Tuckaleechee Caverns vs. Forbidden Caverns

Tuckaleechee Caverns vs. Forbidden Caverns:  Helping you choose the best for your Smoky Mountain vacation.

 The winner:  Tuckaleechee Caverns!  Why - the natural formations are much more impressive.  On a rainy day, a cave tour of either cave will be a hit with your family.  Approximately 58 degrees year round, a tour can also serve as a cool break in the heat of the summer. 

Formations:  Tuckaleechee is Different
Tuckaleechee Caverns has Silver Falls, an amazing 200 ft. waterfall. Walk inside the  Big Room, a vast room discovered in 1954 - 400 ft. long, 300 ft. across, 150 ft. deep (Mammoth cave max ceiling height =120 ft).  Inside the Big Room see the "totem pole", a 12 foot stalagmite.  Both caves have a stream, but Tuckaleechee even allows you to stop, dip your hands, and take a drink in the pure water.  You do need to prepare for stairs, significant walking, and a tour that could last over one hour.

Location:  Similar
Tuckaleechee Caverns is a hidden gem.  It's in Townsend, TN (825 Cavern Rd), the peaceful side of the Smokies.

Forbidden Caverns has more commercial advertising with billboards and location in Sevierville, TN (455 Blowing Cave Rd).

Both caves are within 30 miles of Lightning Bug Lodge, Tuckaleechee slightly further (26 vs. 21 miles), but slightly faster in time due to less traffic.

2014 Price: Similar
Tuckaleechee Caverns:  Adults $16, child under 11 $7, child under 4 free
Forbidden Caverns:  Adults $14, child under 13 $8, child under 5 years free
Look for small discount coupons in local flyers.

Timing:  Tuckaleechee Open Year Round
Tuckaleechee:  Open 7 days a week 10AM-6PM

Forbidden:  Mon.-Sat. (closed Sun.), April - Nov. (closed Dec.-March), 10AM, 5PM last tour
 

Formations:  Forbidden Cave
Forbidden Caves claims the largest wall of rare cave onyx or dripstones known to exist.  Compared to Tuckaleechee, the tour feels more commercial including an ice cream cone joke, changing color lights, and a Greek story film projected on the ceiling.  Moonshiners used the cave from the early 20's to 1943 as a hidden place to produce moonshine.  Tours last approx. 55 minutes.

You'll enjoy either tour you take.  Be sure to dress appropriately, especially shoes.  Cave floors can be slippery.