Toolbar
 |
Printer Friendly |  |
 |
|
 |
RSS Feed | |
|
Bookmark |
Home 
Articles Adventures Eco Adventures North America
SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE, USA –- Among all the modern tourist attractions, theaters, theme and water parks of Sevierville sits a throwback to the tourism of yesteryear. Forbidden Caverns still delights visitors today just as it did when it first opened to the public in June of 1967. Which is not to say the caverns haven’t changed. These limestone caves are living; meaning water still constantly flows through and drips within their walls, ever adding to their limestone formations. But at a drop at a time, caves change very sloooowly, and this attraction retains both the same degree of natural wonder that inspired generations of earlier tourists, as well as the same amount of (now nostalgic) charm.
With over 8,350 caves registered to date, Tennessee is home to the most caves in the United States and Forbidden Caverns is one of the most spectacular. On the informative and entertaining guided tour you’ll pass sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, mysterious grottos, and the largest wall of rare white cave onyx known to exist, all situated along a crystal clear underground stream.
You’ll also discover a lot of history on the tour. While Forbidden Caverns opened its doors to tourists in 1967, humans had been visiting there for centuries before. The Eastern Woodland Indians who roamed East Tennessee's forests and mountains in search of good hunting grounds used the cave as a winter shelter. The cavern’s river provided a constant supply of fresh water. Flint or chert is found here in limited quantities and was used by the Indians to create arrowheads, knives and scrapers. A variety of artifacts of photos of archeological expeditions are on display.
From the early 1920’s until they were caught by the feds in 1937 moonshiners used the cave as a hideaway, warehouse and location to make their white lightning. Again, the running river provided lots of fresh water. The ruins of the bootlegger’s stills remain for today’s visitors to see. Even now, smoke stains from the wood burning fires that fueled the stills stain the stone ceilings and cave walls. When the tour guide points out the long, narrow, claustrophobia inducing tunnel the moonshiners had to scramble down in pitch blackness to reach the caves (before there were convenient stairs, ramps and electric lighting installed), one gets a true glimpse into their world, their stamina, and their ingenuity. Not only did the men themselves have to navigate this treacherous entry hall, they had to haul all their equipment in, and later the moonshine out, via the same route.
It took the group of business men who invested in the attraction over 3 years of excavation and development to ready the cave for public tours. The approach to the caverns takes visitors through a picturesque valley that affords a beautiful view of the majestic LeConte range and English Mountain of the Smokies, which like the caves, remains looking a lot like it did back in 1967.
Forbidden Caverns is located at 455 Blowing Cave Road in Sevierville, TN 67876. Open seasonally beginning in April. The average guided tour is 55 minutes. The trails are well-lighted, with handrails at all necessary points, making the tour accessible to most everyone. Free parking is provided for cars and buses and in addition, there is a souvenir shop, refreshments, and a picnic pavilion. Call them at 865-453-5972 or click to www.ForbiddenCavern.com.
For information about visiting Sevierville in general visit the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce website at www.VisitSevierville.com.
Articles Adventures Eco Adventures North America
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
With over 8,350 caves registered to date, Tennessee is home to the most caves in the United States and Forbidden Caverns is one of the most spectacular. On the informative and entertaining guided tour you’ll pass sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, mysterious grottos, and the largest wall of rare white cave onyx known to exist, all situated along a crystal clear underground stream.
You’ll also discover a lot of history on the tour. While Forbidden Caverns opened its doors to tourists in 1967, humans had been visiting there for centuries before. The Eastern Woodland Indians who roamed East Tennessee's forests and mountains in search of good hunting grounds used the cave as a winter shelter. The cavern’s river provided a constant supply of fresh water. Flint or chert is found here in limited quantities and was used by the Indians to create arrowheads, knives and scrapers. A variety of artifacts of photos of archeological expeditions are on display.
From the early 1920’s until they were caught by the feds in 1937 moonshiners used the cave as a hideaway, warehouse and location to make their white lightning. Again, the running river provided lots of fresh water. The ruins of the bootlegger’s stills remain for today’s visitors to see. Even now, smoke stains from the wood burning fires that fueled the stills stain the stone ceilings and cave walls. When the tour guide points out the long, narrow, claustrophobia inducing tunnel the moonshiners had to scramble down in pitch blackness to reach the caves (before there were convenient stairs, ramps and electric lighting installed), one gets a true glimpse into their world, their stamina, and their ingenuity. Not only did the men themselves have to navigate this treacherous entry hall, they had to haul all their equipment in, and later the moonshine out, via the same route.
It took the group of business men who invested in the attraction over 3 years of excavation and development to ready the cave for public tours. The approach to the caverns takes visitors through a picturesque valley that affords a beautiful view of the majestic LeConte range and English Mountain of the Smokies, which like the caves, remains looking a lot like it did back in 1967.
Practicalities
Forbidden Caverns is located at 455 Blowing Cave Road in Sevierville, TN 67876. Open seasonally beginning in April. The average guided tour is 55 minutes. The trails are well-lighted, with handrails at all necessary points, making the tour accessible to most everyone. Free parking is provided for cars and buses and in addition, there is a souvenir shop, refreshments, and a picnic pavilion. Call them at 865-453-5972 or click to www.ForbiddenCavern.com.
For information about visiting Sevierville in general visit the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce website at www.VisitSevierville.com.
|
Comments
 |
I had no idea
Written by: Samui GuyMonday, 28 February 2011 |
| I had no idea there was a Sevierville! My uncle is the great great grandson and namesake of Tennessee's first governor, General John Sevier. The next time I'm back in the south I'll demand we make a trip to Sevierville! Regards, Simon Saboey |
You must be a registered member to leave a comment. So why not sign up now?
- Recently Added
-
- Dec 18, 2009
- Oct 26, 2009
- Aug 25, 2009
- Oct 25, 2008
Submit a recipe for publication on FabulousFoods.com
|
