Forbidden Caverns
Forbidden Caverns
4.5
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- Scott WWaynesville, North Carolina96 contributionsNice cave with nice guided tour.This is a very nice cave tour. They give a military discount which is very nice. The formations in the cave are beautiful and the tour lasts just over an hour. This is a guided tour and our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Be aware that this can be a bit strenuous and slippery footing at times so wear proper foot ware. If you have mobility issues this might not be for you. There are some steep grades and you must traverse a section of slippery steps of over 50 steps long. Otherwise I highly recommend this CavernVisited May 2021Traveled with friendsWritten May 11, 2021
- Wayde BWilliamsburg, Virginia30 contributionsCool little cavernNeat little caverns to occupy the family on a rainy day. Price per adult is $20 each. Guides are stationed throughout, definitely not ADA accessible. People with mobility issues need to be aware.Visited April 2022Traveled with familyWritten April 12, 2022
- Kelsey S4 contributionsVery Cool!This was a very pretty cave and my husband and I got lots of pictures when we were down there. It's a smaller cave and self-guided. If you only have time to go to one cave near Sevierville, we recommend going to the Tuckaleechee Caverns instead.Visited July 2022Written July 22, 2022
- Kara4030Canton, Ohio76 contributionsInteresting to see on a rainy or hot dayMy teenage son saw an advertisement for this, and thought it would be fun, and I'm always game for something different. It was interesting and neat to see. It is a self-guided tour with guides periodically throughout the cave. The guides were informative and told a lot about the caves. We got there at 10:45am hoping to beat the crowds (it opens at 10:00), but it was already busy. It was crowded, and basically a chain of people walking through the caves. The lights on the limestone helped to make them easier to see and added nice effects. We took about an hour to go through it, which was long enough.Visited July 2021Written July 20, 2021
- Mark T1 contributionLameOf all the cave/ spelunking I have done it rates low as the Kentucky down under added cave tour except on its own with no added experience. There are far better cave tours you can take even the 45 min drive to the tuskaluici (probably misspelled) caverns. They offer a 15 minute tour at a much higher rate vs quality cave adventure. Also as a gift shop they only catered to cheap imported junk designed for children or the most lax of tourists. There are far better things to spend hard earned money on than this travesty. In my personal opinion mammouth, diamond, horse, and even the misspelled aforementioned are a way better alternative. Please do not waste money here.Visited July 2021Traveled with familyWritten July 19, 2021
- Jonathan A1 contributionTerribleIf I could give less stars I would They were busy. So as soon as we started down the to cave. We had no tour guide. We walked over half the cave we no guide then we were told it was now a self guided tour we a guide stationed at start and midway. We learned absolutely nothing, it only took 30 mins and was bumping into people. I voiced my concerns about not having a guide and was pretty much told deal with it. Waste of money and time. The reason we were given was they were busy so they decided to do a self guided tour. You pay for a Educational guided tour. Not what’s givenVisited June 2022Traveled with familyWritten June 27, 2022
- Michele JCharlotte, North Carolina22 contributionsImpressive caves!The caves are so impressive! They are larger than others that we’ve seen. Masks weren’t required so we hung out at the back of the tour and ended up missing some of the docent’s comments. The tour was an hour long and the formations were beautiful and the lighting was well done.Visited November 2021Traveled with familyWritten November 14, 2021
- eVe LynnThonotosassa, Florida6 contributionsGreat way to spend time. Ok for seniors.We enjoyed our visit to the caverns. They were nice and cool. The only thing that was a little bit concerning to us, being seniors with canes, were the steep inclines. The 50 steps were also a little challenging, but we made it. The good news was that we didn't have to go back up the steps. This is a wonderful picture taking opportunity. Little children under the age of 10 should not be allowed. We were surrounded by babies, and children under five. The crying and the talking was a little annoying and we couldn't hear the guide. Other than that, it was a wonderful way to spend an hour walking around..Visited October 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten October 19, 2021
- Kristina N9 contributionsCave Fun for the Whole FamilyMy dad and I went on the tour. Our tour guide, I think, her name was Amanda, gave us informative information about the cave including how they form, the inhabitants and activities past and present going on. The cave is very much alive so you must refrain from touching its surface. They warn you about this at the beginning of the tour. You will get the touch the cave at a designated spot. We got to meet the cave frogs and salamanders but did not see any bats. Different formations are fun to look at and have names like the witch Hazel. The cave takes you 200 feet underground. It’s pretty steep and narrow at places. There is railing to hold on to which is advised because some areas are wet. The ceiling gets low so you will need to watch where you walk or you will hit your headset .Unlike most of the touristy things, they don’t try and sell you photos at the end. Our tour guide was nice and took photos using guest phones. Well, worth a trip.Visited November 2022Traveled with familyWritten November 23, 2022
- kimberlyBuffalo, New York3 contributionsEntertaining and Educational Cave TourMy bestie and I did this tour over Memorial Day Weekend. It is super interesting to learn about all of the stalagmites and stalactites! They do it in a fun way with lots of lighting effects. Our guide, Isaiah, was really knowledgeable and was cute with his corny jokes. He was able to answer all of our questions and was so enthusiastic about doing so. We would highly recommend this tour. It was a nice break from the hiking days in the Smokies!Visited May 2022Traveled with friendsWritten May 30, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,350 reviews
Excellent
793
Very good
428
Average
99
Poor
15
Terrible
15
Kara4030
Canton, OH76 contributions
Jul 2021
My teenage son saw an advertisement for this, and thought it would be fun, and I'm always game for something different. It was interesting and neat to see. It is a self-guided tour with guides periodically throughout the cave. The guides were informative and told a lot about the caves. We got there at 10:45am hoping to beat the crowds (it opens at 10:00), but it was already busy. It was crowded, and basically a chain of people walking through the caves. The lights on the limestone helped to make them easier to see and added nice effects. We took about an hour to go through it, which was long enough.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark T
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Of all the cave/ spelunking I have done it rates low as the Kentucky down under added cave tour except on its own with no added experience. There are far better cave tours you can take even the 45 min drive to the tuskaluici (probably misspelled) caverns. They offer a 15 minute tour at a much higher rate vs quality cave adventure. Also as a gift shop they only catered to cheap imported junk designed for children or the most lax of tourists. There are far better things to spend hard earned money on than this travesty. In my personal opinion mammouth, diamond, horse, and even the misspelled aforementioned are a way better alternative. Please do not waste money here.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan A
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Family
If I could give less stars I would They were busy. So as soon as we started down the to cave. We had no tour guide. We walked over half the cave we no guide then we were told it was now a self guided tour we a guide stationed at start and midway. We learned absolutely nothing, it only took 30 mins and was bumping into people. I voiced my concerns about not having a guide and was pretty much told deal with it. Waste of money and time. The reason we were given was they were busy so they decided to do a self guided tour. You pay for a Educational guided tour. Not what’s given
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele J
Charlotte, NC22 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
The caves are so impressive! They are larger than others that we’ve seen. Masks weren’t required so we hung out at the back of the tour and ended up missing some of the docent’s comments. The tour was an hour long and the formations were beautiful and the lighting was well done.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eVe Lynn
Thonotosassa, FL6 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We enjoyed our visit to the caverns. They were nice and cool. The only thing that was a little bit concerning to us, being seniors with canes, were the steep inclines. The 50 steps were also a little challenging, but we made it. The good news was that we didn't have to go back up the steps. This is a wonderful picture taking opportunity. Little children under the age of 10 should not be allowed. We were surrounded by babies, and children under five. The crying and the talking was a little annoying and we couldn't hear the guide. Other than that, it was a wonderful way to spend an hour walking around..
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristina N
9 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
My dad and I went on the tour. Our tour guide, I think, her name was Amanda, gave us informative information about the cave including how they form, the inhabitants and activities past and present going on. The cave is very much alive so you must refrain from touching its surface. They warn you about this at the beginning of the tour. You will get the touch the cave at a designated spot. We got to meet the cave frogs and salamanders but did not see any bats. Different formations are fun to look at and have names like the witch Hazel. The cave takes you 200 feet underground. It’s pretty steep and narrow at places. There is railing to hold on to which is advised because some areas are wet. The ceiling gets low so you will need to watch where you walk or you will hit your headset .Unlike most of the touristy things, they don’t try and sell you photos at the end. Our tour guide was nice and took photos using guest phones. Well, worth a trip.
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimberly
Buffalo, NY3 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
My bestie and I did this tour over Memorial Day Weekend. It is super interesting to learn about all of the stalagmites and stalactites! They do it in a fun way with lots of lighting effects. Our guide, Isaiah, was really knowledgeable and was cute with his corny jokes. He was able to answer all of our questions and was so enthusiastic about doing so. We would highly recommend this tour. It was a nice break from the hiking days in the Smokies!
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiToMi
Raleigh, NC78 contributions
May 2019 • Family
These caves are still growing, it is beautiful! The tour guides were fun, educated and really enjoyed what they do. They told the history of the moonshiners in the cave and showed the different minerals and growths. The tour was a great length, not too long, and still afforded plenty of time for pictures! My whole family enjoyed the experience!
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley D
Michigan112 contributions
Oct 2022
Great tour and experience! Fun tourist spot to check out and not too far from Pigeon Forge. The road is a bit tight and windy, we had a camper because we were leaving town so that was a bit challenging. The tour guide was very kind and educational and cavern's a unique experience. I couldn't believe how far down we traveled, the average tour takes about an hour to complete.You will walk the full thing, there are a few low spots and tight areas which the guide points out and the path is clear and easy to navigate. Our pictures turned out great when we were down there! I recommend wearing a sweatshirt/jacket and tennis/closed toe shoes. Price was $20pp. I didn't think it was bad, and it helps to support the caverns and small town business.
Written November 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josie C
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
This was a great little stop along our trip! We weren’t able to do Mammoth Caves and I’m kind of glad we didn’t. This was perfect! About $70 for our family of 5 and the kids absolutely loved it! One hour long and the guides along the way gave just the right amount of information. You won’t be disappointed!
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PerfectAlibi
Wheeling, WV114 contributions
Will my shoes get wet?
Michael O
8 contributions
There is a little water on the floor in some areas, but you will not walk in any water
Are dogs allowed?
Gene W
22 contributions
As far as I know, I am pretty sure they are not.
itsclariss
Hollywood, FL9 contributions
Would you recommend this tour for someone who is claustrophobic? Are there exits along the tour where you could leave if need be?
Becky
3 contributions
There are not exits along the way. My mom is slightly closterphobic and it was not a problem for her. Its actually fairly large open spaces with just a few smaller walk ways where you have to watch so you dont bump your head. Hope this helps
Dawnrpridemore72
Maryville, TN
How steep is it as my mom is elderly. She is not in a wheelchair nor uses a Walker. However, she doesn't walk much. So, she has little endurance but wants to visit a cave. Is it possible for her to make it through? What is the steep to go in and out?
Ernest R
Royston, GA391 contributions
Its not bad but there are some places where you have to walk down stairs deeper into the cave. In total its about a 45 minute walk through the cave.
Heatherbreen123
Concord, NC19 contributions
How much does this cost
Ernest R
Royston, GA391 contributions
I believe it’s $16. There are $1.00 off coupons in many books and maps available in the area. It’s a 45-60 min guided tour.
Amy F
Troy, AL13 contributions
Does Forbidden Caverns allow children with Autism or ADHD?
kitkatsarr
Sarasota, FL125 contributions
Yes they do. I have children with both and they went through the caverns just fine but mine are now teenagers. The 2 things that might be a challenge is you can not touch anything not even the walls of the caverns and there are moments of total darkness. If the total darkness is a problem then I would call them. They may be able to take your family on its own tour and leave that part of the tour out. Also, depending on where your child falls on the Autism spectrum there is no wheel chair access and there are some very narrow walkways and steep stairs going down.
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Claim your listingForbidden Caverns - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Forbidden Caverns
- Hotels near Forbidden Caverns:
- (0.59 mi) October price slasher
- (8.41 mi) Best Western Newport Inn
- (8.40 mi) Hampton Inn Newport
- (2.65 mi) High Valley Rentals
- (7.04 mi) Creekwalk Inn and Cabins
- Restaurants near Forbidden Caverns:
- (0.74 mi) English Mountain Trout Farm & Grill
- (1.93 mi) Bush's Family Cafe
- (5.69 mi) Chubby's Deli
- (9.17 mi) Ristorante DellaSantina
- (9.05 mi) Preacher's Smokehouse
- Attractions near Forbidden Caverns:
- (0.19 mi) Blowing Cave Mill
- (1.92 mi) Bush's Visitor Center
- (5.05 mi) Tennessee Legend Distillery
- (5.67 mi) Foxfire Adventure Park
- (9.67 mi) CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains
Forbidden Caverns Information
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Forbidden Caverns Photos | 880 |