Lost Sea Adventure
Explore America's largest underground lake and ancient caverns with a unique boat tour in Sweetwater, TN.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Lost Sea Adventure
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore America's largest underground lake and ancient caverns with a unique boat tour in Sweetwater, TN.
"Absolutely amazing! Our tour guide was awesome and it was so much fun."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cave paths can be slippery and the hike back up is strenuous. Non-slip shoes are a must!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave stays a cool 58°F year-round. A light layer is recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
America's Largest Underground Lake
The Lost Sea
Glide across the crystal-clear waters of the vast subterranean lake, a truly unique and awe-inspiring sight.
Craighead Caverns Exploration
Cave System
Wander through ancient caverns, marveling at natural formations and learning about the cave's rich history.
Boat Ride on the Subterranean Lake
The Lost Sea
Experience the thrill of a guided boat tour on the tranquil underground lake, a highlight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Uphill Trek
Temperature & What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cave paths can be slippery and the hike back up is strenuous. Non-slip shoes are a must!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave stays a cool 58°F year-round. A light layer is recommended for comfort.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The tour includes a 3/4 mile walk and the return hike can be challenging. Plan for at least 1-1.5 hours.
📸 Capture the Wonder
While photography is allowed, be mindful of others and the cave environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cave paths can be slippery and the hike back up is strenuous. Non-slip shoes are a must!
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave stays a cool 58°F year-round. A light layer is recommended for comfort.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The tour includes a 3/4 mile walk and the return hike can be challenging. Plan for at least 1-1.5 hours.
📸 Capture the Wonder
While photography is allowed, be mindful of others and the cave environment.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
A great adventure for all ages, though younger children need supervision due to slippery paths.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Lost Sea Adventure for its stunning underground lake and the unique boat tour experience. The historical and geological insights provided by guides are often highlighted as a major plus. However, some reviewers note the strenuous uphill hike on the return and the fast pace of some guides.
"This is a 'cute' building. It feels very inviting to enter, and all of the staff are very pleasant. It's clean and has a lot of nice things to buy. The cave itself is nice and the underground lake is absolutely gorgeous and the highlight of the place. That being said, our guide walked very fast and that did put somewhat of a damper on our enjoyment of the tour. Also, we were not expecting how much walking uphill there was so if that is a problem for you, you may want to reconsider visiting this cave."
Just Jana
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My husband and I had an absolute blast visiting The Lost Sea! The tour was both fascinating and fun — from exploring the incredible underground caverns to seeing the stunning crystal-clear lake. Our guide made the experience even better with great storytelling and knowledge of the history and geology. It’s such a unique adventure that feels both relaxing and exciting at the same time. We left with memories we’ll never forget and can’t wait to recommend The Lost Sea to friends and family. Definitely worth the trip!"
Amy Tucker
"Cool stop off I75 near Knoxville.
Tickets won't break you, especially for an hour or so tour under the earth.
The cave itself isn't in my top 5 but the underground lake is awesome. After the hike down you get a 10-15min boat ride to the end of the lake and back, lots of good size trout swimming around (they transplanted there).
You don't notice the decline on the way down but definately notice on the hike back up, they build in 3 stops on the way up, a few needed it for sure.
Great stop!"
Dave Bunch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lost Sea Adventure is located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. It's conveniently situated about an hour's drive from both Chattanooga and Knoxville, and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Many visitors find it a perfect stop on a road trip through East Tennessee. 
Public transportation options to The Lost Sea Adventure are very limited. It is best accessed by car, as it's a popular stop for road trips and those exploring the East Tennessee region.
The Lost Sea Adventure is located at 1400 Lost Sea Rd, Sweetwater, TN 37874. It's easily accessible from I-75. Many visitors use GPS navigation systems which will guide them directly to the attraction.
The Lost Sea is approximately 1 hour from Knoxville and Chattanooga, about 1.5 hours from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and around 2-3 hours from Nashville.
Yes, ample parking is available at The Lost Sea Adventure. Visitors can typically park their vehicles on-site before beginning their tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for adults typically range from $25-$29, and for children from $15-$17. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts or coupons.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and potentially avoid long queues.
While specific discount information can vary, it's worth checking for 'Lost Sea Adventure coupons' or 'Lost Sea Adventure discount' online. Group rates may also be available.
The guided tour at The Lost Sea Adventure typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, including the walk through the cave and the boat ride on the underground lake. +1
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Lost Sea Adventure website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour involves a 3/4 mile walk into the cave, which is mostly downhill. However, the return journey is a significant uphill hike, which some visitors find strenuous. There are three stops on the way up to rest. +1
The tour is generally family-friendly, but the slippery paths and uphill return hike require children to be able to walk a good distance and stay close to adults. Supervision is key.
Photography is generally permitted inside the cave and on the boat tour. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the cave environment.
The temperature inside Craighead Caverns remains a constant and cool 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius) year-round.
The Lost Sea is stocked with Rainbow Trout. These fish are adapted to the dark, cool environment and can grow quite large.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a gift shop and snack area at The Lost Sea Adventure where visitors can purchase refreshments and souvenirs. For full meals, nearby Sweetwater offers various dining options.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks before entering the cave to maintain its pristine condition. Check with the attraction for their specific rules.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is permitted inside the cave and during the boat ride. Visitors are encouraged to capture the unique beauty of the underground lake and caverns.
The underground lake itself, with its crystal-clear water and the boat tour, offers stunning photographic opportunities. The natural cave formations are also very photogenic.
While generally allowed, it's advisable to use equipment that doesn't disrupt other visitors or the cave environment. Tripods might be restricted in certain areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the uphill hike on the return journey, which can be challenging for very young children or those who tire easily. Ensuring kids wear appropriate footwear for slippery cave paths is essential for safety. The constant cool temperature inside the cave also makes it a great escape from summer heat.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs and snacks, visitors can save money by packing their own water and snacks to enjoy before or after the tour. The drive to Sweetwater, TN, is also often part of a larger road trip, making it an economical addition to an itinerary.
💑 Couples
It's a great option for couples who enjoy nature, history, and a touch of adventure. The guided tour adds an educational element, and the sheer wonder of the underground lake makes for great conversation and shared memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and History of Craighead Caverns
The temperature inside the cave remains a constant 58°F (14°C) year-round, making it a cool escape during warmer months.The underground lake, known as The Lost Sea, is the main attraction. It's the largest underground lake in the United States and the second largest in the world, covering 4.5 acres. The lake was discovered in 1905 by a thirteen-year-old boy named Ben Sands. It is fed by natural springs and is home to a population of rainbow trout, which are stocked periodically. The boat tour offers a unique perspective of this subterranean wonder.
+1Visitors often remark on the fascinating guided tours that provide insights into the cave's geology, history, and even local legends, including tales of moonshine secrets. The guides are praised for their storytelling and knowledge, enhancing the overall experience.
Navigating the Cave and Uphill Return
However, the return trip presents a different challenge: a strenuous uphill hike back to the surface. Many reviewers highlight this aspect, advising visitors to wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and be prepared for the exertion. The attraction thoughtfully includes three rest stops along the uphill path to allow visitors to catch their breath. This is a crucial piece of advice for anyone planning their visit, especially those with mobility concerns or young children.
To make the experience more enjoyable, it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket as the cave temperature is a consistent 58°F (14°C) year-round. This preparation ensures that the physical demands of the tour do not detract from the overall wonder of exploring America's largest underground lake.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit