Forbidden Caverns

Located deep under the Smokies, this cave was in use by humans hundreds of years ago. It was perfect as a shelter remaining temperate throughout the seasons and also providing water via the cave river. It then became a hideout for moonshiners in the early 1900s, giving cover to this illicit activity. Soon after, it was opened to the public. The cave is certainly nice but getting here is also part of the experience. After you drive through the LeConte Range and the English Mountain, you'll see old farmhouses and, a grist mill museum, and a trout farm. Inside the cave, the 55-minute tour includes visiting the Grotto of Evil Spirits, Valley of the Moon, and formations such as flowstone walls, draperies, and the rare giant onyx stalagmite.