Dogwood City Grotto upcoming events

July Regular Meeting and Campout at John Maddox's (July 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Join us for our July campout meeting at John Maddox's property!

The address will be emailed to you following registration.

Presentation:

Walker County Rescue Squad will be simulating a mock rescue that members can participate in.

The plan is to camp near the woods close to the fire ring. There is a creek crossing on the property that might be a bit much for low clearance vehicles, but it is an easy stroll across the field to the tree line. There is a water spigot located on the property.

A few additional comments from our host:

High clearance vehicles recommended to cross creek.

Hammock recommend for forest camping.

Please park in the field or off to the side of the road in the woods. DO NOT park directly in the road, it’s a loop.

No trailers in the woods, feel free to drop them in the field.

Grill and potable water available for use.

Please pick up all trash and use the ports potty’s.

Valid Ga hunting or fishing license required to access all caves on pigeon mtn.

Please follow flagging tape to the WMA boundary and stay on WMA if going to ASC. DO NOT trespass on the adjacent property to the south.

This is a primitive camping site. Use toilet paper sparingly, and pack it out!

There are numerous caves in the immediate area, but none on the property. Many of these caves are located on DNR property and require a license (hunting, fishing, …) to access. More information on licensing can be found here.

Please contact any member of the Board of Directors or call the Caving Hotline if you have any questions. See you there!

R cave vertical trip (July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Please Read the entire description for this event and follow up details.

Jeff Rose will be leading a vertical trip to R cave on Saturday July 18th at 9AM EASTERN. This is a popular multi-drop pull-down with some large breakdown rooms at the bottom.

You must have vertical experience to join this trip. Please dress warmly as you may get wet.

After registering please check the "Additional event information" section of the confirmation email for the permit and next steps.

For any questions regarding registration please contact Timothy Rainey at (470)469-3874, Jeff's info will be provided after registration.

PJ's intermediate horizontal trip (July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Rifenberick will be leading a trip to PJ's cave on Pigeon Mountain on July 18th at 10am EASTERN. The goal of the trip will be the 2nd waterfall. This trip is described as physically demanding, and is not recommended for first timers. You MUST have a hunting license, fishing license, or land access pass from Georgia DNR to access the cave.

After registering please check the "Additional event information" section of the confirmation email for the permit and next steps.

For any questions regarding registration please contact Timothy Rainey at (470)469-3874, Jeremy's contact information will be provided after registration.

What To Wear & Bring

You can find guidelines to responsible caving here:
https://dogwoodcitygrotto.org/CaveSafe

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What to wear & bring:

-At a quick look

-Standard horizontal caving gear.

-Extra layer in case you get chilly

-Good knee pads and food and water

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-In depth

To wear:

- Fast drying clothes. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon work best.

Bear in mind that caves frequently destroy the clothing you take into them.

- Long pants, think light and durable.

- Shirt - long or short sleeve depending on how hot or cold you normally run.

- Warm packable layers.

- Good sturdy boots or shoes.

- Knee pads necessary, elbow pads optional

- Gloves! Rubber garden gloves work well. Gloves don't only protect you from the cave but more importantly protect the cave from YOU!

- A helmet with a mounted headlamp and fresh batteries.

- If you need to rent a helmet & light combo ($5), purchase from the website ASAP. You will also need to bring 6 brand new AA batteries.

To bring:

- A cave pack or small durable day bag.

- At least two light sources per person in addition to the one on your helmet.

- Extra batteries for each light source protected by a water-resistant container

- Snacks. Protein bars, dried fruit, nuts and jerky pack well. Put snacks in ziploc bags to protect from getting wet. Be prepared to carry your trash.

- Water in a lightweight reusable bottle, 24 -32oz recommended.

- A large plastic bag to put your dirty wet clothes and boots in.

- A towel and clean clothes and shoes for the ride home.

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Campout @ Andy and Miki Kalber's in Cookeville, TN (August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us for a bonus August campout in Cookeville, TN at Miki and Andy Kalber's property.

Friday and Saturday camping will be available, and there will be led caving trips going out Saturday and Sunday morning.

About the Location:

Andy and Miki Kalber are members of the Dogwood City Grotto (DCG) and are opening up their property for the campout. They have 2-3 acres of flat camping space in the upper fields of the property, and you will be able to drive directly to the camp spots. Some hammock camping opportunities are available for those who want to hammock camp.

They will have a bonfire area and a port-a-potty (indoor bathroom use limited but available). Fresh water for drinking and cleaning gear is also available. There is limited electricity, but people can charge phones and lights in the garage if needed. Use of the microwave and gas grill are also available.

Cookeville, Tennessee is home to many caves, both horizontal and vertical, and there are several hiking trails in addition to disc golf courses in town.

Hope to see you there!

TAG Fall Cave-In (October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

47th Annual TAG Fall Cave-In

Location: Cloudmont Ski & Golf Resort

721 Co Rd 614, Mentone, AL 35984

Ski TAG!

Members Meeting - Campout @ Kelly Smallwood and Jason Hardy's (November 06, 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Join us for our November campout meeting of 2026!

Friday and Saturday camping will be available, and the grotto meeting is Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Saturday Night Presentation

TBD

About the Property

We can have a fire in the front yard and the meeting there as long as weather permits, if not we can use the living room.

If you are not camping, it is suggested that you park in the road and walk down the driveway. There is room for some small car camping, as well as an area to the right of the house that's big enough for three small cars to camp as well or for a small teardrop camper.

There is space to pitch a tent or hang a hammock in the front yard as well. And we also have some floor space inside.

For anyone interested in the 4x4 camping, please come find me before you drive into that area and I can show you where to park.

There are a few vertical caves in the cove below our house, which folks are welcome to hike to.

We will have our 950 gallon western red cedar hot tub fired up as well.