Appalachian Underground

Nothing short of a 5 star experience. We went on a Friday morning, in late April, while we were visiting Asheville for our 5 year anniversary.
Brandon met us at the Marathon (no longer a BP) about 9:45 just before the only other couple joining us showed up. We followed Brandon up some back gravel roads to the shelter where we met Joe, the other guide, and got all prepped with helmets, headlights, knee pads, and gloves. After a short walk through the woods, we started down the mouth of the cave. Brandon and Joe were excellent at talking us through the more tricky parts down rocks and such. Not only were they were very prepared and knowledgeable about the cave, but they were very personable and did their best to keep us smiling.
Be prepared to get wet. There were some times when the water was past my knees and we «just had to embrace it» as they told us. (Obviously the water level can vary. Brandon and Joe said sometimes it’s higher, sometimes lower.) The best part was the underground pond. On the way into the cave, we went across on the tube, but on the way back, they gave us the option to swim it. I hopped in because how often do you get to swim in a pond inside a cave? Shockingly cold at first, but totally worth it.
Overall, an incredible experience that was well worth it. Highly recommend!

Absolutely awesome. Best part of our trip to Asheville area. Kids 13,11 loved it as well. Brandon and Joe were great guides. Definitely bring a change of clothes and shoes. Well worth the trip.

We go caving in eastern Tennessee every year and this was our first time here. We lucked out in that the other parties scheduled today wimped out so we got Brendan and JoJo to ourselves, what a treat. This is an amazing cave with more overhead space and open volume than others. The water in the back of the cave is warm and crystal clear. The creek at the very back is a mile-​long hike of pure beauty. There’s a 30-​foot deep pool in the middle and we really enjoyed taking a cave swim! Throughout, the overhead views are beautiful. This was the first time we saw the salamanders evolved to life in the dark and some very friendly bats. We’re from Florida so we really liked the Gator Formation. This one is a «don’t miss»! Five stars for sure and many thanks to our hosts!

We had the best time on this trip. Be prepared to get wet and muddy but it’s sooo worth it. This was one of the best things I did near Asheville.

My nine year old son and I wanted to do something special in the Asheville area for Labor Day. The night before I texted Melanie at Appalachian Underground to see if we could do a trip for the following day. She texted back that we could! A few texts later, I had my son and I signed up for a caving trip. We met her the next day at the the meeting location, the BP station that is very close to the cave. She was there waiting for us. We followed her a short distance (~1 mile) to the cave. John, Melanie’s partner has built a cabin/​changing rooms/​bathroom. It’s basic, but very nice and new.
At this location, we met up with John. We were outfitted with helmets, knee pads, gloves, and hip sacks. A large tupperware container full of yummy snacks was opened for us, and we were given free reign to pick out our snacks. (My son went a little over board… enough so that I feel like it would be reasonable for them to start a 2 choice maximum.) So with hip sacks full of rice crispy treats, slim jims, fig newtons, and water bottles, we headed down into the cave.
The Carter Saltpeter Cave is a special place. There are some smaller spaces that we went through, but a large portion of the cave was very open. It was amazing to look up and have your head lamp illuminate the rocky ceiling 50 feet above you. There is also a lake and river in the cave. Melanie and John had it set up for us to be tubed across the lake. It was really fun! This cave was such a unique and special experience. It felt like we were in one of those unique places on earth that not everyone gets the pleasure to witness or be a part of.
And… if the cave wasn’t cool enough… Melanie and John were excellent guides! They are both very knowledgable. They were able to answer the questions that I had about the cave (and I can think of a lot of questions). They are also so friendly and nice. Taking my nine year old son into a cave is a little bit of a vulnerable experience. I felt like they took excellent care of our safety. Lastly, it sure seems like they take their stewardship of the cave seriously. I would imagine that protecting the cave’s ecosystem and making participants feel welcome and at home is somewhat of a balancing act. They seriously do just that — perfectly.
I would recommend this trip to just about anyone. It isn’t too hard, but there are still a few tight spaces and areas where you need to climb a few big rocks. You do get wet in there, but it’s part of the fun!