Rickwood Caverns
RV Guide

Another fun activity that is offered at the caves is gem mining, which is thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. Mine like the treasure hunters of old using a mining pan and a sluice to sift the gems from the dirt and soil. There is a delightful variety of gems to find in all different shapes and sizes. If you’re lucky, you might find something worth taking back home, as a reminder of your RV adventure to Rickwood Caverns.

If you are looking to unwind with a nice meal after exploring the caves, you can park your rig at the picnic area. Rickwood Caverns State Park provides shaded picnic areas that are furnished with picnic tables and complimentary barbecue grills. They are available throughout the year and are well-provided with water and electricity. A playground for the little ones can also be found close by. The park has two reservable picnic pavilions that are perfect for family parties and reunions. They are both equipped with grills, electrical outlets, tables, and water spigots. There is a smaller pavilion, which can seat 70 people, and a larger pavilion that can seat 150.

Rickwood Caverns State Park boasts an Olympic-size swimming pool, and the water source is the park’s giant cave. The swimming pool opens every year during the peak season and is a fantastic way to cool off and calm your sweltering nerves during the summer. You can also enjoy the luxury of a private pool party for up to 50 people from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park also features a nice little kiddie pool for the younger ones.

The park’s majestic limestone cave provides a tremendous recreational opportunity for all adventurers. These centuries-old rocky structures cast a spell on visitors with its mysterious vibes and astonishing formation. The guided tours for these water-formed caverns are offered daily throughout the year. These usually last a little over an hour, and the guides are very informative. The route is a mile long, and there are 110 steps you will need to climb to reach the exit at the end, so make sure to wear comfortable non-slippery shoes. You will find the path inside the cave to be well lit and easy to see. Along the way, there is plenty of opportunity for photos, and you may even be able to see some bats in the caves. For those unable to walk through the cave, there is a virtual reality tour available.

The caves can also be used as a wedding venue throughout the year. You will have to try hard to find a more unique wedding spot than one 175 feet below the ground. Its debut wedding in July of 1958 was the first underground wedding in the state, and the wedding was even televised. Since then, the area where the couple recited their vows is known as the Bridal Room, and there are now two different rooms you can choose from to say I do. The caves have a comfortable and cool temperature of 62 degrees that is maintained throughout the year, so make sure to bring along some warmer clothing. You can tailor your wedding to your liking with colored LED bulbs, laser projections lights, and music.
If you would prefer to stay on solid ground for your special moment, you can use the park's Blount County Covered Bridge for your special day. This outdoor venue is very picturesque and makes a stunning venue. It is situated adjacent to the large pavilion, which is perfect for an outdoor reception. You can expect to find seating for more than 100 people, electricity, and water.

There are several hiking trails to choose from at Rickwood Caverns State Park. Within its 380 acres, you can find four different trails varying in length from 0.4 miles to 1.25 miles. These trails take hikers through forests, wildflowers, and resurrection ferns, up limestone mountains and past historical sites like the fenced graveyard of the original owners, and the Miniature Blount County Bridge, which is historical where the old train tracks used to be. The trails are not overly challenging and are a splendid option for novice hikers and children. Pets are also allowed, but make sure to keep them on a leash.

Rickwood Caverns State Park is an excellent spot for geocaching if you want to get out of the camper for a while. The park considers geocaching an incredible outdoor activity and extends opportunities to individuals, families, as well as groups of friends to indulge in this thrilling sport. However, a permit is required before you can lay your hands on the GPS. In order to maintain the park’s natural resources, the park has set out a few rules for the players. The park’s permission is required before hiding a geocache anywhere in the park.

Every Christmas, the park’s caverns are transformed into Santa’s Underground Workshop. Tens of thousands of LED lights illuminate the dark cave. The cave looks its magical best with laser lights and fog that mystifies the entire rocky structure. Santa and Mrs. Claus can also be seen posing with the visitors somewhere near his workshop. The cave also exhibits a Christmas village room showcasing hundreds of houses and cottages glorifying the villages. You can also find a waterfall in Santa’s Workshop adorned with LED lights. A guided tour of this phenomenal workshop is offered, which lasts for about half an hour, but visitors can also choose to spend more time inside if they wish.