Head of the Crow Caving | Tennessee State Parks

Head of the crow Buggytop Cave with a sream flowing through to the outside of the cave.

Matt Morrison

Caving at Head of the Crow

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 Cave, it is recommended you join park staff on a Ranger-led cave trip to familiarize yourself with the cave.

Buggytop Cave is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Register

Know Before You Go

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.

Supplies

To best prepare for your hike, make sure to bring appropriate hiking shoes and clothing, helmets, headlamps, extra batteries, and plenty of water. Cavers should not enter the cave alone.
Permits

Only 40 Caving Permits are available on open days, and group sizes are limited to 20. Every caver will need a permit to enter and must register online or with park management at least three days in advance. The park manager may close the cave at their discretion.
Rules & Regulations

Cavers should follow all stated park rules and regulations. Additionally, cavers must be out of the cave and off the trail by sunset. The cave environment is fragile. Visitors exploring the cave should be careful not to disturb any formations or small animals that live in the cave.

Caving Permits

Permits are required and can be obtained online for free. We ask that you fill out a short registration form, sign a liability waiver, and familiarize yourself with the Clean Caving Guidelines. To receive your permit, please fill out our registration form.

Put On Vehicle Dashboard

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.

Buggytop Cave

Be sure to follow all Clean Caving guidelines, Leave No Trace principles, and all park rules and regulations.

The cave environment is fragile. Visitors that choose to explore the cave should be careful not to disturb any formations or small animals that live in the cave.
Daily Limit: 40 Permits issued per day (1 permit per person, regardless of age)
Do not cave alone.
Group size is limited to 20 people at a time.
Visitors must be out of the cave and off the trails by sunset.
Cavers should be able to show proof that they are registered and complying with rules & regulations.
The park manager may close the cave at their discretion.