Dogwood City Grotto upcoming events

Vertical Training (April 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

This is a members-only vertical training class where you will learn all the basics for vertical caving. The Grotto provides the full vertical gear sets for this training. You will need to provide gloves, helmet, light(s), and any knee or elbow pads. If you already have some vertical gear, you are welcome to bring it along and use it.

We have 4 spots for people with no gear or without a full set and 4 spots for people with a full set. The grotto only has 4 sets of gear, so please choose the registration type accordingly as space is limited.

April Rope Night (April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come get on rope for the first time, or swing by to practice your SPAR skills. All experience levels welcome.

We have a couple of loaner gear sets, and a variety of different types and brands of gear that you can play with.

Our perma-rig in the trees includes:

Fixed free-hang lines
Lowerable free-hang lines
Free-hang rebelay ladder
Rebelay against the tree
Deviation
Bolted spar for aid climbing practice
Low j-hang
High j-hang as part of the course
Optional cable ladder

If you want something specific rigged to practice on, please let us know in advance and we’ll try to get it rigged up for you. Interested parties can help us work on weaving the permanent space net at the top where folks can hang out.

Not into rope but want to come hang out? We’ve got a fire pit set-up where you can watch the action from outside the fall zone.

Please bring your own helmet, leather gloves, and sturdy shoes.

Please don’t block the driveways and avoid parking too close to the stop sign.

We plan to do these on the last Friday night of every month as long as we don’t have a conflict. Rope Nights are rain or shine. Severe weather (lightning, hail, hurricanes, etc) may have us inside for a brief time, where we have a ceiling anchor for sizing gear and a library of caving books with knot practice.

NOTE ON MINORS: Hosts are not currently equipped to have minors (those under the age of 18) on the course. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for extraordinary circumstances.

Memorial Service for Chaz Harris @ Frick's Cave (April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

We’re gathering to celebrate the life of our friend Chaz Harris - sharing food, stories, and memories at the beautiful Frick's Cave Preserve in Chickamauga, Georgia on April 25th, 2026 from 4-6 pm eastern. There will be plenty of parking, and there will be porta potties on site.

This will be a catered event from Wardlaw's Lucky Eye Q - a BBQ restaurant in Lafayette, GA. There will be plenty of meat and other options for people who do not eat meat.

We will have a short time for anyone who would like to share a memory or say a few words, along with a slideshow of photos from Chaz’s life and adventures. Also, please bring a camp chair since there will be no chairs on the premises.

If you are attending this event, please sign the SCCi permit link here - https://permits.scci.org/release-form.html?wic_release___permit_id=47675

Also, please bring a camp chair since there will be no chairs on the premises.

May Regular Meeting Campout and Auction w/ Sewanee Mountain Grotto (May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Join us for our May super campout and auction with Sewanee Mountain Grotto at Cavers Paradise.

Camping will be available Friday and Saturday night, and the meeting and auction will take place Saturday night at 7 pm eastern. There will also be led caving trips Saturday and Sunday. For the auction, please bring any items (lightly used gear, literature, art, etc.) you’d like to donate.

SPECIAL NOTE: THIS CAMPOUT COST $5 PER PERSON. PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING $5 AS WE WILL PASS THE HAT AT THE MEETING TO COLLECT THE FEE

This is to help with upkeep and keep the bathrooms in repair.

Cavers Paradise

is a Caver owned and operated (by Maureen Handler) campground situated in the heart of TAG, and is thus centrally located for caving anywhere in the area. It features hot showers, flush toilets, wood-fired hot tub, and RV hookups at many level campsites.

Presentation:

Page Ashwell will be speaking on his caving and exploration in Thailand.

Stuff to do:

Hiking: Close by is the hiking trail to Sewanee Natural Bridge Also close is the Lost Cove / Buggytop Cave hiking area. The caves will be open May 1, but you will need to get a permit to enter any of the caves by contacting the South Cumberland State Park for details, but the hike is awesome either way.
Russell Cave National Monument is also nearby, with an interesting trail and museum, but you cant explore the cave.
The DCG Library is also very close to Russell, if you want to visit, be sure to make arrangements with Andy Zellner first.

Caving: There are several caves within walking distance of Caver's Paradise: Hang M Hi, For few mi more and others (on state land, no permission req'd). These are more advanced caves, but the HMH entrance is a nice drop. Sherwd Mtn Pot is an 80' pit that is close, and right by the road (no permission req'd). Cedr Rdg. Crystal is a very easy, well decorated visit (Gated, must arrange for key) Hrrmit and Bible Spg are not far away horizontal caves (no permission req'd), and also Cagles Csm (199' Pit) (no permission req'd) and S. Pittsburg Pit (160' Pit - Scci permit req'd) are also a short drive away, as are many many others.

Paddling:
A short paddle to view the Batflight at Nickjack Cave at Dusk each night is easily arranged - be aware that doing this on Saturday, you may miss the meeting!

So, lots to enjoy! We'll see you there!

SERA Cave Carnival 2026 (May 07, 2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This is a courtsey event. Please visit this link for more information.

https://sera.caves.org/CaveCarn.htm

SCCi Homecoming Weekend (May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This is a courtesy event. Please click the link for more information - https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/sccis-homecoming-weekend-menlo-may-1021434

May Rope Night (May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come get on rope for the first time, or swing by to practice your SPAR skills. All experience levels welcome.

We have a couple of loaner gear sets, and a variety of different types and brands of gear that you can play with.

Our perma-rig in the trees includes:

Fixed free-hang lines
Lowerable free-hang lines
Free-hang rebelay ladder
Rebelay against the tree
Deviation
Bolted spar for aid climbing practice
Low j-hang
High j-hang as part of the course
Optional cable ladder

Not into rope but want to come hang out? We’ve got a fire pit set-up where you can watch the action from outside the fall zone.

Please bring your own helmet, leather gloves, and sturdy shoes.

Please don’t block the driveways and avoid parking too close to the stop sign.

NOTE ON MINORS: Hosts are not currently equipped to have minors (those under the age of 18) on the course. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for extraordinary circumstances.

Karst-O-Rama (June 12, 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This is a courtesy event.

Point of Contact: kor@gcgcavers.com

https://karstorama.com/?fbclid=IwVERFWAPN_4RleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEemv0ubAGwqjHOacnJxlUzZGhK67iqzUZZvzgIwl4cc6eeC0DIfcMB8KYUIcw_aem_za9lzjpx9q_xUXlgFMALpw

June Rope Night - Birthday Celebration with Wet SRT Course (June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Come celebrate Jennifer's birthday with a Gauntlet-like course!! Run it wet and with a watermelon for extra fun.

Everyone running the course must have passed check-offs with either The Gauntlet or on a previous rope night in the past year.

Upcoming Check-Off Opportunities:

April Rope Night
SERA (Events - The Alpine SRT Ropes Course)
May Rope Night
Karst-O-Rama (Events - The Alpine SRT Ropes Course)

All experience levels welcome. We'll have beginner lines up as well, and a couple of loaner sets available (first come, first serve).

Not into rope but want to come hang out? Set up a chair outside the fall zone and enjoy some food while you watch the action.

Please bring your own helmet, leather gloves, and sturdy shoes. We also encourage you to bring a dish to share - potluck style.

Please don’t block the driveways and avoid parking too close to the stop sign.

Out of towners are welcome to bring a sleeping pad and sleeping bag to catch a spot inside (with the kitties), or a tent if you prefer to camp out on the lawn.

Rope Nights are rain or shine. Severe weather (lightning, hail, hurricanes, etc) may have us inside for a brief time, where we have a ceiling anchor for sizing gear and a library of caving books with knot practice.

NOTE ON MINORS: Hosts are not currently equipped to have minors (those under the age of 18) on the course. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for extraordinary circumstances.

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.

Google Maps

Bing Maps

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!

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!

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.