The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. announced the acquisition of its 33rd preserve – the iconic Balcony Sink also known as Falling Cave. Balcony Sink is one of the top 10 classic pits in the Tennessee/Alabama/Georgia (TAG) region of the United States, and one that has been closed to most cavers for decades.
Like SCCi’s Valhalla, Balcony Sink is much larger at the bottom than the top with a pit depth of 135 feet.
Beyond the pit is a half-mile passage including a second 34 foot drop. With its large dramatic entrance and active waterfall, Balcony Sink is one of the most beautiful and bio dense caves in Alabama. In addition to Balcony Sink, Water Pipe Cave is a Pennington spring cave located 70 feet above Balcony Sink and is 735 feet long.
The acquisition includes nine acres surrounding the cave entrance and a 50-foot wide trail leading to the cave from the main road for a total of 12 acres. This acquisition required quick action by the SCCi board of directors.