Cave Spring at Hobbit Hollows Farm & Gnostic Center, Cookeville, TN

## Overview Cave Spring at Hobbit Hollows Farm & Gnostic Center is a deep underground spring that flows from a small cave nestled in the north hollow of this private nature preserve near Cookeville, Tennessee. The spring is reported to produce an impressive 200 to 400 gallons of water per minute, making it one of the more substantial natural springs in the Upper Cumberland region of the state. The property sits in Jackson County, within the rolling hills and hollows characteristic of the Cumberland Plateau's western escarpment — a landscape rich in limestone karst geology that gives rise to caves and underground waterways. The spring is located on the grounds of Hobbit Hollows Farm & Gnostic Center, a privately maintained preserve that welcomes visitors by pre-arranged appointment. The farm's name evokes the lush, tucked-away character of the hollows, and the spring itself is reached via the preserve's north hollow trails, offering a scenic walk through the wooded terrain before arriving at the cave mouth where the water emerges. ## Directions The spring is located at Hobbit Hollows Farm & Gnostic Center, 558 T. Short Lane, Cookeville, TN 38501-9210. **Visits are by pre-arranged appointment only** — contact the farm in advance through their website at [hobbithollowsfarm.com/contact](http://www.hobbithollowsfarm.com/contact). **From Downtown Cookeville (Interstate 40 & Willow Ave / SR-135):** 1. Head north on Willow Avenue (SR-135) for approximately 10 miles. The road becomes Dodson Branch Highway as you continue north. 2. After passing Anita's Cafe on the left, turn right onto Zion Road. 3. In less than half a mile, make your first right onto Albert Swift Lane. 4. Follow the road along the ridge and look for the mailbox or cabin. The road will take you about half a mile down into the hollows where the farm is located. 5. Once on the property, follow the north hollow trail to reach Cave Spring. *GPS coordinates: 36.293865, -85.538681* ## What to Expect Cave Spring emerges from a small cave opening along the north hollow trails of the preserve. The flow is substantial — estimated at 200 to 400 gallons per minute depending on the season and recent rainfall — so visitors can expect to see a vigorous stream of water issuing from the rock. The surrounding landscape is typical of the Cumberland Plateau's karst terrain: wooded hollows, exposed limestone, and the quiet atmosphere of a secluded valley. The trail to the spring involves a walk down into the hollow, so be prepared for moderate terrain changes and wear sturdy footwear. The path descends roughly half a mile from the entrance area near the cabin and mailbox. **Important:** Hobbit Hollows Farm is a private preserve, and access to Cave Spring requires a pre-arranged appointment. The property is open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (or dusk), but you must schedule your visit in advance. Check the farm's website at [hobbithollowsfarm.com](http://www.hobbithollowsfarm.com/home/nature-preserve/cave-spring) for the latest information on visiting and any seasonal changes to access.