in the Volunteer State than in any other state in our country! We have delved into many of them but there is something about Hazard Cave that has a certain wow factor to it. It may not be a deep underground labyrinth like the Lost Sea Adventure or have that one-of-a-kind factor like Tuckaleechee Caverns, but we loved it. We took a trip to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park to see this cave for ourselves and it was well worth the adventure.
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Driving around the remote area of Jamestown, we started to notice a few downed trees as we got closer to Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. The damage seemed to get worse the closer we got until we saw yellow tape covering some of the other trails. We were not aware that a storm had just gone through and caused plenty of damage. I stopped by the visitor center for some answers and was lucky enough to find a park ranger. He told me a couple of days ago they had some straight winds come through and it decimated the forest. He had his suspicions that it was actually a tornado but nonetheless, the damage had already been done. We discussed our plans we had for hiking that day and he was kind enough to show me a way to still get to Hazard Cave! So with a new map in hand, we took off for the trailhead.
We were thankful for the open trail and walked down the stairs for a much shorter hike than we had planned for the day. The forest had been hit pretty hard and we could see evidence of the storm all around us, but despite that, the forest was rather beautiful. Nothing dampened my spirits as I already knew that this was one of the best cave hikes near Knoxville, and we were still able to experience it. The stairs and trail were in great condition and soon, our breath was stolen when we arrived at the cave entrance.
There is a fence and a wooden boardwalk leading to the cave with a massive rock wall soaring high in the air. The smooth pockets and holes on the rocks made me think of something out of an HP Lovecraft story, my wild imagination pictured octopi tentacles reaching out. Even though the cave was devoid of any horror-themed mayhem, it still was rather attractive and drew us in for a closer look.
My hiking boots left the wooden boardwalk and found the soft sand at the cave entrance to be a refreshing change of pace. It reminded me of the many miles we had hiked in the desert but here I was in my own state. The cave entrance beckoned us to explore further and I didn’t have to tell my kids twice; they were already running in. Large boulders made the cave exploration even more exciting as we climbed up and looked around. My favorite view was from the back of the cave looking back out into the forest. The lush green and bright sunlight makes a beautiful contrast to the darkness of the cool cave.
We did a few more trails in the park that day, but this ended up being our favorite out of all the hikes in Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. We were also pleased to discover that there was a slight trickle falling on one side of the cave entrance and I could imagine that this would make for a mini waterfall after a good rain. We spent a good amount of time taking in the view, exploring the cave, and playing in the sand before heading back for lunch.
If you are looking for some of the best hikes near Knoxville, then make sure Hazard Cave is on your list. This park was a great find for us and we would highly recommend it. There were many other trails and we enjoyed the beach for a while before we left for our next hike. I would easily go back next time I get the chance and when I do I will make sure to have my AllTrails app handy since it is my favorite hiking tool. I would also suggest staying through the night because this is one of the best dark sky parks in Tennessee, so enjoy the starry show when the sun goes down. I find it helpful to know before you go what the trail looks like so make sure to check out this Adventuring in the Moment video we made when we visited.
