There is nowhere in the world quite like the Volunteer State, is there? And there’s no legend like the one you grew up hearing over and over. For many Tennesseans, that commonplace legend is the tale of the Bell Witch. We’ve got our own set of amazing, offbeat adventures hiding around the state, but no story gets stranger than the tale of the Bell Witch, and you’re going to love exploring her cave. Read on for more information:
Contrary to the sound of her moniker, the Bell Witch doesn’t live in a bell tower or wear bells in her hair. She is named for a farming family that lived in Adams, Tennessee. From 1817-1821, the Bell family, led by John Bell, Sr., experienced a haunting on their farm.
Flickr/Brent Moore Pictured here is the Bell Family Cemetery.
The entity who would be called the Bell Witch was described as having many supernatural powers, including invisibility, clairvoyance, and telekinesis. It’s no wonder the Bells felt haunted—the Bell property is hauntingly beautiful.
Facebook/The Historic Bell Witch Cave
If the legend of the Bell Witch sounds familiar, that’s because it’s wildly famous. Do you remember The Blair Witch Project? It was inspired by the legends surrounding the Bell Witch.
Flickr/Cameron Dangle
But we aren’t here to talk about the legend. We’re here to talk about the cave.
Flickr/Cameron Daigle
The Bell Witch Cave is hiding on the Bells’ old farm. It’s a 450-foot long karst cave that legend says Betsy Bell and her friends were playing in when they had an experience with the Bell Witch involving a lecture about the dangers of cave exploration.
Flickr/Cameron Daigle
It’s just a cave, right? Nothing spooky about caves or anything. Why, look how warm and inviting the Bell Witch’s front porch is.
Facebook/The Historic Bell Witch Cave
In 2008, the cave was put on the National Register of Historic Places due to its association with the Bells and the witch who haunted them.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
You can visit the cave today. Private tours are offered, but you’ll want to call ahead. This isn’t a drop-in kind of adventure. You wouldn’t want to be caught anywhere near the Bell Witch alone.
Flickr/Cameron Daigle
You can learn more about the Bell Witch Cave on their website. You may also want to follow along on Facebook at this link.
Flickr/Brent Moore
Pictured here is the Bell Family Cemetery.
Facebook/The Historic Bell Witch Cave
Flickr/Cameron Dangle
Flickr/Cameron Daigle
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Had you heard the story of the Bell Witch? Have you seen her cave? Tell us all about your legendary encounter in the comments!
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Address: 430 Keysburg Rd, Adams, TN 37010, USA
