455 Blowing Cave Road, Sevierville, Tennessee 37876.
Call (865) 453-5972
Open from April – November
Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm (closed Sundays)
Forbidden Caverns are one of two area caves that are still open to the public. These large underground caverns are full of formations and unusual sights! This makes for a great natural adventure for anyone visiting the Great Smoky Mountain area!
History of the Caverns
The caverns were originally used by the Indians as a source of shelter during winter. Inside the caves they began to find flint, and other stones that were useful for making of arrowheads, spears, knives and scraping tools. The caverns got their name from an Indian legend.
It is not exactly known when the first settlers found out about the caverns, but it is safe to assume it was soon after they began to settle in the area, around the 18th century.
From the roaring twenties, right up to World War II, the local moonshiners made good use of the caverns. It was a natural place for them to make their homespun whiskey. The water is excellent and the location was secluded!
In 1967, after three long years of construction, Forbidden Caverns was opened to the general public. Since then, few things have changed at the caverns. Today, if you are lucky, your tour guide may be one of the descendants of the original founders!
Features
Forbidden Caverns have the worlds largest wall of cave onyx known to man! In addition to the onyx, you will find these caverns full of calcite, and other underground formations that make the tour very appealing to young and old.
The caverns are located 600 feet underground, and maintain a constant 58 degree temperature year round. This makes Forbidden Caverns a very nice place to visit on a hot day!
Recommendations:
Very Educational – Natural Experience! “I came here with my elderly mother and my ten year old son. Everyone found it to be very enjoyable and educational! We were looking for a natural area attraction and found it. The kid who lead the tour was very knowledgeable and really made it interesting! I would recommend the Forbidden Caverns – especially on a hot day! James , S.C.
Amazing! Wow! “The drive come out there was very nice and took about an hour. The tour took about another hour. We would recommend a good pair of tennis shoes as it was a little challenging in some places for some people. But the light show and the sights were Amazing! The kids loved it! Carol, Ohio
The Caverns will be damp and wet, so dress accordingly!
Admission:
Adults $14
Children $8Things to Bring Along
Good Pair of Hiking Shoes
Bottled Water
Camera with a flash
Optional- Light Jacket
Directions to the Caverns
From route 441 in Pigeon Forge. Take route 441 north to Sevierville. Watch for the signs for Route 35 Dolly Parton Highway and turn right. This is going to still be route 441. Go 12.3 miles until you see a sign for Blowing Cave Road. Turn Right on to Blowing Cave Road and follow until you come to the entrance to the caverns.
Travel Times from Wears Valley:
Forbidden Caverns……………………….1 hour 30 minutes
Pigeon Forge …………………………….. 10 minutes
Gatlinburg…………………………………. 18 minutes
Cades Cove ………………………………. 20 minutes
Dollywood ………………………………… 12 minutes
Townsend ………………………………… 10 minutes
Knoxville Airport ………………………….. 40 minutes
