Dogwood City Grotto upcoming events

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

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Join us for our May super campout, potluck, and auction with Sewanee Mountain Grotto at Cavers Paradise. The potluck will start on Saturday at 6 pm eastern, and the meeting and auction will take place at 7 pm eastern.

Camping will be available Friday and Saturday night, and there will be led caving trips Saturday and Sunday. For the auction, please bring any items (lightly used gear, literature, art, baked goods, 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.

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!

Beginner Horizontal Trip to BR cave (May 03, 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Jeff Rose will be leading a beginner cave trip for up to 8 on Sunday, May 3rd to BR cave. We will meet at Caver's Paradise at 9:00 AM EASTERN. The road to Bluff River does not require 4WD, but it is recommended you have some clearance. We will be leaving Caver's Paradise and meeting at the Railroad Depot in Stevenson at 10:15 AM EASTERN. In Stevenson, we will combine cars and drive to the cave.

Bluff River is an easy but highly rewarding cave with several beautiful formations and a surprise at the back. For any questions, please contact Joel at 4046648777. Leave a message because calls are screened.

What to wear & bring:

-At a quick look

-Standard horizontal caving gear.

-Extra layers in case you get chilly - will be getting wet

-Good knee pads, there will be crawling and breakdown

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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.

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, at least 1L 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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Vertical Trip To The Sinkhole (May 03, 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Anna Pearce will be leading a vertical trip to The Sinkhole - a beautiful SCCI cave in South Pittsburg, Tennessee on Sunday, May 3rd. The Sinkhole is a 155' open air pit with some cave at the bottom.

You must be trained or have experience in SRT in order to attend this trip.

We will meet at Krystal in Kimball, Tennessee and caravan/carpool from there.

Address: 106 US-72, South Pittsburg, TN 37380

If you have any questions about this trip, please reach out to Anna Pearce at 8152005129 or aark0227@gmail.com

In order to attend the trip, please sign the SCCi permit that will be emailed to you upon registration.

Intermediate vertical trip to G cave (May 03, 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This trip will be to a very wet vertical cave just outside Kimball TN. We will be meeting at Cavers paradise at 10:00AM EASTERN. After registering here please check your email for further instructions. You will not be allowed to attend if you do not sign the permit.

We will try and get to Hans falls on this trip, there are 2 vertical drops that must be negotiated with plenty of water in between. You must have vertical experience, including traverse lines, to join this trip. A wet suit is highly recommended and synthetics are a must.

For any questions please contact Tim Rainey at (470)469-3874

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

L Cave Beginer Horizontal Trip (May 18, 2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Josh Null will be leading a beginner horizontal trip for 12 participants to a cave near Soddy Daisy, TN on May 18th at 6PM EASTERN.

Once registered, check your email for further instructions.

This trip consists of a fair amount of breakdown climbing. A reasonable amount of upper body strength is required. We will be doing a short loop, and there is a few optional tight spots. If you're in decent shape this is a good trip for first timers. We will be moving fairly slow. There is a short walk along the road to the cave. Expecting a 2-3 hour trip. Knee pads recommend. The cave is mostly dry, but has a little bit of mud. Don't be late.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

What to wear & bring:

-At a quick look

-Standard horizontal caving gear.

-Extra layers in case you get chilly

-Good knee pads, there will be crawling and breakdown

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

-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.

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.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

For any questions regarding registration please contact Timothy Rainey at 4704693874

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

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.

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

Cookout/Potluck/Camping/Caving event at Tumbling Rock (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Hey guys,

This will be a potluck event. If you can bring a dish, that would be awesome. If you can bring something to cook that would be good and we'll have a cooking station where we will get it cooked. If you can't bring anything, then that is totally cool and you're very welcome to come and enjoy the food, fellowship, camping and caving.

This event will be at Tumbling Rock Cave Preserve and Saturday night camping will be available. TR has an outhouse and Wifi. There are plenty of caves in the area as well as Tumbling Rock Cave, which is right there at the preserve. Watch the calendar closer to the event and led trips should be going out to various caves in the area.

We do have a couple needs.

If you've got an extra table or camping chairs please bring them.

If you'd like to come early to help set things up or to do some cooking, reach out to Keith at 678-458-4753.

This event is designed for food, fun, and fellowship. You do not need to bring food to attend.

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.