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Caves & Caverns

Go underground and explore ancient cave systems near the Smokies. Guided tours take you through formations, underground streams, and cathedral-sized rooms.

Plan Your Visit

What to Know

Best Seasons

Open year round and a reliable all weather choice, since the caverns hold a steady cool temperature no matter the season. They are a favorite on hot summer afternoons and rainy days when outdoor plans fall through.

What to Bring

A light jacket, since the caves stay cool in the fifties year round, and closed shoes with grip for the damp, sometimes uneven paths. Cameras are usually welcome. Strollers do not work on the stairs, so plan for little ones.

Who Is This For

Choosing a Cavern Tour

For a Quick Trip from Pigeon Forge

Forbidden Caverns near Sevierville is the closer option for most cabins on the Pigeon Forge side. The guided tour winds through chambers of formations with lighting and an underground stream.

For the Bigger Cave

Tuckaleechee Caverns near Townsend is known for its large rooms and an underground waterfall. It is a little farther out but rewards the drive with some of the most impressive cave formations in the region.

For a Weather Backup

Either cavern is the ideal plan B when rain or heat ruins the outdoor schedule. The tours are fully indoors and underground, so the day is saved regardless of conditions above.

Insider Knowledge

Tips and Getting There

Insider Tips

  • The caverns are the perfect rainy day or heat of summer plan, cool and dry while the weather does whatever it likes above ground.
  • Tours involve stairs and narrow spots, so they are not stroller friendly and may be tight for anyone with serious mobility limits. Call ahead to ask.
  • Bring a light jacket no matter the forecast. Guests are often surprised how cool it feels after the warm air outside.

Getting There and Parking

The two main show caverns sit on opposite sides of the range, with Forbidden Caverns near Sevierville and Tuckaleechee Caverns near Townsend. Both have their own parking and are an easy drive from most cabins, though Townsend is a bit farther from Pigeon Forge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caves can you tour near the Smokies?
The two main show caverns are Forbidden Caverns near Sevierville and Tuckaleechee Caverns near Townsend. Both offer guided walking tours through lit chambers of stone formations.
Are the cave tours kid friendly?
Yes, older children usually love them. The tours involve stairs and some narrow passages, so they are not suited to strollers and may be challenging for toddlers or limited mobility.
How cold is it inside?
The caverns hold a steady temperature in the fifties year round. Bring a light jacket even on a hot summer day, since it feels cool after the warm air outside.
How long is a tour?
Most guided cavern tours run about forty five minutes to an hour. They follow a set schedule, so check tour times before you arrive.
Can I visit caves inside the national park?
No. Caves within Great Smoky Mountains National Park are closed to the public to protect bats and sensitive habitat. The show caverns are privately operated outside the park.
Are the caverns a good rainy day option?
They are one of the best. The tours are entirely underground and unaffected by weather, which makes them a reliable plan when rain or heat cancels outdoor activities.

Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide

Caves & Caverns

Caves and caverns near the Smoky Mountains. Underground tours at Forbidden Caverns, Tuckaleechee Caverns, and more in East Tennessee.

Scan for live
hours & details

5 places3 areasvantagestays.com/explore/caves.html

What to Know

Best Seasons

Open year round and a reliable all weather choice, since the caverns hold a steady cool temperature no matter the season. They are a favorite on hot summer afternoons and rainy days when outdoor plans fall through.

What to Bring

A light jacket, since the caves stay cool in the fifties year round, and closed shoes with grip for the damp, sometimes uneven paths. Cameras are usually welcome. Strollers do not work on the stairs, so plan for little ones.

The Checklist

PlaceRatingHoursPhoneAddress
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Alum Cave Trail4.8 ★Sunrise to SunsetNewfound Gap Rd, Great Smoky Mountains NP
Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail4.9 ★Sunrise to SunsetAlum Cave Trailhead, Great Smoky Mountains NP
Sevierville
Forbidden Caverns4.5 ★10 AM - 4 PM, Closed Sun/Thu(865) 453-5972455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
Blowing Cave Mill General Store4.5 ★10 AM - 6 PM, Closed Sunday(865) 933-4455171 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
Townsend
Tuckaleechee Caverns4.7 ★10 AM - 5 PM(865) 448-2274825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, TN 37882

Picking the Right One for Your Group

For a Quick Trip from Pigeon Forge

Forbidden Caverns near Sevierville is the closer option for most cabins on the Pigeon Forge side. The guided tour winds through chambers of formations with lighting and an underground stream.

For the Bigger Cave

Tuckaleechee Caverns near Townsend is known for its large rooms and an underground waterfall. It is a little farther out but rewards the drive with some of the most impressive cave formations in the region.

For a Weather Backup

Either cavern is the ideal plan B when rain or heat ruins the outdoor schedule. The tours are fully indoors and underground, so the day is saved regardless of conditions above.

Insider Tips

Hours change seasonally; scan the code above for live info. Book your cabin: vantagestays.com · (865) 408-1817

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