If you thought Tennessee was all about country music and mountains, just wait until you see what’s hiding underneath it.
This state is packed with epic underground worlds, including giant caves, glowing waterfalls, secret tunnels, and even boat rides deep below the surface.
Some spots are filled with glittery crystal formations, others have wild history (like moonshiners and mysterious ghosts), and a few even double as concert venues.
Whether you’re into rock formations, spooky stories, or a cool cave walk, this road trip will take you to Tennessee’s most amazing underground adventures.
1. Bristol Caverns
Bristol Caverns is tucked beneath the rolling hills of northeast Tennessee, just a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Bristol.
This ancient cave system, estimated to be 200 to 400 million years old, stretches across three massive levels.
Along the way, lighted walkways guide you past towering rock columns, shimmering crystals, and a flowing underground river.
One of the coolest spots is the “Bridal Veil,” a white curtain of rock that looks like it’s been frozen mid-flow.
The cave is open year-round, with guided tours available daily and lasting about an hour.
2. Forbidden Caverns
Next up is Forbidden Caverns, a hidden gem in Sevierville, about a 1 hour drive from Knoxville.
This cave goes deep into the Smoky Mountains and was once used by Native Americans and moonshiners (yep, actual moonshine history).
Inside, you’ll follow lit tunnels past giant dripstone formations, natural chimneys, and a clear underground stream that flows all year.
You’ll find it at 455 Blowing Cave Road, where tours run about an hour and the temperature stays a brisk 58°F year-round so bring a light jacket.
3. Tuckaleechee Caverns
If you’re heading toward the Townsend side of the Smokies, make a pit stop at Tuckaleechee Caverns for some serious wow factor.
Located 50 minutes from Gatlinburg, it’s home to the “Big Room,” a cave chamber that could nearly fit a football stadium inside.
You’ll also see Silver Falls, a 210-foot underground waterfall that crashes into the rocks below.
Tours run around 1.25 miles round trip, where friendly guides share fun stories of how two local kids rediscovered the cave in the 1950s.
4. Lost Sea Adventure
Switch things up with an underground boat ride at the Lost Sea Adventure in Sweetwater, just off I-75 between Knoxville and Chattanooga.
This spot is home to America’s largest underground lake, covering over 4 acres beneath the surface of Craighead Caverns.
After walking through vast rock rooms filled with ancient stalactites, you’ll hop on a glass-bottom boat and glide across the glowing lake.
You can explore the cave at 140 Lost Sea Road on a 1.5-hour tour, but be prepared for a few steep sections and wear good shoes.
5. Ruby Falls
As you head toward Chattanooga, don’t miss Ruby Falls, which features one of the most iconic underground waterfalls in the U.S.
You’ll ride an elevator 260 feet down into Lookout Mountain, walk through narrow passages, and finally reach the 145-foot waterfall lit by colorful lights.
The cave tour covers about a mile round trip, featuring crazy rock formations and interesting facts from the guides.
Ruby Falls is located just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, and it’s super popular, so book your tickets ahead of time to skip the long lines.
6. The Caverns (Pelham)
Then it’s off to Pelham for The Caverns, a wild underground wonder with live music.
This cave isn’t just for tours (though you can explore its ancient passages), it’s also a concert venue where bands play inside and have incredible acoustics.
If you’re just here for the walk-through, it’s a 45 to 60-minute guided trip through the “Big Room Cave” and features formations like cave bacon.
The Caverns sits at 555 Charlie Roberts Road, and whether you’re rocking out or roaming the tunnels, it’s hands down one of the coolest caves in Tennessee.
7. Cumberland Caverns
Keep the adventure going at Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, where over 27 miles of mapped tunnels make it one of the longest caves in the U.S.
This place has it all from massive underground rooms, towering cave formations, and even a chandelier-lit concert hall called the “Volcano Room”.
You can choose between chill walking tours or go full-on Indiana Jones with a spelunking tour that squeezes through tight spots and muddy passageways.
It’s located just 15 minutes from downtown McMinnville, and whether you’re here for the views or the thrill, this cave brings next-level action.
8. Bell Witch Cave
To wrap things up with something a little eerie, head to the Bell Witch Cave in Adams.
This small cave is linked to the famous Bell Witch legend from the 1800s, when the Bell family reportedly experienced strange noises and chilling encounters.
The cave itself is only about 490 feet long, but the guided tour is packed with tons of ghostly tales and includes a look at the nearby Bell family cabin replica.
You’ll find it at 430 Keysburg Road, open from May to October, and it’s a must if you’re into spooky history.
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