Come join the DCG for a horizontal through trip at SCCi's own Sinking Cove Cave in Franklin County, Tennessee. We will meet at the Stevenson Train Depot and caravan/carpool from there. The drive from the Train Depot to the driveway entrance is ~25 minutes. We will have to cross a creek twice in order to reach the cave, so a high clearance vehicle (and preferably 4x4) will be needed in order to get across. If you do not have a vehicle that you believe can make it across, please contact me, and we will try to arrange for you to ride with someone. The weather forecast will be checked in advance to ensure that rainfall will not be an issue in accessing the cave. If I believe the creek crossings will be too high, we will find another cave in the area to visit instead.
This trip will be a horizontal through trip, meaning we will go in one entrance and come out of another. To access the top entrance, it will require a strenuous, uphill hike (like most hikes in TAG) and from there we will use a handline to get into the sink to start our trip. This is a wet cave, and there will be times in which you have to fully submerge yourself to get through, so dress appropriately (NO COTTON). We will navigate through canyons, big borehole passage with breakdown, as well as do some swimming at the exit. The best part about this trip is that our exit will lead us right to our vehicles, so no hike will be necessary on the departure. There will be NO CAMPING on this trip.
A permit must be signed in order to be on the property.
Once you register for the event, you will be sent the permit number and link to where you can sign on the SCCi's website. Please contact a member of the Board of Directors if you run into any issues.
Sanitation on the Preserve
All visitors accessing sinking cove under an SCCi permit are required to pack out all solid waste. Several groups since we implemented this policy have been using "Restop" products. See their website at https://restop.com/products/. Also several caving vendors stock this product.
Use toilet paper sparingly and PACK IT OUT. Otherwise, burn in a very hot campfire, not with matches or a lighter. Tampons, sanitary products, etc. should also be packed out or "hot" burned. No paper is to be disposed of on the ground!
Do NOT urinate in or near the creek or on land exposed to the elements. Rocks or sandy soil is okay as long as it is at least 150 feet away from any water source. Avoid water sources, contact with insects or animals, social areas, i.e. trails, clearings.
Sanitation guidelines also apply to all pet waste.
Graywater (water that has been used for cleaning dishes, showers, etc.) should not be introduced to the stream or other natural water sources.
Failure to abide by these rules will result in future permits being denied!
Required Items:
Caving helmet (no bike helmets)
Headlamp (waterproof)
2 other light sources minimum
Spare batteries
Backpack with plenty of water and snacks (good snacks are trail mix, beef jerky, granola bars, etc.)
Polypro shirt and pants (or neoprene - wet suit if you know you will be cold during the swim areas - remember the cave is 58 degrees, and the water can be chilly) (NO COTTON)
Sturdy boots
Gloves
Kneepads (no hard plastics)
Towel (or changing poncho)
Trashbag for dirty clothes
Change of clothes for the ride home
A small coat/jacket for those that are cold-natured