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Gourdneck Cave Preserve

Management Plan | Make a Donation

On March 17, 1997, the final signatures were placed on a 25 year lease on Tennessee's Gourdneck Cave. The SCCi now has responsibility for the cave and has committed to maintain the waterline and delivery system for the cave owner. The lease is for the cave only, but we have permission to use a potion of the surface property for parking and access.

NOTE! As of 21 September 2006, visitors to Gourdneck Cave will have to provide their own means for descending and ascending the climb at the cave entrance. There is no longer a ladder in the entrance. Any ladders or other equipment left behind by visitors will be removed. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and for providing their own means for entering and exploring the cave.

No permit is required for access, but visitors are requested to use care to avoid damage to the water pipe, dam, and other components of the water system while on the property or in the cave. Also, the parking area is only large enough for a maximum of four vehicles. Please do not park on the road or on the neighbor's property. Everyone is friendly to us and we want to keep it that way. Car-pooling and keeping groups small will help

An information kiosk at Gourdneck Cave provides additional information about the cave and the SCCi, along with emergency contact information. Gourdneck preserve manager Maureen Handler may be contacted at gourdneck@scci.org. 

NOTICE: To help prevent the spread of the deadly White Nose Syndrome (WNS) affecting bat populations, please read the SCCi Cave Visitation Policy and follow the guidelines in the document before visiting Gourdneck Cave.

Acreage: Leased in Marion County, Tennessee
Property Manager: Maureen Handler (gourdneck@scci.org)
Access: Open, 8 person limit on group size, do not block road. Cavers must now bring a rope for the entrance drop. See the management plan for details.

Commercial Use Statement
The Board of the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) reaffirms its standing policy that bans the commercial use of our properties, and specifically, prohibits any activity where a charge of any type is made. Should you have any questions, contact the SCCi Chair at chair@scci.org .

New Kiosk at Gourdneck
by William Shrewsbury

On Saturday, July 27th, 2002 a crew of four met at Gourdneck Cave. Jim "Master Builder" Wilbanks brought a kiosk that was originally designed by Kenneth Huffines and built by Bill Fritz and himself. Bill "It's Level Now" Fritz assisted Jim with the construction and assembly. Mark "Needs a Better Knife" Wolinsky helped dig holes and carry water. Wm "Too hot out for me" Shrewsbury cleared the weeds.

Once Jim, Bill, Mark and Wm had dug the holes and pounded rock the kiosk was set in place. Jim poured a bag of concrete around each post, and Mark added water and set the process in motion.

While they waited for the concrete to do its job, Wm went into Gourdneck Cave and retrieved a section of ladder from the bottom of the plunge pool at the second waterfall. It took a couple of 'dives' to work the ladder loose. Turns out that the ladder is 16" wide, the same as the entrance ladders, and can serve as a replacement for them. A new register was placed in the register container. Hopefully this one will not wander off like the last one did...

Back outside Wm found that the concrete was setting nicely and the Kiosk Crew were ready to go eat. Mark was kind enough to offer to buy us all lunch so we took him up on it!

Jim Wilbanks pouring some concrete.