Patton Cave

DifficultyNovice

LengthLength unknown

EnvironmentMixed wet/dry

Temperature52°F

A non-commercialized wild cave in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness of the Hoosier National Forest, just south of Monroe Lake, and a longtime destination for hikers and cavers. From a large, obvious entrance you explore on your own — no tours or guides. Some passages open up; others require stooping, crawling, and squeezing. Reaching it is half the adventure: a roughly 8-mile loop on the rugged, lightly maintained Grubb Ridge / Patton Cave trails (plan 3–4 hours). Watch for fossil corals in the limestone.

Type: Wild cave
Orientation: Horizontal
Passage: Tight
County: Monroe County

Location

Loading map…

Entrance

Reached only on foot via the Grubb Ridge Trail / Patton Cave Loop in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness (~8-mile round trip, rugged and lightly maintained). Large entrance once you arrive.

Hazards

Long, rugged ~8-mile hike just to reach the cave
Crawls and tight squeezes inside
Total darkness — carry three independent light sources
Remote wilderness with limited cell signal — go prepared

Gear

Helmet and a headlamp with backups; sturdy footwear and plenty of water for the long approach; clothes you can crawl in.

Geology

Mississippian limestone with visible fossil corals, part of the karst ridges of the Deam Wilderness.

Access

On Hoosier National Forest land in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness — open to the public, but the cave is closed for much of the year (typically reopening in spring) to protect hibernating bats. Check current U.S. Forest Service closure status before visiting.

OwnershipPublic-land
Permit requiredNo
Permission requiredNo

Conservation

Like most Indiana caves, Patton Cave closes seasonally to protect bats from white-nose syndrome (WNS). Obey Forest Service closure dates, decontaminate gear between caves, and don't disturb wildlife.

More caves in Monroe County

Buckner CaveIntermediate · 3.5 mi
Shirley Springs CaveIntermediate · Length unknown
Wayne CaveAdvanced · 4.3 mi

Caving responsibly

Most wild caves are reached through the local caving community, not by showing up — joining a grotto gets you training, gear advice, a conservation ethic, and, in time, cave locations.