Visiting an SCCi Preserve

COVID NOTICE

SCCi preserves are open with a permit. If you visit a preserve, ensure that you follow CDC and state and local guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and practice Leave No Trace principles.

The SCCi protects 170+ on 35 preserves in 7 states. For 30 years, SCCi has balanced conservation with recreational use. Permits are required for all visitors on an SCCi preserve and there is no charge for a permit. To request a permit, visit http://permits.scci.org or click on the icon on the specific preserve below.

SAME DAY PERMITS: Some preserves have same-day issued permits which can be received with no notice if space is available. These permits issue automatically when all releases have been signed. The system is optimized for mobile devices and permits can be easily obtained even from the parking lot of a preserve with cell phone coverage. All other permits require a minimum of 48 hours to review once all releases have been signed.

HIKING: With any permit, you can spend time above and below ground hiking and exploring SCCi preserves. Some SCCi preserves offer a ‘surface only’ permit which does not allow entry to the caves but affords hikers and nature lovers an opportunity to explore above ground. These permits have different group size requirements than permits.

CAMPING: Camping is allowed on some SCCi preserves. Camping in caves is strictly prohibited. All camping is primitive and must be done in the areas designated by the Preserve Team. At various times a year, SCCi may institute campfire bans to protect our forests and natural resources. All waste (human and otherwise) must be carried out of campsites and disposed of properly.

LEAVE NO TRACE: Leave No Trace principles are especially critical in environments. Caves are slow to regenerate once damaged. Do not mark or write anything on cave walls, ceilings or floors – even in the dust. Defacing or destroying anything in a cave is a crime and SCCi will prosecute. Carry all waste/trash away with you. Everyone should be able to enjoy a cave in its natural state so leave it like that. SCCi is a member of and subscribes to the principles of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Anderson Cave Preserve Balcony Sink Preserve Charles B Henson Preserve at Johnsons Crook

Shelby County, Alabama

Jackson County, Alabama Dade County,

Cyclops Cave Preserve Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Fox Mountain Cave Cave Preserve Preserve

Russell County/Virginia Hart County, Kentucky Dade County, Georgia

Frenchman Knob Cave Preserve Fricks Cave Preserve Glove Pit Cave Preserve

Hart County, Kentucky

Walker County, Georgia Madison County, Alabama

Gourdneck Cave Hollow Ridge Cave Holly Creek Cave Preserve Preserve Preserve

Marion County, Tennessee Jackson County, Florida Wayne County, Tennessee

Horse Skull Cave Preserve Howards Waterfall Cave Jennings Cave Preserve Preserve

Jackson County, Alabama

Dade County, Georgia Marion County, Florida

John T Dolberry Kay Hill Deen Fern Cave Kennamer Cave Preserve Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve Preserve

Jackson County, Alabama Jackson County, Alabama Jackson County Alabama

Limrock Blowing Cave Preserve Lobelia Saltpeter Cave Logsdon Cave Preserve Preserve

Jackson County, Alabama

Pocahontas County, Hart County, Kentucky

Mayapple - Steve and Neversink Cave Preserve Rattling Cave Preserve Nancy Attaway Preserve

Grundy County, Tennessee Jackson County, Alabama Cocke County, Tennessee

Run To The Mill Cave Preserve Salamander Preserve Sinking Cove Cave Preserve

Cumberland County, Tennessee

Giles County/Virginia Franklin County, Tennessee

Snail Shell Cave South Pittsburg Pit Stephens Gap Callahan Preserve Preserve Cave Preserve

Rutherford County, Tennessee Marion County, Tennessee Jackson County, Alabama

Steward Cave Preserve Valhalla Cave Preserve Varnedoe Cave Preserve

DeKalb, Alabama

Jackson County, Alabama Madison County, Alabama

Wolf River Cave Preserve

Fentress County, Tennessee