Forbidden Caverns

Forbidden Caverns is a show cave beneath English Mountain in Sevierville, where a guided walking tour leads you past sparkling formations, tall natural chimneys, hidden grottos, and a clear underground stream. It stays 58 degrees all year, making it a cool escape on a hot summer day and a fun change of pace from the Parkway.

Where is Forbidden Caverns?

The cave sits east of downtown Sevierville, off Highway 411, away from the busy Parkway. It's an easy drive from Pigeon Forge and a little longer from Gatlinburg.

What you'll see on the tour

The guided tour covers about a half mile of lighted pathways with handrails where you need them. Along the way, you'll see stalactites hanging from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the floor, natural chimneys reaching up through the rock, and a stream that runs through the cave.

A highlight is the large wall of cave onyx, a banded stone formed by water over thousands of years. The tour also includes lighting effects and a sound presentation that bring the cave's story to life.

The cave's history

People have used this cave for centuries. Eastern Woodland Native Americans sheltered here during hunting trips, and flint for arrowheads and tools can still be found in the cave. From the 1920s until 1943, the steady water supply and remote location made it a hideout for moonshiners. After three years of development, Forbidden Caverns opened to visitors in June 1967. Curious about the region's moonshine story today? See our guide to Gatlinburg distilleries.

Season and hours

Forbidden Caverns is open seasonally, from April through late November. It closes for the season at Thanksgiving and reopens in the spring.

Tours run from 10 AM, and the last tour of the day leaves at 4 PM. The cave is closed on Thursdays and Sundays. Hours can change, so check forbiddencavern.com or call ahead before you go.

Tips for your visit

Bring a light jacket — the cave stays 58 degrees year-round, so it can feel chilly even in July.

Wear closed-toe shoes — the paths can be damp in places.

Plan about an hour — the tour lasts roughly an hour, and tours leave regularly throughout the day.

Arrive before the last tour — give yourself time to buy tickets and join a group before 4 PM.

Think about little ones — the tour is a steady walk underground, so consider how comfortable your kids are with enclosed spaces.

Make it a Sevierville day

Forbidden Caverns pairs well with other Sevierville stops. Spend the afternoon at NASCAR SpeedPark, shop Tanger Outlets, or cool off at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in the summer. Then grab dinner from our list of Sevierville restaurants. For more ideas, see all things to do in Sevierville and our list of kid-friendly attractions in Sevierville. On a rainy day, it's one of the best options in the area. See our list of rainy day activities for more.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Forbidden Caverns tour?

About an hour, covering roughly a half mile of lighted pathways.

Is Forbidden Caverns open year-round?

No. It's open from April through late November and closes for the season from Thanksgiving through March.

What days is Forbidden Caverns closed?

It's closed on Thursdays and Sundays during the season.

How cold is it inside?

The cave stays about 58 degrees all year. Bring a light jacket.

Is Forbidden Caverns good for kids?

Yes, for most families. The paths are lit and have handrails, but the tour is an hour of walking underground, so think about your child's comfort with enclosed spaces.

Where is Forbidden Caverns?

At 455 Blowing Cave Road in Sevierville, east of downtown off Highway 411.