Etowah Mounds

Etowah Mounds
Etowah Mounds in the Georgia State Parks systems.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Bell Witch Cave- Adams TN













I had heard a lot about the Bell Witch Cave before finally making it there this year.

There is something very interesting about the cave, and its connection to the Bell Witch. It is one of the last actual locations still standing associated with the story.

So, we made a trip down early on Saturday to check it out!

We pulled in to the farm where the cave is located early in the day. We drove to the main ticket area/gift shop and parked.

I had read that the guy running the place is very moody. I must admit I was a bit on guard about this.

I have visited other historic sites ran by people who are not pleasant, and their hearts aren't really in to the protection and promotion of the site (I'm talking to you famous multi-gabled house in Salem Mass.). It is very sad when this happens.

I was pleased to discover first hand that this is not the case with the Bell Witch Cave. Yes, there is a stern guy there running the place. I did see him say something to some kids driving fast down the gravel drive to the parking area, but he wasn't a jerk about it at all. It seemed to me that the cave is owned and ran by someone who takes pride in having a pleasant and very scenic tourist attraction, and he wants it to stay that way. Our group all agreed that the entire staff was pleasant.

Let me say one last thing about the staff here (and at other touristy areas). How many times have you been to a major tourist attraction in a large area, and you feel herded through a tour? I can think of several tours where I have been in a group of 50 or more people, with one or a couple of tour guides working hard to get as many people through as possible. It is very impersonal.

I felt like the family/staff at the Bell Witch Cave cared about the cave and the farm area around it. I thought they had a personal connection to the area, and simply want to keep it as perfect as possible, and they want to make your experience there as pleasant as it can be.

We arrived, bought our tickets, and our small group was taken immediately to tour the cave. There was no waiting until a certain hour, or waiting for more people. We had a very private tour which was great!

Unlike other show caves, you do get a lot of access here. Yes, it is relatively small, but you can poke around a bit more. Our guide encouraged us to touch the cave walls for support (though we were also encouraged to watch out for spiders before putting our hands in certain areas). We were also able to climb up on some rocks as needed. This cave has a more wild feel than others. Oh, and there is a stream going through the cave. You can place your feet on rocks as needed, but you are going to get wet.

The Bell Witch Cave has some very cool features, including a rock that looks like a person mooning you (see photo) and a very scary formation that looks like a skull or monster's head. I thought it looked like Leatherface. Check out the photo though. It is a very creepy formation.

Native American relics and remains have been found here too. Very old ones according to our guide.

I really like the gift shop here too. Inside, they have some articles, letters and other relics relating to the Bell Witch. I love postcards and books, and they were readily available here, along with shirts and magnets.

Again, visiting the Bell Witch Cave in Adams, along with a trip to the Old School House is a great way to spend a day. You will have fun!

Oh, and keep in mind that going to a place like this in October will be more of a chore than going during another month. If you like smaller, less crowded tours, think about going when the Halloween crowds will not be there.

No comments: