The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and natural wonders. While most visitors focus on the stunning landscapes above ground, few realize the hidden treasures beneath their feet - the awe-inspiring caverns waiting to be explored. In this blog post, we'll take you on an underground adventure to two remarkable caverns in the Smoky Mountains - Forbidden Caverns and Tuckaleechee Caverns.
Forbidden Caverns
Located just a short drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Forbidden Caverns offers an interesting journey into the heart of the earth. As you venture down into the cave's depths, you'll be greeted by a labyrinth of stunning formations - stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and draperies that took millions of years to create. Guided tours lead you through the underground passageways, revealing captivating stories of the cavern's intriguing history.
Forbidden Caverns: Unraveling Earth's Secrets
"Forbidden Caverns" is a geological masterpiece that lies beneath the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Formed over millions of years through the slow dissolution of limestone, the caverns boast stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and draperies that have been delicately shaped by water and time. Nestled within a mountainous forest, this land was once home to tribes of Native Americans. Among their discoveries is this cave system. For these indigenous people, the caverns were a place of refuge and shelter, where a constant temperature of 58 degrees offered solace. A clear stream flowed within, providing a bountiful supply of pristine water from a subterranean lake, which today we call English Mountain.
For the Native Americans, the caverns held more than just shelter; they were a source of valuable resources. The abundant flint found within the caves served as a crucial material for crafting essential tools such as arrowheads, knives, and scrapers.
As time passed, the caverns' secrets attracted a different kind of visitor - moonshiners seeking a safe haven from the watchful eyes of revenuers during the Prohibition era. From the early 1920s to 1943, these outlaws found sanctuary within the underground labyrinth.
Then, in 1964, the caverns underwent a transformation, evolving into their present form - a captivating tourist destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the mesmerizing world hidden beneath the majestic East Tennessee mountains.
Underground River: One of the highlights of Forbidden Caverns is its underground river, which still flows today. The river has played a crucial role in shaping the caverns, and its waters reflect the stunning formations, creating a magical ambiance. During the guided tour, you'll learn about the cave's history and the role the river has played in its formation.
Today, Forbidden Caverns stands as a testament to the rich history that lies beneath the surface, offering a chance for modern adventurers to step back in time and immerse themselves in the wonder of this underground wonderland.
Drive from Appalachian Escape Cabin
Approximately 10.8 miles via TN-416 E and US-411 S.
Drive from Ridge View Lodge
Approximately 15.6 miles via US-441 S and US-411 S.
Hours of Operation:
- Open April 1st – November 30th, 10 am-5 pm. Closed on Thursdays and Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and November 24th and 25th. Closed for the season December thru March.
- Ticket Prices (Subject to Change)
Adults 13 and up: $20.00
Children 5-12: $12.00
4 and under: Free - Please call (865) 453-5972 for any additional information.
Tuckaleechee Caverns: Nature's Subterranean Cathedral
Nestled amidst the Smoky Mountains near Townsend, TN, Tuckaleechee Caverns is another geological masterpiece waiting to be discovered. Carved inside the earth’s oldest mountain chain and estimated to be between twenty to thirty million years old, the Caverns have been rich in history and lore in recent years as well. The guided tours here are both educational and awe-inspiring, shedding light on the fascinating geological processes that shaped this hidden wonder.
Tuckaleechee Caverns: Nature's Underground Cathedral
Tuckaleechee Caverns, often referred to as the "Greatest Site Under the Smokies," boasts an expansive underground wonderland that never fails to leave visitors in awe. This cavern system has spacious rooms adorned with spectacular formations, making it one of the most breathtaking cave systems in the eastern United States.
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The Big Room: One of the most remarkable features of Tuckaleechee Caverns is "The Big Room," an enormous chamber with a ceiling height of up to 150 feet. The sheer scale of this room is awe-inspiring, and it's adorned with an incredible array of stalactites and stalagmites, some of which have grown together over time, forming majestic columns.
Silver Falls: Among the many stunning formations within the caverns, "Silver Falls" stands out as a breathtaking sight. This striking 210-foot tall underground waterfall gently cascades down the rocks, adding an ethereal touch to the already magical environment. Visitors often find themselves mesmerized by the sight and sound of this subterranean marvel.
Drive from Appalachian Escape Cabin
Approximately 29 miles via US-441 S and US-321 N.
Drive from Ridge View Lodge
Approximately 33 miles via US-441 S and US-321 N.
Hours of Operation:
- Tuckaleechee Caverns typically operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the peak season (usually from April through October), with guided tours departing regularly throughout the day. During the off-peak season, the hours may be more limited, so it's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date schedule.
Visiting Forbidden Caverns and Tuckaleechee Caverns (two of the 10,000 known caves in Tennessee) in the Smoky Mountains is not just a chance to witness the Earth's geological wonders but also an opportunity to connect with the rich history and natural beauty that lies hidden beneath the surface. As you embark on these guided subterranean adventures, be prepared to be humbled by the immense scale and delicate beauty of these captivating caves. Remember to respect the fragile environment and leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Happy spelunking!