Top 5 Reasons to Visit Forbidden Caverns

Forbidden Caverns sits below English Mountain in Sevierville, Tennessee — a half-mile guided cave tour through geological formations that took millions of years to develop, in a cave with a history of indigenous shelter, 1920s moonshine operations, and one of the more unusual underground environments accessible to visitors in the Smoky Mountains area.

Remarkable geological formations

The cave system at Forbidden Caverns features the geological variety that makes limestone cave tours compelling: stalactites descending from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the cave floor, natural chimneys that open vertically through the rock, and numerous grottos formed by millennia of water movement through the limestone. The defining feature of Forbidden Caverns is its cave onyx wall — a large formation of flowstone, sometimes called cave onyx, that covers a significant section of one chamber. This type of banded, translucent calcite deposit was prized in 19th and early 20th century architecture; the example at Forbidden Caverns is one of the more substantial naturally occurring exposures accessible on a public cave tour in the region. The pathways are well-lit and equipped with handrails at the steeper sections, and the tour guides provide geological context for what visitors are seeing throughout the route.

A layered history

The cave's human history spans several centuries. The Eastern Woodland Native Americans knew the cave and used it as seasonal shelter during hunting expeditions through East Tennessee — flint and chert, the raw materials used to produce arrowheads, knives, and scrapers, can still be found in the cave environment. The presence of the underground stream and the cave's isolated location below English Mountain made it a practical winter shelter long before European settlement of the region.

The cave's most colorful documented history runs from the early 1920s through 1943, when the constant water supply and remote location made it an ideal site for moonshine production. The operation ran for over two decades before ending. Forbidden Caverns opened to the public in June 1967 after three years of development and excavation, and the guided tour incorporates this history alongside the geological narrative.

Year-round 58°F temperature

The cave maintains a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit regardless of outside conditions. In summer, this makes Forbidden Caverns a genuinely comfortable alternative to outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day — the contrast between the summer heat on the road and the immediate cool of the cave entrance is noticeable. In cooler months, the cave temperature is warmer than outside. A light jacket is recommended regardless of the season; the 58-degree environment feels cool during a one-hour walking tour even in summer heat. Closed-toe shoes are required — the cave floor has some moisture throughout from the underground stream and natural seepage.

Accessible family experience

The guided tour runs approximately one hour and covers the half-mile cave system on well-maintained pathways with handrails where needed. Children five and older typically handle the tour well. Parents should consider their child's comfort with enclosed spaces and the ability to walk for an hour on uneven surfaces before booking. The cave is illuminated throughout with special lighting that highlights the formations — it is not a dark-cave or adventure-caving experience, but a well-organized guided walk. Tours depart approximately every 15 to 25 minutes throughout the operating day. Tickets are purchased at the gate; advance or online ticket sales are not currently offered.

Location — a short drive from the main corridor

Forbidden Caverns is located at 455 Blowing Cave Road in Sevierville — off the main Parkway corridor, which means a short drive from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg but outside the peak congestion zones. The cave sits below English Mountain at the eastern edge of the Smoky Mountains foothills, adjacent to the Greenbrier area. The relative remove from the Parkway means Forbidden Caverns sees considerably less traffic than comparable paid attractions directly on the tourist strip. The cave is seasonal, open from April through November, and is closed Thursdays and Sundays.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Forbidden Caverns tour take?

The guided tour runs approximately one hour covering a half-mile route through the cave system. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before you want to tour, as tickets are purchased at the gate and tours depart on a rolling schedule throughout the day. The last tour of the day departs at 5 PM — arrive no later than that to join.

Is Forbidden Caverns suitable for young children?

Children five and older generally handle the tour well. The pathways are lit and equipped with handrails, and the tour is a walking experience rather than a physical challenge. Parents should consider their child's comfort with enclosed underground spaces before visiting. Children four and under are admitted free.