Forbidden Caverns
Explore a hidden world of stunning cave formations and an underground river on an educational tour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Forbidden Caverns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a hidden world of stunning cave formations and an underground river on an educational tour.
"Beautiful cavern with a guided tour and a moderate walk."
🧥 Bring a Jacket!
It's a cool 52°F (11°C) inside year-round. A light jacket is essential for comfort.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Paths can be steep and slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground River
Throughout the caverns
Witness a stunning underground river, a powerful force shaping the cave's natural beauty.
Cave Formations
Various chambers
Marvel at unique stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological wonders sculpted over millennia.
Native American & Moonshine History
Exhibits along the tour path
Learn about the intriguing history of the caverns, from ancient inhabitants to Prohibition-era secrets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Underground
Timing is Key for Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Jacket!
It's a cool 52°F (11°C) inside year-round. A light jacket is essential for comfort.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Paths can be steep and slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must.
🚫 No Strollers Allowed
The terrain isn't suitable for strollers. Plan accordingly for little ones.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to document the stunning formations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Jacket!
It's a cool 52°F (11°C) inside year-round. A light jacket is essential for comfort.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Paths can be steep and slippery. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must.
🚫 No Strollers Allowed
The terrain isn't suitable for strollers. Plan accordingly for little ones.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to document the stunning formations.
⏳ Check Hours Before
Operating days and hours vary by season. Always check their website before you go!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Forbidden Caverns for its stunning natural beauty and informative guided tours. Many highlight the knowledgeable guides and the unique geological formations, including the underground river. While the cool temperatures and occasional slippery paths are noted, the overall experience is considered beautiful and well worth the visit.
"Awesome experience! Don’t forget your coat, it can get pretty chilly down there. The guide was super knowledgeable and was able to keep the tour interactive and answered questions."
Brittany Lake
"My first time going to a cave and this did not disappoint! I was afraid I would be very cold inside, but was surprised I was comfortable in leggings, a tank top, long sleeve top and North Face hoodie. It can be a little steep and slippery in spots, but the views are worth it! You have to go up 9 steps and down 50. No strollers are allowed. It was beautiful. We had a young man as a guide, he did an ok job, giving us time to meander. There was maybe 12-15 in our group and they have a group start every ten minutes or so. We could hear the other group laughing a few times at jokes their guide had told.
We went at 3 on a Friday of a Holiday weekend and had no wait. My husband is 6'5" and he only had to turn his head sideways and bend at the knees a little bit during the walk. You do not have any tight squeezes either (He weighs around 300.)"
Carrie Milkanin
"Beautiful cavern with a guided tour and a moderate walk. Native American history and moonshine history were explained by the guide. Pieces of scrap metal and a partial moonshine still are present today. 11 miles of cavern are said to be mapped out but you only get to explore maybe a half mile of it. Guided tour took less than an hour for 25$, beautiful and worth it just wish we could’ve seen more. An underground stream runs through the cavern and can be seen at several spots along the path and can be heard through most of the tour."
Colton Lovelace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forbidden Caverns is located near Sevierville, TN, a short drive from Gatlinburg. Take US-441 N to TN-73 E/US-321 N towards Maryville, then follow signs for Forbidden Caverns. Many visitors use their own vehicles or rental cars for easy access. 
Public transportation options directly to Forbidden Caverns are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
Forbidden Caverns is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Pigeon Forge, making it a convenient stop for those staying in the area.
The drive to Forbidden Caverns offers beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains. Some roads leading to the area can be steep and winding, so drive cautiously.
Forbidden Caverns is situated in Sevierville, Tennessee, nestled within the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Forbidden Caverns are generally around $25 per adult, though this can vary. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's a good idea, especially during peak season or holiday weekends, to secure your spot and avoid potential sell-outs or long waits.
Forbidden Caverns' hours vary by season. They are typically open daily during the main tourist seasons but have reduced days or hours in the off-season. Always check their official website for current operating times before your visit.
There are no specific age restrictions for entering Forbidden Caverns, but the tour involves walking and some uneven terrain. Strollers are not permitted.
Information on coupons or discounts for Forbidden Caverns isn't widely publicized. It's best to check their website or local tourism brochures for any available deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour through Forbidden Caverns typically lasts less than an hour, covering about half a mile of the mapped caverns.
The tour involves a moderate walk with some steep sections and slippery spots. There are 50 steps to go down and 9 steps to go up. It's generally manageable for most visitors, but not recommended for those with significant mobility issues.
The temperature inside Forbidden Caverns remains a consistent 52°F (11°C) year-round. It's advisable to wear a jacket or sweater.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside Forbidden Caverns, allowing you to capture the stunning cave formations and underground river.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Forbidden Caverns visitor center before or after your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is allowed inside Forbidden Caverns, so you can capture the unique geological formations and underground river.
The underground river, the various stalactite and stalagmite formations, and the illuminated chambers offer the most picturesque photo opportunities.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the Forbidden Caverns staff upon arrival to confirm if tripods are permitted to avoid any issues.
Given the low light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod is recommended. Using a wider aperture and a higher ISO can help capture detail.
Flash photography is often discouraged in caves to preserve the natural environment and avoid disturbing any wildlife. It's best to rely on ambient light or your camera's low-light capabilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that strollers are not allowed, so younger children will need to be carried or walk. The moderate walking and steps are generally manageable for most kids, but it's wise to ensure they have appropriate footwear. The consistent cool temperature means kids will need a light jacket. It's a great option for a rainy day activity or a break from the theme parks.
💰 Budget Travelers
Compared to some of the larger theme parks, Forbidden Caverns is a more budget-friendly option. It's a great way to experience a unique natural wonder of Tennessee without a significant financial commitment. Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and History of Forbidden Caverns
+1Beyond its geological marvels, Forbidden Caverns holds a rich human history. Evidence suggests that Native Americans utilized the caverns for shelter and resources centuries ago. During the Prohibition era, the caverns also served as a clandestine location for moonshine production, with remnants of stills still visible today. The guided tour weaves these historical narratives into the exploration, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who once sought refuge or operated in this hidden underground world.
Navigating the Caverns: What to Expect
While the caverns are well-lit for tours, the temperature remains a constant 52°F (11°C), so bringing a light jacket or sweater is highly recommended, even during the summer months. Due to the uneven terrain and steps, strollers are not permitted, so families with very young children should plan accordingly. The guides are knowledgeable and aim to make the tour interactive, sharing insights into the cave's geology and history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit