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    Forbidden Caverns

    4.0 (104 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Forbidden Caverns Photos

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    Mike V.

    Had an amazing adventure into the Forbidden Caverns. This is a fascinating excursion for all ages. The tour was just under an hour, with lots of beautiful things to see about 200 feet underground. The guide was seemingly a bit grumpy, but we did our best to not let it sully the visit. There are few points on the tour that may not be good if you're claustrophobic. If you're going with a family, make sure you have well behaved children, it is a very strict do not touch policy, as the oils on your hands will damage the growth of the stalagmites and stalagmites. If you're looking for a unique, fun experience, this is one to remember

    Attraction sign
    Victoria B.

    While doing the tourist thing, we stumbled across ads for Forbidden Caverns. It was really an interesting diversion. The guides are local and well trained to field questions and address situations that pop up on the tours. The photos are great, but don't touch the beauty of seeing the underground grottoes in person. The temperature difference between the sweltering summer day above ground and the cool chill of underground was remarkable. Definitely worth a visit.

    underground cave river
    Tay B.

    this is the second time I've ever been to these caverns and I definitely recommend it to anyone who's in Tennessee and wanting to go on a first time cabe tour. The staff is super nice and enthusiastic & the cave is so beautiful!

    Ka V.

    Very cool experience, our guide was also very nice and knowledgeable. Thought the tour would last a little longer, but it was not as big as we thought it was. It's nice and cool down there, wore a light sweater and some tennis shoes, lots of little puddles everywhere.

    Awesomeness and me
    Janet C.

    Wonderful journey through this cavern! I would hope anyone wanting to explore the beauty within a cavern would venture here. I've been to others and have enjoyed them as well BUT THIS ONE does not have a path to return up above that can be hard for some... it's quite a nice trip with out over exhausting yourself with too much of an upward path. The Stalagmites and stalactites are amazing and the most I've ever seen in a cavern ... The price is beyond reasonable for the beauty elegance and mystery that lays inside this cavern ...in the hundreds of years that it took to create what we are able to see today! And there are still leftover remnants of the moonshine still that was smuggled down below in the belly of the cavern! I took too many pictures to show... so you just need to get in your car and go. Definitely a bucket list adventure for those of you who have not been.

    Inside caverns
    Jacob D.

    This place is awesome. We had a fantastic tour guide named Tori and she was funny and very informative about the caverns. The caverns are very nice and safe except for the steps which if you aren't careful could be dangerous. Very beautiful area and great for families. The gift shop had fair prices and beautiful jewelry. Would recommend for anyone who likes different experiences.

    Official sign indicating they were closed.
    Ros Rio R.

    Make sure they're open before you get your hopes up. This is a small business and will close without notice. You'll feel like Clark Griswold at Wally World. The handmade sign said they were closed due to "flooding". They did update the website later that day saying they were closed.

    Melitta S.

    Great family excursion!! Bring a sweatshirt ... cave is cool 58 degrees. Our guide was good. Fun diversion from the crowds at Pigeon Forge

    D H.

    We decided to go as a family to see the Forbidden Caverns and it was an enjoyable experience for all of us. We came during the summer when it was 83 degrees outside. The cave remains in the mid 50's year round. Little ones may want to wear pants or a jacket in the event they get cold easily. Tour guides were stationed through the walking tour. You can walk at your own pace and take pictures! The staff provides historic insight to the geologic formation as well at the Moonshine business from 1919-1943! They rebuilt a moonshine station to show what it looked like. Make sure to be careful when you are walking. The clearances vary so please watch your head. You can NOT record videos but you can take as pictures as you'd like. Please make sure to not touch anything other than the rails if need be. Enjoy your time!

    Cave features
    Kevin L.

    Can't believe this place was not on the recommended list for rainy day activities... Awesome place for a novice to see caves! It contains some amazing features and sights. It is not a difficult walk (don't be scared) and you won't need fancy footwear or clothes. And best of all is it is about 100 steps from the parking lot to the cave entrance!

    Kim K.

    Such a great tour. Very educational and intersects information. Worth the time! Great location. Not too far from pigeon forge.

    Enit S.

    Oooooo Forbidden caves!!!! Should I spoil it for you and tell you why they have that name? ... Ok, I'll let you hear it for yourself when you go do the tour, but the reasoning behind it is actually really interesting so if you're into history/nature, you'll really get a kick out of this tour. Considering all that you see/do, I think the tour is definitely worth the money. Our tour guide was great and warned us several times in advance to watch our step, and be vigilant about staying together with the group, and I can't say I blame her for repeating this since being stuck down there by yourself would definitely not be cool. So let me clear the air about previous reviews stating you can't take pics. That's not true, at least it's not true now in 2017. You can take pictures but only when the group has come to a complete stop, and if you think about it, this makes perfect sense. The floors in the caves are slick, plus add to the fact that you've got areas where you have to watch the ceilings too so if you're busy trying to walk/take pics, and you have an accident because you weren't watching your step, whose fault is it? So yeah, you can take pics but you need to completely stop, and let the tour guide know; it's for your own safety. Another tip, the roads leading up to this attraction are gorgeous, be aware of cars stopping and people getting out to take pictures. There's also a trout farm close by where you can go fishing and then they cook your trout, just an FYI in case you want to divide your time doing that too.

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    8 months ago

    This was absolutely amazing!!! It was so much fun, and our guide was super nice and funny! Would definitely recommend!

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    3 years ago

    Just amazing and worth the trip! Staff very friendly and the guides are very patient.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Forbidden Caverns

    Can someone confirm that there really are 9 steps up and 50 steps down? Are the 50 steps all at once? My husband has a bum knee sometimes. Thanks.

    yes there is a break in between. It is quiet slippery as it is very wet down in the caverns. The steps are steep.

    Does the gift shop sell stickers?

    We saw magnets and other kitschy things but didn't see any stickers

    Took the tour. Missed why it's called Forbidden Caverns. Anyone know?

    How much time is recommended to set aside for a tour? And also, we are traveling with our dog, can dogs come on the tour on-leash?

    The guided tour takes approximately one hour. Service dogs are obviously allowed, small dogs that can be carried on tour are allowed.… Read more

    What accommodations are provided for children and families who have special needs such as autism?

    I'm not sure what kind of accommodations you are asking about but for the physically disabled, there are no ramps and the trails can be tight. There are steep and slick stairs. There is some dimming of lights and the lights going out altogether… Read more

    How much for the admission?

    I want to say it was around $13-$15 per adult and a couple of dollars less for those under 10. Three adults and 1 child for us was around $55.

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - Forbidden Caverns

    Rich history and a very knowledgeable tour guide.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Mushroom

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    4.7(429 reviews)
    18.4 mi

    Great Smoky Mountain National Park has been on my bucket list for many years. I was hoping that…read morespring break would be down season at the Park, but the Park was busy!!! We had a fabulous visit to this vast natural wonder. We learned that Park is the largest natural habitat in the continental U.S. The signature "smoky" appearance of the mountains is caused by an evaporation of organic rich moisture released by the vegetation within the Park. We started our visit by stopping at the visitors center to pick up a parking permit ($5/day) and maps ($1). I was glad we picked up maps because there is very little internet connectivity in the park, so we lost our navigation tools. The leaves were not on the trees yet (April) so we had magnificent uninterrupted views of the mountains and skylines. Spring wild flowers were in bloom. And we actually saw a mother bear with two cubs crossing the road. Each day during our visit we explored a different part of the park. We hiked to waterfalls and enjoyed scenic overlooks. We enjoyed exploring historic cabins and cemeteries. Popular sites were crowded and sometimes we had to wait for parking. Plan to arrive early. The park is filled with parking areas to pull off and enjoy the views or hike. Rest areas are available at many of the major sites. Leased dogs are only allowed in camping and parking areas and on two of the many trails. Bring good walking shoes, a hiking stick is helpful, water and sun glasses. You probably need to bring snacks, but keep those secure from wildlife.

    ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!…read more This is my first time coming to the park and it was an amazing sight to see. It is something that I think everyone should experience. I am already wanting to go back to spend a little more time than what I did. We came by here on our way to another place. We were supposed to come back by here but didn't get the chance. So another trip it is!

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    The Sinks - The Sinks in its glory.

    The Sinks

    4.9(37 reviews)
    24.0 mi

    I never met a waterfall that I didn't like. We did a driving tour along Little River in Great Smoky…read moreMountains National Park to see if we could spot some wildlife. The Sinks is a lovely waterfall along the river. There is a small parking lot with about a dozen spaces where we found parking. An observation area is a short walk from parking. A sign describes the area and that the falls were manmade. During the late 1800's the river was used to transport logs/timber to the nearby town of Elkmont. After a storm, flood waters caused a jam in the river. Dynamite was used to restore water flow. The blast resulted in a twist in the river and creation of the waterfall. A set of stone steps leads up a hill, offering lovey views of the falls. There are dozens of waterfalls in the Park. Sinks is one of the few that is drivable, which is great for people that cannot hike. I picked up a Waterfalls map at the visitor center that I found interesting and informative. Parking passes are required to park in the lot. There are no amenities at the falls. Plan 15-30 minutes for a stop and photos.

    The Sinks is such a fun outdoor experience! Our boys, ages 11 & 13, loved it! The parking is not…read moregreat though, with only about 15 spots in the parking lot and nowhere else to go. It's super busy in the summer, so just be prepared for that. We had to wait about 15 minutes for someone to leave so we could park. That wouldn't keep us from going back, though.

    Photos
    The Sinks
    The Sinks - Observation patio

    Observation patio

    The Sinks - View from path to the platform.

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    Tennessee Riverboat Company

    Tennessee Riverboat Company

    3.3(61 reviews)
    31.9 mi

    Excellent service and a decent buffet lunch yet the cruise itself was disappointing. Sure, we saw…read moresome water views of the city and bridges, yet we only traveled from the docks near Volunteer Landing to Crescent Bend on the Tennessee River, a distance of approximately 3 miles. About 10 years ago we took the same boat ride and traveled farther down the River. Along the route, a man narrated our short journey pointing out buildings and markers along the way--however, with diners carrying on conversations, background music playing, dishes clanking and the engines roaring, it was difficult to hear even half of what he said. Again, the buffet lunch tasted fine, nothing outstanding, yet the chicken appeared to be seasoned with pepper and maybe a bit of salt. Perhaps a Chicken Piccata with slices of lemon in a creamy sauce or chicken-broth-seasoned sauce would have been more creative. The stewed cinnamon-sugar apples with pastry, served warm in the buffet might have been offered at the end of the food line as a dessert and in a separate dish. Instead, it appeared after the buttery biscuits and before the cold pasta salad with cucumbers and tomatoes and the hot carrots and corn. Overall, perhaps the paddle wheeler is an excellent experience for a first-time rider and a wonderful party venue for special events like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Having sailed twice before, this $45 per person ride (there were 4 of us) needed a more clearly-heard narration, a longer ride, and perhaps more creative food. Kudos to the servers, though! Attentive and friendly!

    The Star of Knoxville is such a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of the Tennessee River…read more This authentic-style paddlewheel riverboat gives you the feeling of stepping back in time, while still offering all the comforts you'd want on a sightseeing or dinner cruise. The moment you board, you notice the charm of the boat itself--the big red paddlewheel, the open decks for viewing, and the cozy indoor seating areas. The cruise takes you along the river with great views of downtown Knoxville, the bridges, and the rolling hills beyond. It's especially stunning around sunset when the water glows and the city lights start to come on. Themed options like dinner cruises make the trip even better. The food is solid Southern comfort fare, and live entertainment adds to the festive vibe. Staff are friendly, welcoming, and eager to make the trip enjoyable. What I love most is how it blends history with relaxation. It's not every day you get to ride a paddlewheel boat, and it's such a great activity for families, couples, or groups of friends. If you're visiting Knoxville, the Star of Knoxville Riverboat Cruise is a must-do experience. https://linktr.ee/reessroots

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    Tennessee Riverboat Company - Us

    Us

    Tennessee Riverboat Company - River side living

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    Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

    Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

    4.8(24 reviews)
    17.9 mi

    Well I do have to address the issue with the cost as I see someone left a 2 star review because of…read morethe pricing. I definitely think that $21 a person is extreme especially since minimum wage is $7.50. So this is kind of a tourist trap. But they should definitely do something about the pricing. I understand that they have to feed the animals but a lot of people would look ar the price and leave. Was 3 of us and Ive been to others like this in Montana with Bears and another wildlife one.... but prices were better. So you park and pay and can buy a pail of feed for $5 then drive the property. You can go more than once if you want. The first 1/3 had no animals, so not sure where they were hiding or if there were any in that area. You take your time because some animals want to walk right in front of your car and wont move. One donkey was a smart cookie, he kept walking beside our car as we were moving slowly, then he went and stood in front of the vehicle, we slowly started backing up thinking he would move if we moved... he ran to the back of the vehicle.... lil twerp. Cute animals.... cows, zebra, buffalo and donkies were all hanging out in the same area.

    I had sticker shock at $21 per person, not a per car price. I'm glad I went though. We got the 3…read morebuckets of food for $12. They were nice sized buckets so I didn't feel gouged. The animals were very "friendly" and would put their heads into the car window to get food if you let them and weren't quick enough to feed them. I was practically nose to nose with a bison, fed an ostrich, and my daughter loved the young zebra. Staff were pleasant. I had to get a car wash afterwards, but it was worth it.

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    Briarwood Ranch Safari Park
    Briarwood Ranch Safari Park
    Briarwood Ranch Safari Park - Have to feed the ostrich from the bucket

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    Forbidden Caverns - tours - Updated May 2026

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