Forbidden Caverns

FORBIDDEN CAVERNS

One of America's GREAT NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
With its Ancient Mysteries, Indian Legends
and the Bootleggers of the 1920's.....

FORBIDDEN CAVERNS, near Sevierville, is one of America's most spectacular caves. It provides the visitor with an entertaining and educational tour past sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, numerous grottos and a crystal-clear stream. Special lighting effects, a stereophonic sound presentation and well-trained tour guides combine to make this a most enjoyable experience. The trails are well-lighted, with handrails at all necessary points.

Forbidden Caverns was a natural shelter for the early inhabitants of this area especially providing a warm place to live in the winter. Among these ancient dwellers were the Eastern Woodland Indians who roamed our East Tennessee forests and mountains in search of good hunting grounds. Chert or flint is found here in limited quantities and was used hundreds of years ago to fashion arrowheads, scrapers and knives. A running stream within the cavern gave the Indians a constant supply of water. Scientists believe the source of this stream to be an underground lake located under English Mountain. The cave also contains many unusual and unique formations that are still in the process of forming and growing. Forbidden Caverns boasts the largest wall or rare cave onyx known to exist.

An interesting Indian legend tells the fate of an Indian princess who was lost in a "hollow mountain of two streams"..."which is forbidden". During the early twenties and until 1943, the cave was used to make illegal moonshine. For this purpose, the cave was an excellent location. With the good water supply mentioned earlier, Moonshiners had available a well-hidden, isolated location which was ideal for the manufacture of their homemade whiskey.

In 1964, a group of business and professional men began the planning and vast undertaking of opening this natural attraction to the public. After 3 years of excavation and development, Forbidden Caverns was opened in June 1967. Our season begins April 1st, 7 days a week and extends through November 30th, closed Thanksgiving Day.

The average guided tour is 55 minutes. Free parking is provided for cars and buses. In addition, there is a souvenir shop, refreshments, and picnic pavilion.

The approach to the caverns is over excellent paved roads through a picturesque valley that affords a beautiful view of the majestic LeConte range and English Mountain. Primitive farm houses, a quaint old grist mill-museum and a trout farm are among the many points of interest along this route. A 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg, and 45 minutes from Knoxville, Forbidden Caverns should be a must in your plans to enjoy a beautiful East Tennessee.

"Thrilling stereophonic presentations"
" The tales these walls could tell"

Open Daily April thru November 10 to 6

Forbidden Caverns
455 Blowing Cave Road
Sevierville, TN 37876
Phone: (423) 453-5972
Effective 10/99: (865) 453-5972

NOTE: Data is subject to change without notice, data is provided for Guests to help plan their vacation itinerary's only, we will keep updated as time permits.