Exploring a "Nerd Hole" Cave near Nickajack Lake in Tennessee
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Join me on a Friday night after work as I head out to explore a small “nerd hole” in Marion County Tennessee near Nickajack Lake. What is a "nerd hole" you ask, a nerd hole is a short cave that doesn't take long to explore but can often times be considered fun for cavers. This particular cave is listed at just under 200 feet in length, but it’s said to have some beautiful flowstone dams tucked inside, and you know I can’t resist checking that out for myself.
After parking, I make my way under a power line cut, dodging briars that seem determined to grab hold of everything. Once I hit the woods, things get even thicker. The mountainside here was heavily impacted by a tornado years ago, leaving behind a tangled mess of downed trees and brush that makes for a slow, careful approach.
Once near the cave, I first find the lower entrance where the water exits. Just above it is the small squeeze entrance which was dug open in 2019. From there, I slide inside and explore the short passage and its pretty formations. One thing I wasn’t expecting were the interesting webs inside the cave, possibly remnants from glow worms long ago. They added an eerie, almost ancient feel to the passage, like quiet evidence of life that once lit up the darkness.
Yes, I went alone. And yes, I understand that comes with responsibility. I’ve been caving for a long time, and I always consider the location, length, conditions, and my own limits before making that decision. Experience, preparation, and informed judgment matter and I had a call out, which means someone knew where I was and what time I was expected to be out.
Sometimes a short cave on a Friday night is exactly what you need.
Comments