Guided Caving Tour & Watauga River Rafting Combo Adventure

Unearth the underground, then conquer the current—this full-day combo trip brings together two unforgettable Appalachian experiences in one action-packed day. Start your morning deep beneath the Earth’s surface on a guided caving tour through Worley’s Cave, just outside Elizabethton, TN, before heading upstream to raft Section 5 of the Watauga River.

Worley's Cave is a wild, non-commercial cave system filled with massive formations and ancient geology. With over seven miles of passageways and dramatic underground rooms, this wild cave offers an ideal introduction to caving—no experience required. You’ll be outfitted with helmets and high-powered headlamps before setting off to explore massive formations and uniquely named chambers like Hobbit’s Hallway, the Fairy’s Ballroom, Giant’s Causeway, and the Hall of Masks. Our professional guides, trained by on-staff geologists, will help bring the cave’s 550-million-year history to life. Whether you prefer big rooms or tight crawls, we tailor each tour to your ability and comfort level.

After surfacing from your underground exploration, enjoy a relaxing lunch break back at our riverside outpost in Elizabethton. Refueled and refreshed, your afternoon shifts from cave walls to river waves as you launch into Section 5 of the Watauga River. This 6+ mile whitewater stretch features over 18 class II–III rapids framed by the scenic Cherokee National Forest. With fewer crowds and the longest trip on the river, this small-group experience delivers the perfect balance of excitement and natural beauty—from the cliff jump near Wilbur Dam to the heart-pounding ride through Anaconda Rapid.

Spend a full day exploring two of Appalachia’s most thrilling natural features—underground cave systems and whitewater rapids. This unique pairing of earth and water adventure is unlike anything else in the Southeast. Whether you're a curious explorer, a thrill-seeker, or both—this trip offers something for every adventurer.

Duration

Full Day - 10:00 AM- 4:30 PM

Caving: We are usually in the cave anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.
Rafting: Approximate river time is 3 hours, over a distance of 10 km / 6+ miles, with 18 rapids

Please note that on Sundays, we do a shorter rafting trip with fewer rapids. The shorter trip is on the Trophy Section of the Watauga River rather than Section 5 due to the dam not being released on Sundays.

Location / Where to Meet

River & Earth Adventures - Watauga River & Cave Outpost

187 Patterson Ln
Elizabethton, TN 37643

Our riverside outpost is close to Boone, Banner Elk, Johnson City, and Bristol. Guests who arrive more than 30 minutes late to their scheduled meeting time may be asked to reschedule for a different date, subject to availability. Please plan accordingly to arrive at the designated meeting location on time.

Ages & Requirements

Minimum age: All ages welcome!
Minimum weight: None – infants through adults may join as long as they can sit securely.
No previous rafting or caving experience required.

For little explorers, we recommend bringing a baby carrier for caving.

What's Included

Trained geologists as your caving guides
Expert river guides
All caving and rafting gear (helmet, headlamp, PFD, paddle, raft)
Shuttle to both activities
Changing area at the outpost
Deli-Style lunch

Not Included

Guide Gratuity
Trip photos (available for purchase)

What to Bring / Wear

For caving: Old clothes you can get muddy, long sleeves and pants, and closed-toe shoes with good tread

For Rafting: Dress for the water temperature, not the air—you’ll be getting wet, and proper layers make all the difference. Here’s what we recommend bringing:

Synthetic fleece, polypro, Capilene, or wool layers (avoid cotton)
Old tennis shoes or running shoes (best for foot protection)

Secure sandals (okay, but less protective and can come off in a swim)

Sunglasses with a retainer strap (like Croakies or Chums)
Shorts and a T-shirt for warmer days and late-season trips
Sunscreen (avoid applying to your forehead or the backs of your legs to prevent it from running into your eyes or making boat surfaces slippery)
Towel and dry clothes for after the trip
Reusable water bottle

Tennessee Outdoor Adventures