fbpx
Photo Credit: Chuck Sutherland
Cumberland County

Devilstep Hollow

PROJECT PARTNERS Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Twelve Oaks Company

This is a nationally significant property because of the unique geology, archeology, history, ecology, and scenery. The Cave drains nearby Grassy Cove, a privately-owned national natural landmark, a karst valley – (the largest sinkhole in North America at 8 miles by 3 miles). The mouth of the cave is massive at 125 feet across and 150 feet. Twenty-two cave petroglyphs and pictographs, dating back more than a thousand years, were discovered in Devilstep Hollow Cave.

In 2007, the owners of Devilstep Hollow Cave donated a conservation easement and sold their property to TennGreen. The property is known for its extensive biological, cultural, and geological significance. In a study funded by the National Geographic Society identified twenty-two cave “drawings” or pictographs dating back more than a thousand years were discovered in Devilstep Hollow Cave.

These include evidence of some ancient underground ceremony. The property is currently managed by TDEC as part of the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park. The Falcon Warrior Trail begins at the birthplace of the Sequatchie River, located on the property and is the only natural water outline for Grassy Cove to the north.

SHARE