Linville Caverns, Inc — Attraction in Spruce Pine

Kids (6,9,14,16 yrs old) loved it as never seen anything like and never been underneath. Too me it’s a one time to see experience. For them was better than any science lesson. Even though it was rainy and cold day outside, tour was good. Inside the caverns cold too, all year round 52F/ 11C.

I loved how waiting time was organized, you didn’t have to spend time waiting for an hour in the line and freezing outside in a waiting area. You get your time when buy a ticket and you can plan and do whatever. It’s very convenient especially during winter season. I was reading reviews about lines and waiting time and that was scary in a cold season especially when you travel from Florida - an hour, hour and a half.

In fact we bought a ticket and got our exact time. It was scheduled an hour from the time of purchase. We went to a tavern to warm up and get some snacks. So when we got back little earlier, we spent 5 min in the line waiting for the tour to start. Groups was small - 14 people.

All tours are guided. Tours are scheduled every 15 min, last 30-40 min as I read, our was 35 min long.

Overall was a very pleasant experience. Hiking was too cold for us but being in the mountains enjoying nice views, breathing fresh air was charging experience. I can assume that mountains are very beautiful in spring or summer when trees are green. Parking and entrance to the are is free. Pay for cavern tickets only. Small stone gifts and stuff available in the gift store where you buy tickets. Tickets are not sold online.

Little tip - when you buy a ticket and get your time, you can reschedule it for later if you have plans to eat around in order not to get late. If you are late they may not be always able to fit you in...

TOP NOTCH Experience!!! It was informative, entertaining and I LOVED the tour. Things to know: #1 phone signal in the area is sketchy. Be prepared for that. Even GPS was struggling. Download directions BEFORE going. #2. Food is not super close so take snacks to keep from starving. #3 They have outdoor restrooms that are kept CLEAN So no fear there! #4 They have a gift shop with super cool rock sculptures and jewelry and things like that. Bring a few extra bucks. #5 THE WEEKENDS USUALLY HAVE AN HOUR OR TWO WAIT!!! Call ahead and see what their busy times are and don't show up hungry! During the week was much quieter. #6 Bring a JACKET and a HAT! The cave is ALWAYS 58 degrees even in blistering summer heat! And it drips in the cave!!! If you don't want your hair wet, bring a hat or wear a hoodie. #7. This is entertaining for young and old. My 4 year old grandson enjoyed it as well. A few things may be more info than little people can handle, but there are several parts that the young children should understand and impress upon them. (Inside tip: if they play MineCraft they will be familiar with the Staglamites and Staglatites in the caves of Minecraft). #8 It will be DARK in there. They have some lighting, but the pictures are without flash so you can see how dark it is. And finally #9. There ARE low rocks in there. Taller people, Watch Your Head! Hubby hit his head on a low rock and hurt his neck. They DO warn you, but YOU need to pay attention to your surroundings and duck when you need to!! Aside from those points, the staff is nice (not everyone was genuinely welcoming in the gift shop), our tour guide, he was hilarious and kind. 10/10...

Neat to experience, but there were some downsides. The tour feels very rushed, like they are just trying to get people in and out as quickly as possible. I went with a group of 3 and you are placed in a tour group of about 14 people. We were at the end of the group as we walked, so when we went to the area to see the endless pool, we didn’t even get to see it because the whole group could not fit in the area. But we had to keep on moving since other groups were behind us. We had to stop multiple times to allow other groups to pass since some areas were very narrow. Our tour guide was funny, but again, very rushed and no time for questions. I felt like I couldn’t stop to really look at anything and the areas she was pointing out during the tour were too difficult to see from the back of the group. Seeing the caves themselves were interesting and worth going at least one time. I recommend you try to be towards the front of the group if you want to be able to take photos and take it in without the guide telling you to stay with the group. We went on a weekday and didn’t have to wait too long, maybe about 30 minutes. There was lots of parking and an outdoor area to hang out at while waiting. I could see it being very crowded on...