Appalachian Caverns

Blountville, Tennessee

In the past, this cave was known to christen its formations with evocative names such as Leap of Faith, Passage of Time, Moon Walk, Arms of Atlas, Echo Chambers, and The Golden Fleece. Cave marketing now prefers to tout the caverns as a sanctuary for the endangered gray bat, but we'd bet that The Magic Tree, Amy's Dreamland, and all the others are still part of the tour.

Appalachian Caverns was used as a trash dump until 1988, then cleaned up and opened commercially in 1991. Don't let that put you off; most caves were used as dumps by settlers before the dawn of the Age of Tourism.

The attraction also features a "Gem Mine" for the kids, to burn up energy sifting for semi-precious gemstones. Camping and RV facilities onsite.

Appalachian Caverns

Address:: 420 Cave Hill Rd, Blountville, TN
Directions:: I-81 exit 69 toward Blountville. At the second stop light (near Food City) turn right onto Feather's Chapel Rd, then quickly turn right onto Buncombe Rd. Drive a little over a mile, then turn left onto Cave Hill Rd. Drive a half mile. The caverns entrance will be on the right, just after a sharp right turn.
Hours:: M-Sa 9 am - 6 pm, Su 1-5 pm. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 423-323-2337
Admission:: Adults $12, 4-11 $7.50. Extended and wild tours also offered.
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

Nearby Offbeat Places

UFO And Aliens in Yard, Blountville, TN - 2 mi.

Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park, Bluff City, TN - 7 mi.

Grave of First Dead White Man in Tennessee, Johnson City, TN - 8 mi.

In the region:

South Holston Dam, Bristol, TN - 12 mi.

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