Know Before You Go: Forbidden Caverns Ticket Prices and More

Looking for something fun but a little bit different for your vacation? Take a couple of hours of your vacation to visit Forbidden Caverns and tour underground caverns right here in the Smoky Mountains! Here is everything you need to know before you go to Forbidden Caverns:

What is Forbidden Caverns?

Forbidden Caverns is a 1 hour walking tour that guides you through sparkling rock formations, towering chimneys, grottos, and a clear stream. You won’t be in pitch black when you tour. Forbidden Caverns has handrails and lights for safety. This attraction is a great educational tour that generally lasts 60 minutes and is very kid-friendly. During the tour, they do put on a small light show to explain the history of the cavern and give you time to ask questions. You can also take pictures while you are on the tour! A good tip is to stay near the back of the group line if you want to take photos. This will prevent holding up the line. Take as many pictures as you like as you tour the amazing caverns! To visit Forbidden Caverns, adults are $20 and children ages 5-12 are $12. Any child under age 5 can visit for free.

Forbidden Caverns History

At one time, Forbidden Caverns was used as a shelter for Native Americans during hunting trips. The caverns provided a constant source of water and shelter. You will most likely see drawings engraved on some of the walls of the caverns. This is because the caverns are filled with flint which was used by Native Americans to carve tools and weapons. From around 1920 to 1943, moonshiners would use the caverns as a hiding place to make their moonshine. It wasn’t until around 1967 that Forbidden Caverns was open to the public.  

Hours and Directions to Forbidden Caverns

Forbidden Caverns is open from April through November, Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, and then opens again on Fridays and Saturdays. They are closed on Thursdays and Sundays. Tours depart approximately every 15-25 minutes, and the last tour leaves at 5 p.m. so be sure to arrive no later than 5. The tour will begin and end at the gift shop. Forbidden Caverns is just a short drive from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. It’s located in Sevierville, at 455 Blowing Cave Road.

What to Wear to Forbidden Caverns

The caverns are always set to 58 degrees. That’s generally comfortable, but it’s a good idea to wear a light jacket in case you get cold in the caverns. We recommend you wear comfortable clothes. There is some slight water throughout Forbidden Caverns, so closed shoes are required. You will want to wear comfortable shoes, and even though there won’t be hiking in the caves, you’ll do quite a bit of walking with some slightly damp ground, so hiking shoes are also great to wear.

You just learned everything you need to know before you go to Forbidden Caverns. Interested in learning more about Forbidden Caverns? Take a look at these 4 Fun Facts About Forbidden Caverns. Have a great time exploring!