Iron Hoop Cave, Alabama

After Raccoon Mountain we made our way to Scottsboro to meet Derek Reneer for Iron Hoop Cave. Recent rains meant Derek drove us in his Durango to the entrance — he handles the dirt roads masterfully. Suited up in wetsuits and entered through a breakdown pile crawl into rooms that went from stooping to hands-and-knees. Final section was hands and knees on stones until breaking into large borehole passage — quite decorated. Then the swimming water passage: flowstone formations and a genuinely fun swim through. The passage continued but the highlight was the swim. Thanks to Derek for sharing this beautiful system.