BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – Since 1991, Appalachian Caverns has been a popular attraction in the region, attracting visitors from across the nation. But after 21 years, the current owners are ready to pass the torch to someone new.

Since 2004, Roger Hartley has led visitors through the three-mile cave system. But after two decades, he decided to start planning for his future.

“So truthfully, for us, this has been great,” Hartley said. “Last year was our best year financially. But I’m three and a half years away from retirement, instead of waiting until the last minute and having to sell. If I can sell now, it will give me time to build the home I want. Have my retirement time, go hiking, fishing, and relax for the rest of my life.”

Hartley said owning the cave was never about the money.

“We’re here to support some of the cave life,” Hartley said. “We have endangered species of bats, endangered salamanders. We have fish and turtles in here. So we have a lot of wildlife here. So what we’re looking at is not growing a bank account as much as it is continuing the education and preserving the cave.”

Hartley said he spent his time trying to teach others the importance of helping preserve the caves.

“If we can teach a few people, if one out of 50 gets it and understands a little bit better about what we’re doing to the environment, what we’re doing to the earth, it’s the only one we got,” Hartley said. “So if they can understand that and help take care of it a little bit more, then we’re happy with that.”

While Hartley said he looks forward to his retirement, he will miss his time in the caves.

“If you can get through and see how to preserve life and look out for nature and how to look out for other people, it’s a great place to be,” he said.

Before leaving, Hartley wants to make sure the right person is in charge.

“The unfortunate part for me is, we don’t want this to be somebody’s hobby,” Hartley said. “We want them to love doing this. If we get the opportunity and the right person comes along, I’ll be glad to turn it over. But if we don’t, I’ll be glad to keep it.”

The asking price for the caverns is $2.2 million.