Caverns
2 Options Across the Smokies
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Underground / Guided Tours
When the weather turns or the kids need something different, head underground. The caverns near the Smokies stay cool and dry year round, with guided tours through grand rooms of stone formations and hidden streams.
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.
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.
Each show cave has its own character, from grand rooms to underground waterfalls. Read what each tour highlights and choose the one that fits your group and drive time.
Tours are guided and run on a schedule, often forty five minutes to an hour with stairs and narrow passages. Confirm times and any age or mobility notes before you go.
It stays in the fifties underground all year, so bring a layer even on a hot day, and wear shoes that grip on damp stone.
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Insider Tips
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most guided cavern tours run about forty five minutes to an hour. They follow a set schedule, so check tour times before you arrive.
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.
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.
Rain or shine, a luxury Smoky Mountain cabin keeps your group comfortable. Book a base near Sevierville and Townsend with easy access to the caverns and the park.
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