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.

Cabin Review #3: Fun

The cabin book with notes left inside.  It's the first thing I check when returning to our rental cabin Lightning Bug Lodge.  I especially enjoy crayon written notes from kids. 

In five sentences this guest summed up the experience we want to hear:  "We had a good time.  Do we have to leave?  It was so fun.  I hope we come back so much.  It was fun."

Springtime in the Smokies, A Special Season

Springtime in the Smokies

When I told a co-worker that we planned to spend Spring Break in the Smoky Mountains, he was inquisitive.  He had always been to the Smoky Mountains in the summer and really enjoyed it.  He had not thought about visiting in another season and he asked, "Let me know what the Smoky Mountains are like in the Spring."

How can you explain you've experienced a place where it feels like the whole world is awakening?  The landscape's stretching and yawning and reaching up to the sun.  Blooming with color and innocence.  On the lowest ground level, the wildflowers erupt with pastel colors.  Moss wraps itself around the rocks.  Brand new vibrant green leaves fully clothe the trees at the bottom of the mountain.  Different shades of green slowly crawls up the mountain side.  It's a natural portrait of beauty and health.

How can you explain the magical feeling of observing the world come alive?  Baby bunnies hop with glee.  Wide eyed does jump through the meadow grass.  Oo-waoh, the morning doves call.  Tap tap tap of the busy woodpecker.  Baby bears pounce on it's prey.  Waterfalls stream.  Everything is new, fresh.  The ground that seemed dead and brown transforms into new, strong, and green.

At the very top of the mountain, where Lightning Bug Lodge sits, there's still bare trees.  It creates an open view down the mountain.  Stand still and hear the rushing water moving down the creek.  It's flush with new water.

Do not be satisfied with my words and photos.  You need to discover the world awakening yourself.  Pack your shorts and hiking boots and head out on the trails of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Smell the crisp, clean air.  Feel the cool water rushing through your fingers.  Let the Spring awaken the senses within you and inspire a whole new year of adventure.

Cabin Review #2: Niece Weekend in the Smokies

To Billy, Trisha, Shelli, Allison, Damien, and Rylie,

Thank you so much for being guests at Lightning Bug Lodge.  Your story of your Nieces Weekend warmed our hearts.  What a great family to spend quality time together in the Smokies. 

We love our nieces too and have great memories of spending time with them in the cabin; we are so glad you had a fun time too.  Here's what Billy, Trisha, Shelli, Allison, Damien, and Rylie had to say about their experience at Lightning Bug Lodge:

" Feb. 18 -20, 2011

Niece Weekend Getaway

What a great place to spend the weekend watching movies by the fireplace, playing pool and foosball, big family dinners, and taking lots of pictures.

Great way to connect with the kids and get away from home for a couple of days.  Beautiful and cozy."

Billy, Trishia, Shelli, Allison, Damien, and Rylie, we wish you the best and welcome you return to Lightning Bug Lodge to build more memories together.