Tuckaleechee Caverns — Attraction in Maryville

I found Tuckaleechee Caverns online when researching the area for our family vacation and it looked like a really cool place. Was it ever!!! I was absolutely blown away by our tour experience, this is a truly special place that offers a memorable unique experience! There are quite a few stairs throughout the tour, but nothing too extreme for any reasonably healthy person. There are plenty of stops throughout the tour, and points of interest to experience. Our tour guide was very informative on the fascinating history of the Caverns and did a great job keeping everyone together and included. The Caverns are magical and gorgeous! I did experience some unexpected issues with my equilibrium when we initially ascended into the Caverns, but it didn't take very long to adjust and wasn't a big issue. The tour is just the right length in my opinion, not too long but long enough to get a thorough experience and not feel rushed. Our guide was so patient and went above and beyond to make sure everyone was able to thoroughly see everything and take time for photos if they wanted. We brought jackets knowing it would be cooler in the Caverns, but it was pleasantly comfortable and not actually cold just humid and cool. There are so many impressive sights along the tour including an underground creek and waterfall! My jaw was hanging open in awe 90% of the tour! After the tour be sure to check out the gift shop! It has a great selection-from souvenirs, to toys, merch, and so many high quality rock and mineral specimins! I bought a gorgeous carved onyx jar and was shocked it was under $50! The prices were amazing for the quality, so our whole family had fun picking out an assortment of goodies. Tuckaleechee Caverns is an experience you will remember forever and want to do again. Great outing for groups and families, but don't hesitate to go solo too-they run multiple tours that can accommodate a lot of people so you can show up and join in. I love that this business is open to the public to share the experience of this wonder of mother nature, and especially love that it is still owned and operated by the family...

I've visited these magnificent caverns three times now, and each visit leaves me more awestruck than the last. As soon as you enter, you're greeted by a fascinating display in the lobby: a seismic monitor that tracks Earth's movements in real time. This incredible device even recorded North Korea's nuclear tests back in 2018, showcasing the hidden connections between this serene underground world and events happening across the globe.

Imagine descending into an ancient, subterranean world, a breathtaking cave system estimated to be 10-20 million years old. It's an experience that defies words, where the wonders of Earth reveal themselves in the most surreal way. The tour, lasting an exhilarating 1.5 hours, seems to pass in just a moment, each second filled with awe.

As you journey through the caverns, you're treated to sights that feel like they're out of a fantasy novel: a serene river system and a majestic underground waterfall, both hidden gems of the natural world.

The tour guides are the heart of the experience. They're not just guides, but they're amazing story-tellers – friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their expertise. They enhance the adventure with fascinating insights, bringing the history and geology of the caverns to life.

And then, there's the moment of total darkness – an unforgettable part of the tour where the guide turns off the lights. In this absolute blackness, the world you know vanishes. Even with your hand just a millimeter from your face, you see nothing. It's a uniquely eerie and exhilarating sensation that must be experienced to be believed.

For those near Townsend, Gatlinburg, Cherokee, Bryson, or just passing through, this cavern is a must-visit destination. Its awe-inspiring beauty, the thrill of exploration, and the intriguing glimpse into Earth's seismic activity make it an unmissable experience. Despite this being my third visit, the allure remains as strong as ever. I wholeheartedly recommend this journey to everyone, and I can't wait for my next visit to these...

Incredible experience. Giving 5 stars because #1 My husband loved it. #2 My daughter (10 years old) loved it. #3 Our tour guide was amazing. There should be significant warnings for people with mobility issues. This would include walking, breathing, vertigo, asthma, any type of diminished lung or heart issues, etc. The trek is not for the faint of heart. The steps are no joke up and down. The initial set of steps 87 I believe we counted down are VERY STEEP with a not so great railing that for taller people would find it hard to hold on to and walk down. And what goes down must come back up. Those steps are challenging to say the least even for those in the best of shape. There are many more steps but that initial set is a Survivor moment for sure. Be sure to wear proper shoes for this. Sneakers with proper grips or boots. Nothing with a smooth surface. The guides are kind and patient.

Our tour guide was a 16 year old (i am so sorry i am forgetting his name) who I found to be very smart and witty. He was well spoken and you could tell this is what he has grown up with and loves. At the end of the initial intro before we went down, he asked the group if there were any questions. No one had any. He says, “no questions, and ya’ll are just going to follow a 16 year old kid into a cave!” Everyone laughed! As we were walking through he was speaking to us and showing us the lighting and talking about how he and others come in to change the bulbs and maintain things. He really cares about this gem.

The caverns themselves are cool inside since you are literally below a mountain. But the moisture is high from the flow of water. The caverns are very cool and have an interesting history.

The room that’s the size of a football field was very cool and the waterfall.

They have a nice gift shop as well.

If this is your speed I highly recommend it. If you have any limitations, take it slow!

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST!! TIP YOUR GUIDE!! SOMETHING...