Forbidden Caverns
4.7(3.3K)google
4.0(105)yelp
FamilyIndoorGuided TourEducationalCave
Overview
Forbidden Caverns, located in Sevierville, is a spectacular subterranean natural wonder that guides brave travelers deep beneath the eastern Tennessee ridges into an ancient limestone wonderland. Once used by Eastern Woodland Native Americans as a vital shelter and later by early pioneer moonshiners to distill illegal whiskey, the cave features an immense, roaring underground river system. Guided tours take visitors past towering stone columns, deep bottomless pits, and delicate crystal mineral formations, all beautifully brought to life by an advanced, multi-colored stereophonic sound and LED light presentation.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
ThuClosed
Fri10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeOpen seasonally from April to November; touring the constant 55°F subterranean cave trails at the 10:00 AM opening on a non-holiday weekday is pristine. State-of-the-art color-changing sound and light shows illuminate one of America's largest collections of rare sparkling calcite crystals.
Getting ThereSituated in a rural valley at 455 Blowing Cave Rd east of Sevierville. No public transit serves this rural ring; driving is required. Take US-411 East from town for 12 miles, turn right onto Blowing Cave Rd, and follow the ascending track straight to the venue's complimentary paved customer lot.
Travel Tips
- This subterranean cavern strictly operates on a seasonal template and is not accessible year-round. Public entries are condensed between April 1 and November 30 annually; during the winter frame (December through March), ascending deep water tables flood low pathways, forcing an absolute physical gate padlock that blocks all regional valley approaches.
- Regardless of surface valley heat waves, the cavern depths stay pinned at a constant 55°F (12.7°C) with humidity levels running at 98% alongside continuous ceiling condensation drip. Protective rules dictate that all entrants pack a water-resistant insulated outer shell; because concrete footpaths are layered with slick calcium carbonate slimes, smooth leather footwear is banned.
- To preserve fragile stalactite Formations, the site bans self-guided tracking. Movement is compressed into 55-minute docent-led convoy groups running on a strict single-lane path with zero mid-route return doors; individuals prone to claustrophobia, acute nyctophobia, or unable to sustain 1 hour of active walking must bypass the entry turnstiles.
Reviews
Positive
- The underground cavern interior is illuminated by professionally designed colored lights; the stalagmites and stalactites offer intense visual impact, with charming underground streams.
- The cavern interior stays at a constant cool temperature year-round (around 58°F/14°C), making it a great summer escape; trails feature sturdy handrails and clear signs.
- It operates via a mandatory guided tour layout; guides share highly engaging histories about Native Americans and moonshining, ensuring strong safety management.
- The ticket price covers a deep 1-hour geological history tour and free parking; compared to surrounding large commercial theme parks, it offers excellent value.
Heads up
- Due to natural cavern structures, trails are highly damp, slippery, and steep in spots, making it unfriendly for elderly visitors or strollers, lacking accessibility.
- The location is relatively remote in rural Sevierville, requiring a drive down a narrow two-lane country road off the highway, with zero public transit.
- During peak periods, group sizes are too large (sometimes over 30 people), leaving tourists at the back unable to hear the guide, hurting the authentic experience.
- Due to subterranean limits, cell service is completely dead inside; the enclosed and narrow cave spaces can trigger physical discomfort for claustrophobic guests.