About Buggytop Cave AKA Lost Cove Cave

Buggytop Cave AKA Lost Cove Cave

Buggytop Cave also known as Lost Cove Cave is part of the Tennessee state park system.  It is approximately a 30 minute drive from the Tims Ford Lake Area in Sewanee TN

The drive to the Buggytop Cave (Lost Cove Cave) trailhead is beautiful from the Tims Ford Lake Area -- as you approach the first mountain, you'll see a unique building piercing through the mountain.  Quite an interesting site -- that is Sir John Templeton's Library.  We separately wrote an article on this site about the amazing Sir John Templeton.  

Sir John Templeton's Library

The Buggytop hiking trail is a very beautiful moderately strenuous hike and part of the South Cumberland State Park System.  It is two miles in and two miles out with the end of the first two miles, ending at the mouth of the cave.    Parking is somewhat limited just on the side of the road.  I imagine that the parking gets full quickly on nice hiking days / weekends.

Buggytop Hiking Trail to Lost Cove Cave Trailhead

The Buggytop Cave Trail itself is lush and full of plants and trees and covered the whole way with a canopy.

Buggytop Hiking Trail to Lost Cove Cave Trail

The Lost Cove Cave itself has a flowing stream flowing through it.  During our hike in, we met two spelunkers who said that they traveled two miles into the cave, until its end (they had helmets, etc) 

Buggytop Cave / Lost Cove Cave entrance

 The entrance to the cave is large but once you walk in even 20 feet the inside is 2-3 times as high.

More Details About the Buggytop Cave / Lost Cove Cave 

Details from the South Cumberland state park system

Buggytop Cave is an impressive wild cave reached by a two-mile hike from the parking area to the cave entrance. If you have never visited Buggytop, it is recommended you join park staff on a ranger-led cave trip to familiarize yourself with the cave. These hikes can be found on the events calendar.

The hikes both inside and outside the cave are strenuous and often wet. Be prepared with helmets, headlamps, extra batteries, and appropriate shoes and clothing. Do not cave alone. Permits are required and are available online. The cave is open from May 1 to August 31. 

To ensure that Tennessee State Parks continues to provide quality areas for recreational caving, all cavers should register online or with park management three days before your visit.

Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with your permit. Please keep the digital or paper permit with you while visiting. At some locations, you may be asked to print your permit and leave it on your car dashboard.