Below the Smokies there's a stunning cave system waiting for you to explore it.

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Smoky Mountain Vacations

Many in the Tri-State frequently vacation down to Tennesee to soak in the Smoky Mountain views.  Personally, I love visiting the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area because there is SO much to do.  When it comes to vacation this area has everything.  Want to relax in a cabin in the mountains? You can do that and stay fairly close to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.  Want to do some fun touristy stuff like mini golf, ski lifts, and museums?  Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge is perfect for you! Want to get away from real life and head out into nature?  Head into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  There's truly something for everyone, and it's the perfect distance for a vacation or a long weekend.

Forbidden Caverns

One unique destination you can check out when you head into the Smoky Mountains is Forbidden Caverns. Located underneath the Smokies is a cave system just waiting for you to explore it.  Forbidden Caverns is located about 35 minutes outside of Gatlinburg.

Once Home to Illegal Moonshine Making

Before Forbidden Caverns became a tourist attraction that you can tour, it was once home to moonshiners who found the location perfect for hiding out and making moonshine during prohibition.

During the early twenties and until 1943, the cave was used to make moonshine. The constant water supply and the isolated location was ideal for Moonshiner’s to make their homemade whiskey. In 1964, a group of business and professional men began the planning and vast undertaking of opening this natural attraction to the public. After 3 years of excavation and development, Forbidden Caverns was opened in June 1967.

Cave Tours and More

If you want to go below the Smokies you can visit Forbidden Caverns from April 1st through November 30th.  They offer educational tours where you can see natural chimneys, grottos, a crystal clear stream, and they have special lighting effects throughout which make the cave a spectacular sight to see!  You can check out tour options and prices, here.

I had personally never heard of Forbidden Caverns until I was scrolling through a Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Facebook group that I'm in.  Since my husband and I love to visit the area, I'm constantly finding fun things we have to do the next time we visit.  A post caught my eye that had incredible photos of Forbidden Caverns.  The post was created by Jonathon Creighton Slaven who recently visited Forbidden Caverns. I reached out to Jonathon and he allowed me to share photos from his visit, thanks again, Jonathon! I'm definitely adding Forbidden Caverns to my Smoky Mountain bucket list!