Caving in the Southeast

Going Caving?

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to cave conservation, caver education and cave managment, offers the following advice.

-Caves are delicate ecosystems for many endangered and beneficial plants and animal species, so never take souvenirs from or carelessly damage the setting. Cave formations take hundreds to thousands of years to form. Never touch or break them. If removed, they dry out and are no longer attractive.

-Do not disturb wildlife or introduce foreign plants or animals.

-Learn more about caves and karst as well as the importance of safety and appropriate gear needed before venturing inside any cave environment. Information is available at no charge from any grotto (local unit) of the National Speleological Society. www.caves.org.

-We recommend you always go with an experienced guide or team member and always go in a group of four.

-Always have three sources of good lighting. A helmet mounted light is required. Have a UIAA approved helmet with a four point of attachment chin strap. Have a pack with a first aid kit, water, food and space blanket. Always wear the proper clothing for the type of cave you're exploring and only wear lug sole boots.

-Always be sure someone not on your trip knows where you are going and when you will return.

-As with any exploration of a natural area, leave only footprints and pack up your trash and never litter.

-Join our organization and gain access and information to some of the South's most unique caves.

The Southeastern Cave Conservancy is an institutional member of the National Speleological Society formed in 1991 by a group of southeastern cavers and currently has about 500 members. For further information, visit www.scci.org.

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