Introduction to Forbidden Caverns & History
If you’re looking for something different to do near Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Forbidden Caverns is a cool underground spot that’s easy to miss – but worth the trip. It’s located in Sevierville, Tennessee, right at the base of English Mountain, and has been open to the public since 1967.
What makes it special? You’re walking through a real cave with glowing formations, flowing streams, and stories from long before Tennessee was even a state. The best part? It stays 58 degrees inside year-round, which makes it a perfect escape from the summer heat or a cozy fall activity
Long before it was a tourist attraction, the cave had a whole other life. Eastern Woodland Native Americans used the cave for shelter and to collect flint – a type of rock they used to make tools and weapons source. Some of the cave walls still hold signs of that past, which your guide will point out during the tour.
Then came the Prohibition era, and with it, a new use for the cave. Moonshiners used Forbidden Caverns as a hidden space to make liquor. The cave’s steady temperature, natural spring water, and remote location made it ideal for secret stills. You’ll still see parts of those setups on the tour – it’s one of the things people remember most source.
By the 1960s, people in the area knew this wasn’t just another cave. A team of local folks spent years adding lights, walkways, and safety features to open it up for tours. In June 1967, it officially opened to the public, and it’s been running ever since source.
Today, it’s known as one of America’s most spectacular caverns – but the vibe is low-key. You don’t need hiking gear or special shoes. Just show up, walk through with your guide, and take in the sights. Whether you’re into nature, history, or just want something new to do, Forbidden Caverns offers a look into a side of the Smokies most people never see.
How to Get to Forbidden Caverns: Parking and Directions
Address:
Forbidden Caverns – 455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
Forbidden Caverns is located just outside Sevierville, Tennessee, at the base of English Mountain. It’s a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, making it an easy add-on to any Smoky Mountain trip. You’ll need a personal vehicle or ride-share to get there, since there’s no public transit access or trolley service that runs to the site.
Click here to learn more about Forbidden Caverns
Driving Overview
From Sevierville
Roughly 10 to 15 minutes away. The caverns are located off US-411/Dolly Parton Parkway, then onto Blowing Cave Road.
From Pigeon Forge
Expect about a 20-minute drive depending on traffic. Take the Parkway north toward Sevierville, then head east toward English Mountain.
From Gatlinburg
Plan for a 35–40 minute drive. You’ll pass through Pigeon Forge and Sevierville on the way.
Ride-Share and Taxi Options
Uber and Lyft are available in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Just enter “Forbidden Caverns” or the full address into the app.
If you’re staying in Gatlinburg, expect a longer wait or higher fare – ride-share coverage is a bit more limited the farther you get from town.
A Few Tips:
- The last stretch (Blowing Cave Rd) is a small two-lane road — drive slow, especially in fall
- Forbidden Caverns doesn’t allow buses or large tour vans due to limited parking
- If using Google Maps or Apple Maps, entering the full address is the easiest way to get exact turn-by-turn directions
Hours of Operation and Seasonal Dates
Forbidden Caverns is a seasonal attraction, meaning it’s not open year-round. Here’s what you need to know before you plan your visit.
Operating Season:
- Open: April 1 to November 26 each year
- Closed: Late November through March (no winter tours)
Days and Hours:
- Open Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
- Closed: Thursdays, Sundays, ,ajor holidays like Thanksgiving Day
- Hours:
- First tour begins at 10:00 a.m.
- Last tour departs at 4:00 p.m.
- Doors close promptly at 5:00 p.m.
How Tours Work:
- No reservations needed
- Tours run continuously throughout the day
- Arrive early for the best chance at a short wait time
You can always double-check current hours or closures by visiting Forbidden Caverns’ official website.
Forbidden Caverns Tickets and Pricing
Forbidden Caverns keeps it simple when it comes to tickets — no confusing packages or hidden fees. You just show up, pay at the ticket window, and join the next available tour. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
Admission Costs:
- Adults (Ages 13 and up): $20
- Children (Ages 5–12): $12
- Children 4 and under: Free
- Group Rates: Available for 20 or more people with advance notice
Note: Sales tax is added to all ticket prices.
Payment Info:
- Cash and cards accepted
- No reservations are required – just walk in and buy tickets during open hours
If you’re traveling with a large group (school trips, summer camps, etc.), it’s best to call ahead and ask about availability and pricing for group tours.
For the latest ticket info and seasonal pricing updates, you can check the official Forbidden Caverns admission page here
What to Expect at Forbidden Caverns
Visiting Forbidden Caverns is a full underground experience that combines natural beauty, local history, and guided storytelling. Located beneath English Mountain in Sevierville, TN, the cave system runs deep, and the tour lets you walk straight through its natural tunnels and open chambers while learning how this cave has shaped, and hidden – a slice of Appalachian history.
This is not a self-guided attraction. All visitors enter the caverns in small groups with a trained guide who explains each section of the cave, from how it formed over thousands of years to how it was used by Native Americans and moonshiners. The lighting, audio effects, and setup are all designed to enhance the natural space without overdoing it. It feels immersive without being overwhelming.
Inside the Cave: What You’ll See
The tour takes you through a series of connected chambers and passageways inside the mountain. Some spaces are wide and open, while others are narrow and low, giving a true sense of what it’s like to explore a living cave.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Stalactites and stalagmites formed from centuries of dripping mineral-rich water
- Cave onyx walls, smooth and colored with natural mineral deposits
- A flowstone grotto, where underground water has carved dramatic stone shapes
- Multiple natural chimneys rising toward the surface
- A clear underground stream that still flows year-round
- A real Prohibition-era moonshine still, left behind from when the cave was used to hide illegal liquor operations
- A wishing well wall, where visitors can toss coins—donations go to local Sevierville-area charities
- Lighting effects and audio that highlight key moments without turning the experience into a theme park attraction
Each feature is pointed out by your guide, who explains how these formations were created and how humans once used the space. Expect a mix of geo
Temperature and Atmosphere
The cave holds a constant 58°F (14°C) temperature year-round, which makes it a popular summer activity when the Smokies are hot and crowded. That cool, damp air is part of the experience, it hits you as soon as you step inside. It’s comfortable with a light jacket or hoodie, but not freezing. Even on hot July afternoons, it’s refreshing.
The cave is dimly lit but safely illuminated, with small lighting accents on the walls and paths. Sounds echo slightly, but it’s peaceful, just dripping water, a soft rumble of the stream, and the occasional echo of voices bouncing off the stone.
Trail Conditions & Walking Info
- Tour duration: About 55–60 minutes total
- Trail type: Paved, dry, and well-lit
- Steps: One 50-step descent early in the tour, and one 10-step incline later on (source)
- Inclines/declines: Moderate, but steady, no climbing or crawling
- Path width: Mostly walkable side-by-side, but some tight sections
- Ceiling height: Varies, some low-clearance areas require ducking
There are handrails in most places with elevation changes. There are no sudden drops, ladders, or dangerous sections. However, the path is not wheelchair accessible and strollers, walkers, and mobility aids are not allowed, due to the steps and narrow spots inside the cave.
Who Is This Tour Good For?
Forbidden Caverns is a good fit for:
- Families with kids (ages 5+ recommended)
- Adults looking for something off the beaten path
- Couples or groups wanting a low-effort but unique experience
- History lovers interested in Native American and Appalachian moonshining history
- Nature lovers who want to experience the Smokies from below, not just above
It may not be a good fit for people who:
- Have serious mobility issues or joint problems
- Get uncomfortable in tight or dimly lit spaces
- Have trouble standing/walking for an hour without rest
Click here to learn more about Forbidden Caverns
Photography and Safety
- Photos are allowed, but only when the group is stopped
- Flash is discouraged to preserve the natural atmosphere
- No video, tripods, or selfie sticks allowed
- Flashlights are not needed,lighting is already built into the path
- The tour is considered safe, but closed-toe shoes are required and slippery sandals are not allowed
Before and After the Tour
The tour begins at the visitor check-in area, which includes:
- Restrooms
- A picnic area with tables (great for packed lunches)
- A small gift shop with souvenirs, drinks, and natural cave water from the underground spring
- A water fountain that draws directly from the cave stream
Seasonal Tips
Spring (April–May)
- Opening season begins April 1, through November 26
- Fewer tourists early in spring, making for shorter wait times.
- Cooler trailhead temps—cave’s 58°F feels warmer compared to outside.
- Roads and parking are clear; no rain-slicked leaves yet.
Summer (June–August)
- Outside temps in the Smokies can soar, and the cavern’s constant 58°F offers a popular, refreshing break
- Peak season means more visitors—expect some wait for tours, but frequent departures help.
- Arriving just before opening (10 a.m.) is your best bet to avoid lines
Fall (September–Mid-November)
- Cooler air outside makes the cave feel even more inviting.
- Expect all foliage along the drive
- Still open daily except Thursdays and Sundays, and closed for Thanksgiving
Winter (Late November–March)
- Closed from late November through March, with last tour November 26 and reopening April 1
- No tours during winter months.
Crowd Avoidance Strategies
- Arrive early – 20 to 30 minutes before the 10 a.m. opening.
- Tours depart often and don’t require advance tickets – they work in order of arrival
- Aim for a weekday visit – closed Thursdays and Sundays show they aren’t over-run on off-days .
- Avoid summer weekends and fall holidays. Consider mid-launch season (late April–early May or late October–mid-November) for fewer crowds.
- The last tour leaves around 4 p.m. even though they’re open until then, so plan accordingly to avoid rushing
Season | Pros | Crowd Tips |
Spring | Fewer visitors, mild weather, early freshness | Arrive early in April for best turnout |
Summer | Cool cave retreat, frequent tours | Come at opening or on weekdays |
Fall | Scenic drives, comfortable temps, moderate crowds | Avoid holiday weekends |
Winter | Closed—plan for other nearby activities | — |
Final Thoughts
Forbidden Caverns isn’t your typical tourist stop – it’s one of those places that feels like a hidden part of Smoky Mountain history. Whether you’re into geology, local stories, or just want something fun and unique to do, it’s worth checking out. Between the underground streams, cave formations, and guided storytelling, it’s the kind of experience that sticks with you.
And when you’re done exploring? We’re just 15 minutes away. At Sojourn Lodging, you’ll have your own private tiny home to come back to – peaceful, modern, and close to everything without being in the middle of the crowds.
Where to Stay Near Forbidden Caverns
If you’re planning a trip to Forbidden Caverns and need a nearby place to stay, our tiny homes at Sojourn Lodging are just a short drive away. We’re located in Sevierville, near the base of the Smoky Mountains, making it easy to visit the caverns and still enjoy a quiet, comfortable place to unwind afterward.
Our stays are designed to be simple but elevated – think private decks, cozy sleeping spaces, kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, and streaming-ready TVs. Every unit has been thoughtfully laid out to give guests space to relax, reset, and reconnect with nature or each other. Whether you’re here for a solo trip, a weekend getaway, or a group retreat, we have options that fit your plans.
We offer:
- Pet-friendly units
- Self check-in and private entry
- On-site parking
- Tiny homes for couples, families, and group bookings
- Peaceful surroundings that still keep you close to all the action in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Want a closer look? Click here to explore our tiny homes or read more about what it’s like to stay at Sojourn.
After exploring the underground beauty of Forbidden Caverns, we’ll be here to welcome you back with a clean, quiet place to land.
